Birth Parents

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Volunteers Needed For the Adoptive Family Picnic

The Adoption STAR Family Picnic is Sunday, August 5, and we're looking for volunteers for the event! Volunteers can either join a committee to help plan the event, or they can help the day-of to make sure it's a great day for everyone. The picnic

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Adoption STAR?

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Adoption STAR, a State Authorized Non-Profit Adoption Agency, is a compassionate and unique organization. The agency is committed to the best interests of children and will offer all birth families regardless of race, health, circumstances, or disability, the option of immediate adoptive placement for their child. The agency encourages birth parents to be as involved in the adoption planning as they desire. Adoption STAR is an agency dedicated to maintaining connections between adoptive families and birth families and offers education and support with an Open Adoption plan.

Contact Adoption STAR today: click here for Contact Form; call us tollfree at 866-691-3300 or 716-639-3900; or, email Adoption STAR Birth Parent Department Supervisor Sue Shaw sue@adoptionstar.com or Alecia Zimmerman alecia@adoptionstar.com

What does Adoption STAR offer?

The agency offers free counseling, education, information, and referrals. We are committed to making the adoption process easier for you by offering you support, knowledge, assistance, privacy, confidentiality, and most importantly, personalized attention.

If I live far from the agency can you still work with me?

Yes. We will often be able to help you even if you are in a different location or a different State. We will identify the laws of the State you reside in and make sure we comply with all States involved. We will offer you the same options that local clients have.

Are you pregnant?

If you are pregnant, you may find yourself in an overwhelming situation. Perhaps this was an unplanned pregnancy for you. Maybe you feel that this is not the right time in your life to begin parenting a child. Or maybe you have other children, and this child would be more than you can handle right now. Perhaps this was a planned pregnancy and you feel, due to certain circumstances, you are unable to care for your child. Whatever your circumstance, we are here to help.

Contact Adoption STAR today: click here for Contact Form; call us tollfree at #1-866-691-3300 or 716-639-3900; or, email Adoption STAR Birth Parent Department Supervisor Sue Shaw sue@adoptionstar.com or Alecia Zimmerman alecia@adoptionstar.com

Does the agency only place babies?

No. We place children of all ages for adoption.

Are you parenting a child or children already?

If you are at home raising a child or children, circumstances may not be what you thought they would be. Events out of your control may be making it difficult for you to parent your child or children. These are some of the issues we would explore as you decide whether to continue parenting or to place your child or children for adoption.

What happens when I call the agency?

After getting acquainted with you on the phone, and only if you are ready, you will be assigned your own caseworker. She will be available to you at any time. The caseworker will discuss many alternatives and resources available to you. She will encourage you to be actively involved in the entire process.

Does it matter how far along in my pregnancy I am when I call the agency?

No. We can work with you regardless of how far along you are.

What if I just gave birth and never called you before, will you still work with me?

Yes. It may be a little of a rush, but you will have the same opportunities, regardless of when you call us.

What does adoption mean?

Adoption is the legal process by which permanent custody of a child is transferred from the birth parents, to the adoptive parents. It is a legally binding, permanent decision.

What if I’m not sure about adoption?

Being unsure is normal. It is a tough decision, and nobody is ever totally sure. You need to spend time thinking about your decision. Talk to your caseworker. Talk to your family or friends, if you are able.

Is it selfish to place a child for adoption?

No. Putting your child’s welfare ahead of your own is an act of love and courage. Adoption is very unselfish. It is difficult, hard to decide; hard to think about, but it can be a truly caring and truly loving decision.

Will I feel sad after the placement?

Yes. This is normal. Your caseworker will be there for you if you need to talk. After placement you will go through what is called the “grieving process.” Sometimes, seeing pictures and getting letters from the adopting family can help you through this process.

Who places their children for adoption?

All different types of women — single and married, of all ages, backgrounds and circumstances. Women who believe for many different reasons, emotionally, physically, financially, that adoption is the best choice for themselves and their child at this point in their lives.

Who adopts children?

All different people adopt children. Most are married couples, some are single. Some are childless and some have a child or children already. All families interested in adopting children must be approved by the agency. Any family interested in adopting must go through a training and approval process. Adoptive parents must meet with social workers, they must go through criminal history and child abuse checks, they must supply medical and financial information, and they must show a stable home environment. They must be stable, responsible, loving, and caring adults.

Can I choose the adopting family?

Yes. You can select the family for your child, or we can do so on your behalf. You can be as involved or non-involved as you like, from looking at letters and pictures, to meeting with waiting adoptive families. If you place your child, we offer you continued choices. Some women like to receive letters and pictures of their children as they grow, some even continue meeting with the adoptive family, still others, prefer little or no contact. The choice is yours.

What does Open Adoption mean?

Open Adoption represents the joining of two families based on love and trust. With an open adoption, birth families and adoptive families will maintain significant ongoing contact after placement. In some cases this takes the form of sharing non-identifying information and sometimes it means the full exchange of identifying information between birth and adoptive families, if all parties are comfortable. Open Adoption allows birth parents the peace of mind they can only get by meeting the family who will raise their child into adulthood. They are given the proper respect for themselves, their decision, and the important role they play in their child’s life. The type of adoption you select is a personal decision. It is up to you whether you feel an open, semi-open or closed open is best for you and your child.

Will my child go from one home to another home?

No! Adoption is the permanent legal process of adding a child to a family. Your child will be placed with a permanent, loving and forever family.

How does the baby get placed?

Once you give birth in the hospital, it is important that you or someone close to you gives us a call, and tells a social worker at the hospital. Once the baby is able to be discharged, an agency caseworker will pick up the baby from the hospital. The baby will be immediately placed with the adoptive family. If you are placing an older child or a child already home from the hospital, we will work with you to set up the best type of placement for the child.

If I use cocaine, smoke, or drink can I still place my child for adoption?

Yes. It is, however, very important that you be honest with us so that we can identify the best family for your child, and the best services for you.

What if my child has a disability?

Our agency is dedicated to placing children. Including children born with severe special needs.

Can I talk to other birth parents that have placed their child?

Yes. Adoption STAR can connect you with birth parents in-person, via e-mail, or by telephone.

Is Counseling Available?

Yes. Our social workers are trained to help you with the difficult decision you are now faced with. Counseling is an option available to you at no cost.

What happens now?

Whatever ends up being your decision, we are here to help. Give us a call. We’ll set up an appointment to meet you whenever and wherever you need it to be. If you prefer, we can start by just sending you some confidential information.

Unplanned pregnancy? Confused? We’re here to help.