Birth Mother Placing Baby for Adoption in March 2011 - Chicago,IL

I've answered privately.
Adding here . . . if you are affiliated w/a particular denomination
and feel comfortable doing so, you might consider networking
with a pastor and/or women's committee/auxiliary members.

I like the idea of the opportunity to interview prospective adopting families . . . especially regarding what their attitudes are
about positive child-rearing, discipline as education as opposed to punishment, etc.

Good luck.

I would think your prenatal nurse would know how to. I believe once you get involved you interview families through the agency and you choose whichever one you really like. Honestly I would NOT do a private adoption, there so risky if I'm thinking of what your saying. Agencies do alot of research that costs quite a bit. I don't think you'd want your baby ending up in an abusive home right. Why do they have to be african american? Even if your baby is, there are white people or mixed people who would give the baby a loving home if your having problems finding an african american home.

http://www.cradle.org/adoption-agency/adopt_aa.html
I saw this and thought it may help

I would gladly give your baby a loving home. Not African American. Good luck.

You could try a church?? Talking to your pastor if you have one?

I can understand you have desires for your baby, but I have seen a wonderful family of a White Mom and Philippine Dad who obviously adopted what appeared to be four black children. Their love for all their children showed.

Have you tried the Cradle in Evanston or Family Resource Center in Chicago? They are two well known, high quality adoption agencies. I know the Cradle has a very active recruitment program for AA families. You can call them to get information without any commitment on your part.

I know many people that have worked through the Cradle in Evanston and have raved about it. A friend interviewed there and said that it was an amazing place.

I am just wondering how you have communicated this with your 8 year old. I could imagine this could cause him some anxiety knowing you are giving up the baby since he could wonder what you are going to do with him.

Take care and good luck. :)

I am waiting for a friend of mine to reply to a message I sent her regarding which adoption agency she used last year when she adopted a baby. I will send you a private message when she replies.

But, I saw from another of your posts that you work in Mt. prospect, and there is a great organization called "The Women's Center" in Des Plaines that may be able to assist you.
2720 S River Rd
Suite #234
Des Plaines, IL 60016
Tue-Fri: 9:30am - 3pm

*Last Appt. taken: 2pm Phone/Fax: ###-###-####
By Pass: ###-###-####

dear
please i like to adopt baby please contact me my id ____@____.com

Best of luck as you decide how to proceed with what I'm sure is a difficult process. I have friends involved at The Cradle in Evanston, both on staff as well as adoptive parents. Everyone seems to love it there! Contact them asap and the social workers will guide you through all of the legal and emotional work this requires. I even think you can explore profiles of potential adoptive parents online!
With respect to the issue of your older child. I knew a social worker (also from The Cradle) who, after encountering this issue many times, decided to write a children's book about it. Google "Sam's Sister" by Juliet Bond for more informatin.

You can contact Lifelink Adoption Agency/Lutheran Agency. The Lutheran Agency recently acquired Lifelink. Both agencies have a long and respected history. You don't need to be of the Lutheran Faith. They just want to help the children find good parents. I wish you the best. We are adoptive parents of two wonderful kids and appreciated and treasure their First Moms.

Your making a very diffucult decision.I wish you peace through your lifetime that you made the ultimate right choice for your lovely unborn baby.
I would contact your OB's office at your next appt.i'm sure they will help guide you through this process,did they give you any information?At your first appt.they ask if your planning on keeping this baby so i'm sure they have info to their patients

I would talk with your OB.

We live in a nice neighborhood and had a block party to invite neighbors and get to know them. There was 1 couple, both lawyers, who desperately wanted a child and had tried everything to no avail.

It just so happened that one of the neighbors is a speciality Dr. for NICU and OB. Through this simple block party, these 2 met and the Dr. knew of someone in his practice.

The lawyer couple have 2 great boys now and it all started with something simple.

Please contact the Cradle in Evanston. They have been around for many, many years and will professionally guide you through the process. I am the mother of an adopted son and they helped us through our process- and as our counselor says "We are with you for life".

Yet another recommendation for The Cradle in Evanston. Kelley L. is right on the money with the Gale Sayers program. I've worked with The Cradle before, for community education, and can tell you that they are a top notch, not-for-profit group. I strongly urge you to give them a call - they're wonderful.

Hi there, Are you still looking for a family?? I am not AA but I am looking to adopt an AA infant. I am home study ready and have been cleared with the FBI, DCF and others to adopt. I would be excited to talk with you. ____@____.com

Legal Counseling may be what you need at this time, maybe even a social worker, for support and someone on your side. Congratulations on this difficult decision, I know the right family is out there waiting ... and ready for this.

Have you looked at The Cradle, in Evanston? They have a very specific African-American program, the Sayers program or the Sayers Center, there. They are a very well-established agency and do a lot of background work on the adopting families. I know it's for AA babies, but you could talk to them about placing with a black family as well. From what I understand researching adoption (we looked into it last year but ended up getting pregnant on our own), you get to make the final call on who your baby is placed with. Good luck!

I, too, would recommend The Cradle. i worked their for many years before starting a family. They will provide counseling to you throughout the entire process and can help you with questions regarding your older child. They also have counselors who work with the prospective adoptive families. The counselors will meet with you in a convenient location to you as well so do not let the fact that they are in Evanston worry you. You can also call 1-800-CRADLE4 to talk to someone and at least get some information and get some questions answered. As others said The Cradle has a specific program that focuses on African American adoptions. Good luck. This is a really hard decision and getting support is very important.