Adoption is a life-changing journey filled with love, growth, and new beginnings. However, many people are still unaware of the challenges, beauty, and importance of adoption. By raising awareness, we can inspire compassion, support adoptive families, and encourage others to consider adoption as a way to expand their families or support those who do. Here are ten impactful ways to spread adoption awareness in your community and beyond. 1. Speak to an Adoptee Hearing firsthand experiences from adoptees can provide invaluable insights into the adoption journey. Whether you're speaking with an adult adoptee or a child, their stories can illuminate the joys, challenges, and complexities of adoption. These conversations can help dispel myths, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding of what adoption truly means. Encourage adoptees to share their stories in ways they feel comfortable—whether through interviews, panel discussions, blogs, or social media. Listening to their perspectives is essential for advocating in a way that respects and uplifts their voices. 2. Use Positive Adoption Language IWords matter, and the way we talk about adoption can shape perceptions and experiences. Positive adoption language emphasizes respect, accuracy, and empathy. For instance, use “birth parents” instead of “real parents,” and say “placed for adoption” rather than “given up for adoption.” This language affirms the dignity of everyone involved in the adoption process—adoptees, birth families, and adoptive families—and helps dispel harmful stereotypes. Sharing resources about positive adoption language can educate others and encourage more thoughtful conversations. 3. Celebrate Adoption Milestones Publicly Events like National Adoption Month (November) and World Adoption Day (November 9) provide excellent opportunities to highlight adoption. Organize a celebration, post on social media, or partner with local businesses to create awareness campaigns. Celebrating adoption publicly normalizes the concept and fosters community support. 4. Advocate for Adoption-Friendly Policies Reach out to local and national lawmakers to advocate for policies that support adoptive families and streamline the adoption process. This might include pushing for better parental leave for adoptive parents or advocating for subsidies and grants to make adoption more affordable. Write letters, sign petitions, and encourage others to join your efforts. 5. Leverage Social Media Campaigns Create or join adoption awareness campaigns on social media. Use hashtags like #AdoptionAwareness, #AdoptionIsLove, or #NationalAdoptionMonth to amplify your message. Share statistics, heartwarming stories, and resources for those considering adoption. Visual content, like infographics and videos, can be especially engaging. 6. Share Your Story Personal stories are powerful. Whether you’re an adoptee, adoptive parent, or someone touched by adoption, sharing your journey can create understanding and connection. Consider writing a blog, recording a podcast episode, or creating a video series. Social media platforms are excellent for reaching a broad audience and sparking conversations about adoption. 7. Partner with Local Organizations Collaborate with adoption agencies, nonprofits, or community groups to host events or workshops. These could include informational sessions about the adoption process, Q&A panels with adoptive families, or support group meetings. Local libraries or community centers often welcome events that educate and bring people together. 8. Host a Fundraiser Financial barriers often prevent families from pursuing adoption. Hosting a fundraiser for an adoption agency or a family going through the process can help alleviate these challenges. Popular options include bake sales, charity runs, silent auctions, or crowdfunding campaigns. Not only will you raise funds, but you’ll also spotlight the cause in your community. 9. Educate Initiatives Speak to educators and faith leaders about incorporating adoption awareness into their programming. Schools can host book readings featuring adoption themes, while churches can include prayers for adoptive families and host informational sessions. Many organizations also welcome guest speakers to share their experiences and educate the community. 10. Donate Time and Resources Support adoption organizations by volunteering your time or donating resources. Many agencies and nonprofits rely on community support to fund programs that assist adoptive families and birth parents. You can help by: - Volunteering at events or providing administrative support. - Donating to adoption-related causes, such as scholarship funds for adoptees or grants for adoptive families. - Offering in-kind donations like clothes, school supplies, or toys for foster and adoptive children. Even small contributions can make a big difference in supporting adoption efforts and spreading awareness. Final Thoughts Spreading adoption awareness is about compassion, education, and action. By taking steps to inform others and support adoptive families, we can create a world where adoption is celebrated, understood, and accessible to those who seek it. Whether through storytelling, advocacy, donations, or community events, your efforts can make a lasting difference. How will you contribute to spreading adoption awareness today? Do You Have Questions About Adoption? Whether you are a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy or a couple wanting to adopt, a member of our staff is happy to answer your questions. We’ve assisted birth mothers and potential adoptive parents for over 40 years. For expectant mothers, please fill out our confidential online contact form , and we will contact you shortly. If you are a couple wanting more information about adoption, please start the process here .

The adoption process varies from state to state, and sadly, some untrustworthy adoption coordinators are out there. Whether you want to place your child for adoption or you hope to adopt, watch out for some red flags. It’s essential to ask questions such as, “Are you licensed in the state of Texas?”, “Are your services free for birth parents?” and “Can I meet with you personally?” Here are a few other red flags to be aware of. Red Flag #1: Are They Ethical? A reputable adoption agency is fully licensed within the state where it operates. If the agency’s license is not posted on its website, ask to see it or check with your state’s licensing agency. If necessary, consult the Better Business Bureau . Read clients' reviews and ratings on their social media or business profiles. Ask the agency for referrals of other birth or adoptive parents they’ve worked with. You want your adoption to follow all state regulations without complications, so don’t be afraid to ask for information. Red Flag #2: How Do They Treat Expectant Parents? If the agency speaks disrespectfully about the expectant parent or birth mother, do not work with them. Everyone in the adoption process deserves the utmost respect and honor. An agency that deeply cares for the birth mother is an agency that counsels her, thoroughly explains the adoption process, and does not coerce her into placing her child. Listen to how they refer to a woman. Is she called an expectant mother before the adoption and a birth mother after? It matters. The agency should give the expectant parents or birth parents complete control over selecting the potential adoptive parents and the amount of contact they hope to have with them and their child. An adoption isn’t a one-day event. Does the agency provide birth parent counseling before, during, and after placement of their child? If you are a woman considering placing your child for adoption, make sure you are the priority at the agency. Red Flag #3: How Do They Treat Potential Adoptive Parents? The adoption process is stressful for everyone involved. An agency must treat potential adoptive parents as individuals, not open wallets. The agency should fully reveal the cost of the process without unexpected financial surprises. Is the agency full-service? A qualified agency provides the necessary services or referrals to complete the adoption process thoroughly. Ask if they assist with the home study, photo book (profile bio), and legal and financial resources. Ensure agency representatives contact you regularly and are candid about wait times. Counseling and educational services should also be available. The Benefits of Working with Adoption Angels If you are looking for an ethical, full-service, licensed child-placing agency in the state of Texas, come to Adoption Angels. We proudly list our licensing information on our website and encourage you to call the local licensing office to verify our status. We have seven locations throughout Texas to serve you. At Adoption Angels, we treat everyone in the adoption process with respect and care. When you choose to work with us, you become part of our family. We listen to your story and do our best to provide an unmatched adoption experience. If you are currently pregnant and want more information about making an adoption plan for your child, please fill out our confidential online contact form . If you prefer, you can call or text us at (210) 227-2229 to speak directly with an adoption counselor. If you are a couple hoping to adopt, start by filling out our inquiry form . We will then email you an information packet and instructions for getting started. Get the care and support you deserve, not just what’s required. Come to Adoption Angels.

 The answer is “Yes!” We work with expectant and birth mothers with past and present drug and alcohol use. Talk with us about your circumstances and your health background. We would love to support you at this time. Become A Part of the Adoption Angels Family When you work with Adoption Angels, you are never just a number. We consider every client a part of our family. Our adoption specialists provide the highest level of care, comfort, and support throughout the adoption process and beyond. Like a family member, you receive many free services, including prenatal care, doctor and hospital visits, and delivery. The sooner you become involved with Adoption Angels, the sooner we can put you on a path to better health. Honesty Is The Best Policy The adoption process involves a great deal of trust. You need to trust that we have your best interests at heart and will help you and your baby find the perfect solution. We need to trust you to give us honest information about your drug use, the types of drugs, and the frequency of use. By being transparent, the doctors and hospital staff delivering your baby can be ready to offer the immediate help they need. Many Waiting Families Ready To Adopt As part of our screening process for potential adoptive families, we ask them upfront if they are open to adopting a baby with particular health concerns. . Some couples have the necessary skills and desire to adopt a baby exposed to prenatal drug use. They can confidently handle any medical, emotional, or physical complications. Other couples recognize their inability to deal with those challenges. Regardless of your drug use, there is a waiting family ready to adopt your baby. Find a way to be relaxed and comfortable talking about their birth mother. As questions arise, give only the information you know to be true and necessary. It’s easy, when nervous, to say more than you need to. Are You Considering Placing Your Child For Adoption? If you are considering making an adoption plan for your child, we would be happy to talk with you. Many free services are available to support and care for you during the adoption process. Free Living Expenses, including rent, utilities, food, and clothing Free Counseling during the adoption process and beyond Free Medical Expenses, including prenatal care, hospital, and delivery Free Transportation to and from our agency, your doctor, and the hospital Free Legal Services 24/7 Care and Support Other Free Resources, including job training, education, and daycare Contact Adoption Angels if you are currently expecting or have already given birth. We have several locations throughout Texas and will be happy to meet with you. Adoption is not an easy choice. But sometimes, the most challenging decisions become the best ones we’ve ever made. Call us today.

Only another adoptive parent understands an adoptive parent's challenges. You wish your child were your own, but you know another mom and dad is out there. Learning to explain the difference between “Mom” and “Birth Mom” is one of those challenges. Will it confuse my child? How will it affect our relationship? Will they still love me? Sometimes, imagined threats keep us from explaining things simply. Here are some thoughts about how to explain what a birth mother is to your child. Do I Have to Discuss the “Birds and the Bees”? No matter the topic, every conversation with your child has to be age-appropriate. Beginning the adoption conversation with your child when they are very young can help you delay the “where do babies come from?” talk until the right time. Some parents use unique names like “Tummy Mommy” or “Belly Mom” for their birth mothers. These names may spark questions about why a baby would be in a mommy’s tummy or belly, but most young children just accept the fact. What Are Other Names? “First Mother” is another name some families use. Of course, the problem with this name is it implies you are the “Second Mom.” Another problematic name is “Natural Mother” because it presumes you are unnatural. It is entirely acceptable to use your birth mother’s first name to identify her to your child. You can also add the word “Momma” to the front of her name. Some birth mothers consider themselves sisters to the adoptive mom and suggest being called “Auntie [First Name]," however, if you choose this, your child still needs to understand that she is their birth mother. Does How We Refer to Her Matter? Names and titles matter. Regardless of your adoption situation, your birth mother deserves the utmost respect. If they can’t meet physically, your child needs to connect to their birth mother emotionally and mentally for the sake of their adopted identity. How Do I Explain? Start young and find creative ways to present adoption. Make an “All About You” book with photos and letters from your child’s biological parents. If you only email or text, copy and save them in the book. We offer other clever ways to introduce adoption to your child. Read How Will the Adoptive Parents Tell My Child About Adoption? to learn more. As your child grows, they will enjoy the mutual love and care you and their birth mother expressed. Whether you are expecting or you’ve already given birth, you should be the one to select the potential adoptive couple to raise your child. We'll provide portfolios of loving and qualified families to choose from when you make an open or semi-open adoption plan. Find a way to be relaxed and comfortable talking about their birth mother. As questions arise, give only the information you know to be true and necessary. It’s easy, when nervous, to say more than you need to. Can I Get Advice From Adoption Angels? As part of our service to potential adoptive parents, we provide thorough adoption education, support, and training. We have several adoptive family resources we encourage you to take advantage of. If you have questions or want to begin working with Adoption Angels, fill out our online Contact Form or call (210) 227-2229. We would be honored to travel with you on your adoption journey.

Mother's Day is a special occasion dedicated to honoring the women who have shaped our lives with love, care, and guidance. While many of us celebrate our own mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures on this day, it's also an opportunity to recognize and appreciate another group of remarkable women: birth mothers. The role of a birth mother is often complex and deeply emotional. These are the women who made the courageous decision to place their children for adoption, choosing a path of love and selflessness for the well-being of their babies. Their choice is one of the most profound acts of love imaginable, and Mother's Day offers a chance to honor and celebrate their bravery, strength, and sacrifice. Recognizing Her on Mother’s Day Celebrating your child's birth mom on Mother's Day can be a beautiful way to acknowledge her role in your family's story and show gratitude for the gift she has given. Here are some heartfelt ways to celebrate and honor birth moms on this special day: If your adoption is open: Invite her to spend that Saturday before Mother’s Day with you doing something she loves. For over 30 years, the Saturday before Mother’s Day has been recognized as National Birth Mother’s Day. If she lives nearby, consider inviting her to your Mother’s Day festivities. If not, invite her virtually to your event. If you have her address, send her a Mother’s Day card with a small gift. Gifts could include a locket with her child’s photo, a letter and picture from her child, or a packet of Forget-Me-Not seeds to remind her you’ll never forget her. If your adoption is semi-open: Send a card and gift through your adoption coordinator at Adoption Angels. Have the agency arrange a meeting at the office if you live nearby. Consider planting a tree or flower in her honor at your home. You could post a message on social media thanking “our birth mother” for her extraordinary courage. Add the hashtag #NationalBirthMothersDay. For older children, consider creating a brief video of them honoring their first mother and letting her know they love her. Create a Memory Book Mother’s Day is the time to highlight some of the other special moments. A hardbound book is a perfect way to say, “thank you.” Online businesses such as Mixbook , Shutterfly , and Picaboo let you create beautiful memory books. Companies like Kith and Kin let you share the book's creation with family members so they can add memories, too. Adoption Angels asks adoptive parents to share pictures and letters every month for the first six months, then two times a year until the child reaches the age of 18. Although they send the required photos, adoptive parents have many others that aren’t shared. Include photos of your birth mother and her child or other milestones and special occasions if possible. Remind Your Child of Their Birth Story Retelling your child's adoption story is essential. You want them to honor and love their birth mothers and acknowledge the unique role that they play in their lives. Your child’s birth mother was selfless and helped create your family. Recognize her as a significant figure who has contributed to the richness and diversity of your family's story. Knowing their story from an early age makes adoption normal and seen in a positive light. It also lets them know just how special and loved they are by so many. Talk about their birth mother, pray for her, and mention her with kindness. Instill in your children a love for her, especially on Mother’s Day.  Do You Have Questions About Adoption? Whether you are a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy or a couple wanting to adopt, a member of our staff is happy to answer your questions. We’ve assisted birth mothers and potential adoptive parents for over 40 years. For expectant mothers, please fill out our confidential online contact form , and we will contact you shortly. If you are a couple wanting more information about adoption, please start the process here . To all of our birth mothers and adoptive mothers, we wish you a very Happy Mother’s Day!

As the realization that you are unexpectedly pregnant begins to sink in, you have a big decision to make. If you are considering making an adoption plan for your child, find an adoption agency that offers one-on-one guidance and attention. You deserve the best care possible. Deciding If Adoption Is Right For You The options of parenting or placing your child for adoption are complicated. How do you decide what’s best for you? Discuss the pros and cons with someone you trust and learn as much as possible. You want to be able to make a confident decision. To know if adoption is your best option, talk with an adoption agency that will take the time to explain the process. Their adoption coordinator should be involved in your life and work closely to help you find the right solution. Questions To Consider As you begin evaluating adoption agencies, ask some of the following questions: What type of services do they provide a prospective birth mother? How will they handle communication with you? What kind of adoption plans do they offer? Are their services free? Who chooses the adoptive family? How are they licensed? Can they help you if you’ve already given birth? Learn More About Adoption Angels At Adoption Angels, we offer the highest level of care for our expectant and birth mothers. We treat all our clients with the respect and dignity they deserve. You become family, not a case number. A licensed adoption agency only requires the agency to meet with the birth mother twice during her pregnancy. Our adoption counselors meet weekly with the women we serve, preferably in person. Our agency offers various free services and assistance to help an expectant mother during her pregnancy. At Adoption Angels, you can receive the following: Free Living expenses, including Rent, Utilities, Food, and other necessities Free Medical care, including Prenatal, Hospital visits, and Delivery Free Counseling to help you throughout your adoption journey and beyond? Free Transportation to and from the agency, doctor’s appointments, and the hospital 24/7 Care and Support to assist you at any time Free L egal services Free Resources Whether you are expecting, or you’ve already given birth, you should be the one to select the potential adoptive couple to raise your child. We'll provide portfolios of loving and qualified families to choose from when you make an open or semi-open adoption plan. Adoption Angels is a licensed adoption agency regulated by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. We must follow and meet the minimum standards for a child-placing agency set forth by the Child-Care Licensing Division. Of course, we go above and beyond with our services. Contact Us Your first visit with us is purely informational. We’ll discuss your current situation and explain the adoption process. We want you to be able to make a confident decision. If you wish to learn more about adoption, call or text us 24/7 at (210) 227-2229 or fill out our confidential contact form . We look forward to meeting you!

If you have discovered you are unexpectedly pregnant, you are most likely trying to figure out your options. We understand this is a difficult time. When deciding what to do, you must consider your emotional and physical support, finances, plans for the future, and current responsibilities. As you consider your next step, think about how placing your child for adoption can help your situation. 1. You Lack Physical and Emotional Support Parenting, especially single parenting, is difficult. Parenthood becomes overwhelming without the assistance of a spouse, partner, or family member. Well-meaning people say they intend to help you when the baby comes, but they don’t understand the amount of help you need. It’s important to have a solid network of people around you who can assist you. If you lack support, consider making an adoption plan for your child. With adoption, you can choose a family to raise your child. At Adoption Angels, we offer free counseling to help you emotionally through your adoption journey. We are available to you 24/7 with care and support. 2. You Have Financial Needs Did you know that while you put together your adoption plan, Adoption Angels can provide financial assistance for pregnancy-related expenses? Through our agency, you can receive: Free living expenses for rent, utilities, food, and maternity clothing Free medical services, including prenatal care and delivery Free transportation to and from doctor’s visits and the agency. Free counseling Free legal services No reputable adoption agency should ever ask you to pay for adoption services, but there is financial help available for you. 3. You Want to Pursue Plans for the Future When you place your baby for adoption, you can focus on your own personal and professional goals. This can include finishing school, pursuing a career, or improving your financial situation. Because of a federal government ruling called Title IX, schools have to make special arrangements for pregnant women to continue classes and class assignments. Although having your baby will require time away, you can move forward after you place your child. Our counselors promise to walk this road with you. Making an adoption plan is hard, but we will be there to provide emotional and financial support. 4. Already Caring For Others If you already have other children in your home, discovering an unexpected pregnancy can be overwhelming. You know the necessary finances, energy, and time isn’t there to raise another little one. There is no shame in realizing you’ve reached the end of your abilities and need to place this next child for adoption. It is a difficult decision, but by choosing an open or semi-open plan, you can still gain information, have a relationship, and know they are safe and loved. 5. The Need to Focus on You Do you feel you are too young or too old to parent? Perhaps you never wanted to be a parent, your overall physical or mental health isn’t good, or you worry about your child’s safety. All of these issues can be obstacles to successful parenting. It could be more important to focus on yourself at this time. As the birth mother, you choose the adoption plan and pick the potential adoptive couple. You can build a relationship with your child and have the ability to explain why you chose adoption for them. They, in turn, can connect with their birth family and ask important questions. Adoption, as well as your other choices for your unexpected pregnancy, is a difficult decision. Our adoption counselors are available to explore this option with you. Contact Adoption Angels to discuss the benefits of choosing adoption. We’re here to offer the hope and support you need. Fill out our confidential Contact Form , and we will get in touch with you shortly.

For many, adoption is uncharted territory. It’s not uncommon to know an adopted person, but understanding the adoption process is another story. Whether you are a woman considering placing your child for adoption or a couple wanting to adopt, keeping an open mind is critical. Opportunities you never thought possible might present themselves, and you will want to be ready. An Expectant Woman’s Journey An unplanned pregnancy can be a difficult road to navigate. As you choose to continue your pregnancy, you have many decisions in front of you. You may have experienced opposition from your family, friends, or partner, and the fear of judgment and pressure can make you feel isolated and alone. As you contemplate placing your child for adoption, our goal is to help you understand and discuss the different options with you. If adoption is right for you, then you have the opportunity to select the potential adoptive couple for your child and meet them to ensure you feel they are the best. As you look through the bios of couples, keep an open mind. You never know what might grab your attention. Simple things can make a world of difference. Are they music fans? Do they love Chinese food? Are they part of a big extended family? Make sure what is special to you is important to them. Be open to the type of adoption plan, too. There are many ways to stay in touch with your child and their family, but you may need more time for a completely open adoption, or maybe you are more comfortable with a semi-open adoption. The choice is totally up to you. An Adoptive Couple’s Journey Just like a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy, your road to adoption has been challenging. As you move forward in the process, it is vital to keep an open mind. Resist preconceived ideas of what your family will look like. Creating a family through adoption isn’t a spreadsheet. There are no columns to check off or tabulations to make. More than anyone in the process, you need to be completely open. Are you willing to adopt a child with drug exposure? A different race? Special needs? Be honest, but be open. You must also be open to the adoption plan the expectant mother wants. If a completely open adoption frightens you and you insist on a semi-open adoption only, you limit who will view your bio. Make the stretch and discuss your fears with your adoption coordinator. How Adoption Angels Can Pave the Way At Adoption Angels, the expectant mother and the potential adoptive couple become family. We want to get to know both of you as closely as possible. Our adoption caseworkers strive to provide the highest level of care, comfort, and support. For women contemplating an adoption plan, we provide services and assistance at no cost to you. A recent national survey found that birth mothers who received accurate information about the adoption process were more satisfied. The same survey determined the number one reason birth mothers were more satisfied with their decision was because they didn’t feel coerced. At Adoption Angels , we let you decide every aspect of the process. We will answer your questions, discuss your situation, and give you the freedom to choose. Fill out our Confidential Contact Form online or call or text us 24/7 at 210-227-2229. We also provide education, support, and guidance for potential adoptive couples. We invite you to review our services and eligibility requirements. When you’re ready, fill out our Start the Process form. We’re thankful both of you have chosen Adoption Angels.

Entrusting your child to the adoptive parents you’ve chosen takes courage, resolve, and a tremendous amount of love and support. You gain confidence by knowing this is the right decision. But you also need to know that the love and support you received before you gave birth won’t end. What Is the Journey of Adoption? Did you know the meaning of the word “explorer” is “someone who travels to a place that other people do not know much about in order to find out what is there”? As you explore adoption for your unplanned pregnancy, you’re traveling territory you are most likely unfamiliar with. As an expectant mother, you are on a unique journey that many others are unfamiliar with. Because they don’t understand the process or the reasons for choosing adoption, they may accuse you of “giving up,” “giving away,” or “not taking responsibility.” Nothing can be further from the truth. When a birth mother chooses adoption, she plans her child’s future. She places her child first in her life. It is, likely, the most loving and difficult thing you will ever do. There will be highs as you select the adoptive couple and lows as you question whether you can proceed. Feeling assured, doubtful, hopeful, and sad are all part of the journey. How Should a Birth Mother Be Supported? There are many ways an expectant mother should be supported during her adoption journey. But from the beginning, you should receive free physical and emotional support. Explaining the Process A reputable adoption agency thoroughly explains the adoption process. The agency should ensure you understand your commitment before making a final decision. You should learn about the different adoption plans available and their pros and cons. The steps should be clearly laid out, from selecting adoptive parents and receiving services to signing your legal paperwork. Providing Free Services Every state allows free pregnancy-related services for an expectant mother who chooses to place her child for adoption. Your agency is responsible for ensuring that you receive proper medical care, food, housing, maternity clothing, and counseling. In addition, they guarantee all of your legal expenses are covered. Supporting You Emotionally Like all your choices for your unplanned pregnancy, making an adoption plan involves loss. You will experience grief and should be fully aware of this beforehand. This decision is never made easily. You need counseling throughout your adoption journey and beyond. You need to count on having care and support available to you 24/7. Your adoption coordinator should be ready to assist you with answers to your questions or provide a listening ear. You should always feel supported in the adoption process. Once you complete the adoption, you should continue to receive care and support. The agency should provide resources for your future along with facilitating and supporting your continued relationship with the adoptive parents as your child grows. How Can Adoption Angels Assist a Birth Mother? At Adoption Angels, our caring staff is ready to explain the adoption process, provide you with free pregnancy-related services, and emotionally walk alongside you. We promise you will never feel like you are facing this decision alone. If you are unexpectedly pregnant and want to learn more about making an adoption plan for your child and the services we provide, call or text us at (210) 227-2229. Or fill out our confidential online contact form . We’ll be in touch shortly.