Frequently Asked Questions
Adoption can feel like a big process, and it is completely normal to have questions. We are here to help you understand your options, the process, the costs, and what to expect at every step.
Ask Us a QuestionGeneral Adoption Questions
Here are answers to some of the questions we hear most often.
What type of adoption does Open Arms Adoption Co. provide?
Open Arms Adoption Co. focuses on domestic newborn adoption. We support expectant parents considering adoption and prospective adoptive families throughout the adoption process.
Where is Open Arms Adoption Co. located?
Open Arms Adoption Co. is based in El Paso, Texas and serves families throughout the United States.
How long has Open Arms been helping families?
Open Arms Adoption Co. has been serving families since 2014.
Do you work with people outside of Texas?
Yes. Open Arms works with families throughout the United States. Adoption requirements can vary depending on the states involved, so our team helps coordinate the appropriate professionals and requirements for each situation.
For Expectant Parents
How much does it cost to place a baby for adoption?
There is no cost to an expectant mother for applying to Open Arms or receiving adoption support. We provide guidance and support throughout the adoption process.
Do I have to decide on adoption before I contact you?
No. You can contact us simply because you have questions. Speaking with our team does not obligate you to place your baby for adoption. We can help you understand your options so you can make an informed decision.
Can I choose the adoptive family?
Yes. Your caseworker can talk with you about the qualities, values, family structure, location, communication preferences, and other factors that may be important to you when considering an adoptive family.
Can I see profiles of families hoping to adopt?
Yes. Open Arms can help you review appropriate prospective adoptive family profiles and discuss your preferences with your caseworker.
Can I have an open adoption?
Open adoption is one possible adoption plan. Depending on your circumstances and wishes, you may also consider a semi-open or closed adoption. Your caseworker can help you understand the differences and create a plan that reflects your wishes.
Can I change my mind?
Adoption decisions involve important legal and personal steps. Your caseworker will explain the process, including when and how legal consent works in your state, so you understand your rights and options before making decisions.
Can you help with my birth and hospital plan?
Yes. Your caseworker can help you think through your birth plan, hospital preferences, communication with the adoptive family, transportation needs, and coordination with hospital and professional staff.
Will I still receive support after the baby is placed?
Yes. Post-placement support is an important part of the adoption process. Your caseworker can help you understand available support and resources after placement.
For Prospective Adoptive Parents
How do I start the adoption process?
Start by completing our initial application. After we receive your application, our team will contact you to discuss the process, answer questions, and explain the next steps.
How much is the initial application?
The initial application fee is $500. Eighty-five percent, or $425, is refundable, while $75 is non-refundable, subject to the applicable terms.
What happens after I submit my application?
Our team reviews the initial application and contacts you for a consultation. If you move forward, your client file is opened, a caseworker is assigned, and you receive information about the next required steps.
What is a home study?
A home study is an evaluation required for prospective adoptive parents. It generally includes background clearances, financial and medical information, interviews, and a home safety walkthrough with a social worker.
How much does the home study and background-check stage cost?
The listed fee for this stage is $1,000. This covers the home-study evaluation process and associated background and clearance work as applicable.
What happens after our home study is approved?
Once your home study is approved, you can enter the active Open Arms agency program. Your family profile can be prepared, and you can begin participating in the matching process for appropriate adoption opportunities.
What is the $5,000 agency program fee?
The agency program fee is $5,000. It covers agency case management, matching coordination, communication, professional coordination, administrative support, and the work involved in helping move an adoption opportunity toward placement.
When is the $5,000 agency program fee paid?
The fee is divided into two payments: $2,500 after home-study approval when the family enters the active program, and $2,500 when an adoption opportunity results in a match or placement.
Are there additional costs?
The base listed program costs total approximately $9,500. Legal, court, interstate, professional, and case-specific expenses may vary depending on the circumstances of an adoption.
Can I make payments over time?
Payment arrangements may be available depending on the stage of the process and applicable terms. Contact Open Arms to discuss your circumstances and available payment options.
Matching & Adoption Opportunities
What is an adoption opportunity?
An adoption opportunity is a situation in which an expectant parent or birth parent is considering adoption and an approved prospective adoptive family may be considered for a potential match.
Can an adoption opportunity involve a baby who has already been born?
Yes. An already-born newborn who is legally eligible for adoption may potentially be matched with an approved prospective adoptive family, depending on the circumstances and applicable legal requirements.
Can an adoptive family be matched before a baby is born?
Yes. When an expectant mother is considering adoption during pregnancy, Open Arms may facilitate a potential match with an approved prospective adoptive family before birth.
Can an adoptive family be involved at the hospital?
Potentially. If the expectant mother wants the adoptive family involved in the birth or hospital experience, the agency can help coordinate appropriate communication and planning, subject to her wishes, hospital policies, professional guidance, and applicable law.
Does Open Arms publicly list babies who are available for adoption?
No. Adoption opportunities are handled privately and confidentially. Our website does not operate as a public marketplace or listing service for babies.
Types of Adoption
What is an open adoption?
Open adoption generally allows some form of ongoing communication or contact between the birth family and adoptive family. The details are planned around the circumstances and wishes of those involved.
What is a semi-open adoption?
Semi-open adoption generally allows communication with agreed boundaries. Communication may take place through an agency or another agreed method, depending on the adoption plan.
What is a closed adoption?
Closed adoption generally involves limited or no ongoing identifying communication between the birth family and adoptive family after placement, subject to applicable law and the circumstances of the adoption.
Do I have to choose an adoption type immediately?
No. Your caseworker can help you understand the different possibilities and discuss what may feel right for your situation.
Where Are You in the Adoption Journey?
We have information specifically designed for both sides of the adoption process.
I’m Pregnant & Considering Adoption
Learn about your options, support available to you, choosing an adoptive family, birth planning, and what happens after placement.
Learn About AdoptionI Want to Adopt a Newborn
Learn about the application process, home study, agency program, matching, placement, costs, and finalization.
Learn How to AdoptStill Have Questions?
Every adoption situation is different. If you have a question that isn't answered here, our team is available to talk with you confidentially and explain the next steps.
Contact Open Arms