Amber made an adoption plan through Covenant Care and talked about her experience with her caseworker, Jennifer Adams. A video of the interview is available here.
Covenant Care: What were your circumstances at the time you decided to make an adoption plan?
Amber: I was in between a move. I knew what I wanted to do but didn’t know how to go about it. I had heard horror stories about DFCS. I wanted to keep [my baby girl] but knew we weren’t in a place where we could provide for her. I felt that people want a child so why not give life over death.
What did you like about working with a caseworker or an agency during the process?
Everyone at Covenant Care was so nice, it was a good process from the second I went there it was so awesome.
Did you have support from family and friends and how did that affect your decision?
I had support from friends but not all my family but I knew it was the right thing to do whether or not I had support. But I had my caseworker Jennifer and my boyfriend’s support and the person who helped me find Covenant Care. Even though it was not family I felt I had support.
Do you think you could have made the same decision without any support?
Probably yes, because I knew it was the right thing to do but having support behind me made it so much easier.
What do you think was the hardest part?
Waiting for pictures and contact [from the adoptive family]. I want to just give them my phone number and say “call me!”
What did you look for in a family?
I looked for people who did not have children so I could give them that experience to have a child. Also this family liked cats and Batman!
Did you meet the adoptive family and what was that like?
It was a good experience, I was so nervous but when we met we hit it off right away and started talking and I knew I was on the right path with God. Now I would just love to ask if they want my email or phone number. Ha!
You have a semi-open adoption? Which means you get pictures, letters, updates, visits every six months for three years?
Yes.
What does it mean for you to get the pictures and letters [from the adoptive family]?
The only thing I can compare it to is when I was growing up in a group home and my grandmother would send me care packages. Pictures and letters are something I can hold and it means more than just a text.
What do you want your child to know about you as a birthmom in making an adoption plan?
I always want her to know I love her and never feel that I did not want her but that you are in an amazing family.
How did your faith grow through this process?
There were little signs throughout that I should get closer to God and then through Covenant Care everything connected and I began to attend church more and more and do more. I felt God assuring me that I was on the right path, a pretty awesome experience.
Is there anything you would say to a woman who is now in the place where you were who is considering an adoption plan?
I would say no matter how down you feel or who is against it, do it! You’re making the right decision and if you can’t logically care for a child you don’t want them to go to DFCS! If [adoption] is what you want don’t let anyone stop you.
If you’d like to learn more about adoption and consider if it might be a fit for you, reach out to Jennifer Adams by phone or text at 478-731-4565, or by e-mail at jadams@covenantcareadoptions.com.