We are here for YOU.
If you are here looking at this page right now, welcome. We want you to know you are loved, you are brave, and you don’t have to do this alone.
If DCS is involved, reach out as soon as possible to make sure your questions are answered and you can make informed decisions about your child’s future. If you plan to continue parenting and believe you can provide a safe, stable home, working with DCS may the appropriate path. If you know you are not in a position to parent, you may choose to explore adoption rather than leaving future placement decisions entirely to the foster care system. You can review profiles of fully approved adoptive families or ask KidsFirst to help identify families based on your hopes and priorities for your child.
Biological mothers considering adoption may be eligible for financial support for up to 60 days after delivery, along with other service and ongoing support. Most importantly, adoption can give you the opportunity to make thoughtful decisions about a loving, stable future for your child. This is a significant decision that should reflect both your child’s best interests and your own circumstances.
You have the right to decide what’s best for your child. You can choose to place your child with a loving, supportive adoptive family and decide whether you want an open, semi-open, or closed adoption plan.
An open adoption plan can include scheduled visits, along with regular updates and photos. A semi-open adoption typically includes updates and photos without scheduled visits, while a closed adoption generally does not include ongoing contact or updates. However, if a biological family reaches out later and asks for an update, we are always happy to provide one.
We are here to help 24/7 as you consider this major decision.
If you decide to pursue adoption, we will help you through every step of the process.
Adoption vs. Foster Care vs. DCS Involvement
If you’re trying to understand how DCS, foster care, and adoption all fit together, you’re not alone. Many parents have the same questions, especially during an overwhelming time.
They are not the same thing, and understanding the difference can help you make the best decision for your child. DCS (the Indiana Department of Child Services) is the state agency that investigates reports of abuse or neglect and can remove a child from a home if there are safety concerns. If DCS determines that a child cannot safely remain at home, a child may be placed in foster care.
Foster care is meant to be temporary. The goal is often reunification, returning the child to their parent(s) once it’s safe to do so. Foster parents do not have permanent legal rights to the child, and birth parents do not choose the foster family.
Adoption is different. It is a voluntary, permanent decision made by you, the birth parent. You choose who raises your child, and you can have a say in what type of adoption relationship you want going forward, whether open, closed, or semi-open. Once finalized, adoption is permanent.
If DCS is involved with your family, you may still be able to choose adoption instead of having your child go through the foster care system. The sooner you reach out, the more options and control you will have.
What Happens If DCS Gets Involved?
If the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) has contacted you or recently become involved with your family, contacting KidsFirst as soon as possible can make an important difference.
If you know you are not in a position to parent and believe adoption may be the best choice for you and your child, you may be able to create an adoption plan even within the first days of DCS involvement. KidsFirst can work with you and DCS as you explore this option.
Acting early may give you more opportunity to be part of the decisions about your child’s future. Depending on your circumstances, that can include choosing an adoptive family and creating the type of adoption plan you want, including the level of future contact that is right for you.
Waiting can limit those choices. As a DCS case progresses, your child may become established in a foster placement, and decisions about where your child will live may increasingly be made through DCS and the court. If your parental rights are terminated, you no longer have the legal right to choose who adopts your child or make decisions about the adoption plan.
If DCS is involved and you are considering adoption, you do not have to wait to see what happens. Reach out to KidsFirst right away. Our experienced team can help you understand your adoption options, work with DCS when appropriate, and answer your questions with compassion and without judgment.
If you believe you can provide a safe, stable home for your child, temporary care through DCS may give you time to work toward reunification. If you know you are not in a position to parent, learning about adoption can help you make an informed plan for your child’s long-term stability and future.
Understanding YOUR Choices
If you are considering adoption, we want you to know that YOU have a VOICE.
You get to make the decisions.
We are here to help you navigate your options as a birth mother.
Legal Guidance
Our friendly team has over 30 years of experience in adoption and parental rights.
If you choose to place your child for adoption, we will take your hand and guide you through every step of the process.
Medical Needs
Your mental and physical health are our priorities. We provide transportation to doctor appointments, help with access to medications, and connect you with mental health resources. We can also help you navigate insurance and apply for coverage.
Financial Support
We will connect you with every possible resource to ensure your well-being. The state of Indiana allows up to $4,000 in support money that can be used for costs like housing, groceries, or medical expenses, for up to six weeks after delivery.
Get your questions answered. Let's chat.
Questions for Adoption and DCS Involvement
We have loving families waiting to adopt. Your child can be matched with an adoptive family, even if you are facing DCS removal of your child or children.
Things to know
- KidsFirst provides safe, secure, and private adoptions for children of all ages
- We will not share details of any DCS involvement with waiting families
- You will still have rights to an open adoption, even if you are facing DCS removal
Creating An Adoption Plan
Creating an adoption plan is a deeply personal, loving act. We will help you through this very difficult time in life without any pressure.
You decide what you want for your child. We will work with you to create a personal adoption plan that will build the best possible future for your child and for yourself.
Steps for an Adoption Plan
- Work with our staff to answer key questions about your hopes, expectations, and needs for an adoption process.
- Choose a family from our list of waiting families
- Get matched with a family
- Create a hospital plan and post-placement agreement
- Give birth and finalize the adoption
- Receive updates and pictures of your child if you choose an open or semi-open adoption plan
- MOST IMPORTANTLY, EDUCATE YOURSELF WITHOUT MAKING ANY COMMITMENTS!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have an open adoption?
Yes. Your privacy and your preferences are the most important factors. You can choose an open adoption plan, a closed adoption, or a semi-closed adoption.
We will work with you and the potential adoptive family to create a plan with clear expectations on both sides.
Who are your waiting families?
We have many families fully ready, prepared, and approved to start parenting today.
Our waiting families undergo background checks and home studies to ensure they are prepared to provide a safe, stable, and loving home. This includes multiple meetings, background and safety clearances such as FBI and sex offender registry checks, a home inspection, and reviews of the family’s medical and financial stability. Prospective adoptive families also complete required education and must demonstrate appropriate insurance and long-term planning before they are approved to adopt.
You can look at our list of waiting families here.
This is hard. Do I have to do this alone?
If you are considering adoption for your child, you are strong, brave, and loved. And you are not alone. Adoption is never an easy decision to make, and we are here to help you in every way we can.
We promise to start a conversation with you. We promise to always listen to what you want for your child and what you need from us. We promise to be there for YOU, as a biological parent, grandparent, or other family member who has legal custody for long after an adoption placement is made.
When should I make an adoption plan?
Immediate assistance is always available. You can call us any time, day or night. We have a number of fully approved adoptive parents who are ready to begin parenting right away.
No matter what stage you are in your pregnancy, you can make an adoption plan at any time. If you are ready and know that an adoption plan would be in the best interest of you and your child, we can start to create an adoption plan.
If you just delivered the baby, you can call us right away. Adoption plans can be set up within an hour. Timing of placement may depend on hospital policies after childbirth. We place children from infancy to school age.
Can I receive financial support?
The state of Indiana allows for up to $4000 in support money, the details of which are discussed in meetings after an adoption plan is set up.
This money can be used to help and support you with critical needs, including food, housing, clothing, and medical expenses.
We will look for other resources in the community as well to maximize the help we can provide to you.
Can I choose adoption if DCS is involved?
If the child is already a ward of the state, we cannot step in. You can make an adoption plan if you’re concerned that DCS will get involved and you know that an adoption plan is in your child’s best interest. You still might be able to make the decision of an adoption plan within the first days or week of DCS involvement.
The sooner you contact us, the higher the chance that you’ll be able to make the decision of an adoption plan for your child and yourself.
Will you tell my parents if I choose adoption?
We will not. It is the sole decision of you, the birth mother, whether or not to pursue adoption.
Even if you are under 18 or dealing with other difficult situations, we will not discuss this issue with your family.
Will you tell the biological father if I choose adoption?
You have the right to choose whether or not to name the biological father on the child’s birth certificate during an adoption process. If you choose not to name him, we will not notify him.
Hear From A Birth Mother
“KidsFirst was looking out for me. Trying to make me feel that I was strong, that I was ok. That I’m not alone.
I knew they were still going to be there for me even though we were far apart after the adoption. That’s one thing that I’m really grateful for.”
