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Adoption plans most often begin in the third trimester of the pregnancy. If your child is born in a state other than the one in which you live, you may have to travel without long advance notice. Last-minute air fares are prohibitive. There are three ways to handle this problem: (1) Sometimes airlines will let you fly on bereavement fares. We have been told it is best to ask for this consideration in person, rather than by phone. The agent on duty has the power to decide whether or not to grant you the lower fare. (2) Save up frequent-flyer miles in advance. Ask friends and family members to donate their frequent-flyer miles to you. Transferring these awards is much easier than it used to be and will allow you to avoid the penalties of last-minute higher fares. Many business travelers accumulate more mileage than they can use and may be willing to assist you. (3) We know of a few travel agencies who claim to offer discounted travel for families traveling to adopt. Check their prices after calling the airlines to understand the base fares. Mention that you heard of this discount through Pact. They are:
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In some cases, Pact may suggest that the birth mother with whom you're matched would benefit from having a birth coach to provide her with individual birthing education and to serve as her advocate at the hospital. Birth educators and coaches are not covered by insurance. Typically, fees for these services can range from $300-$1000.
Birth parents may benefit from counseling with a therapist unaffiliated with the adoption placement who can offer unbiased support. Pact can make referrals to therapists with experience in adoption counseling for transition support and grief support work.
In an independent adoption, most people retain an attorney to handle the legal steps. In an agency assisted adoption, attorneys are occasionally required to complete specific legal steps. Pact does not provide direct legal services. Pact will offer referrals to attorneys with adoption experience in your area. Further, all adoptive families should draw up a will to provide for the child as soon as they can. Wills should protect the contact arrangements made with birth parents. You will be required to send a copy of your will to Pact prior to the finalization of your adoption.
You may want to translate your letter to birth families into their native language. Pact can offer referrals for translation to Spanish.
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http://www.pactadopt.org
info@pactadopt.org