Pregnant Women

An experienced JFS social worker will help you explore all of your options, whether that is parenting your child, placing the child with a family member, or making an adoption plan. If you choose to make an adoption plan, you have the right to select an agency or parental placement adoption. You also have the right to your own legal counsel during the process.

Agency placements occur when a birth parent has placed a child in the custody of an adoption agency. The agency then places the child with an approved adoptive family. In an agency placement, the identity of you or the adoptive family may or may not be shared, depending on the needs and wishes of those involved.

Parental placement adoptions are arranged directly by the birth parents and adoptive parents. Identifying information is usually shared, but is optional.

At JFS, we're here to support you regardless of what you decide.

JFS provides counseling, support, and advocacy. Our team of social workers are available 24 hours a day to help expectant parents.

There is no charge for pregnancy services at JFS. We'll also help you apply for any medical or financial assistance for which you may be eligible.

There are different types of openness to meet the different needs and levels of comfort with each adoption.

In a fully disclosed (open) adoption, the birth and adoptive family have direct contact and have exchanged identifying information.

In a semi-open adoption, the birth and adoptive family have contact, but only some personal information is exchanged such as first names and contact may be through the agency.

In a confidential (closed) adoption, the birth and adoptive family have no direct contact and no identifying information is exchanged.

The type of adoption you choose is a personal decision.

Regardless of the type of adoption you choose, ongoing contact is a possibility. Birth and adoptive families together decide how to stay in touch. Contact may include letters, pictures, phone calls, emails, and periodic visits. The contact in an agency adoption is usually sent through or arranged by the agency, but can be done directly though the birth and adoptive parents if they desire to have an open adoption. The frequency and type of contact is something unique and special to every adoption and varies depending on the needs of all those involved. We can help you determine the level of contact that is right for you.

A PACCA is a legally enforceable contract between birth parents and adoptive parents to establish contact/communication regarding the adoptive child after the adoption. It can assist with lifelong connections for a child who has been adopted through foster care, a parental placement or an agency adoption. The agreement is developed in a collaborative process between the birth parent and prospective adoptive family. The PACCA must be filed in a Virginia circuit court in order to be legally enforceable. A PACCA is optional and not a requirement of any adoption.

You have a right to choose the family who will adopt your child regardless if you select an agency or parental placement adoption. If you do not want to choose the family, you can talk to your social worker about the type of family you envision for your child and have the agency select the family. You also have the right to meet simultaneously with the adoptive parents and a social worker if you prefer. We are happy to help you to arrange a meeting if you desire.

No, minors do not need their parents to agree to adoption. However, we encourage you to discuss the adoption with your family and friends if you feel they will be supportive.

You have the right to make a legal and safe adoption plan for your child, regardless of your immigration status.

The father’s involvement in an adoption is encouraged whenever possible. Fathers have certain legal rights that vary from case to case. A social worker can help you understand your own situation. A birth father may register with the Putative Father Registry to protect his rights.

Prospective adoptive parents are carefully screened, undergo background checks and give a great deal of information about themselves. In addition to providing personal references, they are visited in their home several times by our team of social workers who teach them about the special nature of adoptive parenting. By the time an agency has approved adoptive parents for placement, we've gotten to know them very well, and feel confident they would make excellent parents.

Yes, you have the right to name your child on his or her first birth certificate. The adoptive parents have the right to name the child on the second birth certificate, which will be issued after the adoption is final.

That will be up to you. Each mother making an adoption plan has a different opinion about seeing the baby. For some, it is helpful; for others, spending time with the baby makes the decision more difficult. Before you deliver, you and your counselor will discuss your feelings about seeing the baby. We want you to feel comfortable with every decision throughout the entire process.

Before and after the child is born, you are under no obligation to continue working with JFS if you decide to parent. We are here to support you and help you explore all your options. We encourage you to speak with your family and friends about your pregnancy and adoption plans. You'll want to look at all possibilities that would allow you to parent your child. After the child is born, you're still under no obligation to place your child for adoption if you change your mind. If you place your child for adoption, under Virginia law you have seven days from when you placed the child or until the child is ten days old before the adoption is irrevocable.

We will continue to provide counseling, support, and advocacy after the adoption is finalized. The level of contact is up to you. We're here to support you through the entire adoption process - before, during and after.

Probably. Most adopted adults realize that their birth parents placed them for adoption out of love. They knew that they couldn't raise their child but wanted to give him or her life— the greatest gift. Hopefully your child will come to realize that a lot of his or her wonderful traits come from you. Every woman must make the choice that is right for her.

Children of American Indian or Alaskan Eskimo heritage may be subject to the Indian Child Welfare Act. If you are part of an American Indian tribe, discuss this with your social worker. JFS must contact the tribal council about the child.

JFS is a licensed child-placing agency, which conforms to the rules and regulations of the Commonwealth of Virginia. State licensing requires renewal every year and at least one on-site evaluation every year. We have been providing adoption counseling and services for over 50 years.

The JFS Client Bill of Rights is:

As a JFS client, you have the right to privacy, confidentiality, and self-determination. It is JFS’ ethical obligation to treat you fairly, with dignity and respect, and without discrimination regardless of your age, race, religion, or circumstances.

As a JFS client, you are entitled and welcome to do the following:

1. Ask about our professional qualifications.

2. Ask about, comment on, and make suggestions to improve JFS policies, operations, and services.

3. Ask to see and discuss our fees.

4. Know about our policies or procedures to protect your privacy to the fullest extent of the law.

5. Comment orally and/or in writing about your contact with the agency. This will be included in your client record.

6. File a grievance, without interference or retaliation. First, discuss your concerns with your service provider. Next, if you desire, have a three-way meeting including you, your service provider, and the Chief Operating Officer. Then, if you are still not satisfied, request a meeting with the CEO. The CEO will make a decision and report it to you and the service provider within five working days. You may request a copy of JFS’ Client Grievance Policy at any time.

7. Exercise your right to refuse any service, treatment, or medication, unless those rights have been limited by law or court order.