Frequently Asked Questions

Birth Families

Can I choose the adoptive family?: Yes you can. You can decide the process for how you get to know the families. If you don't want to meet them, then you can review their family pictures and profile. If you want to meet the family, then we will arrange a meeting for you and provide a staff member to help you. You do not have to choose the family if you do not want, it is completely up to you.
Will it cost me any money?: No, there is no cost to the birth families for any services provided by the Miriam Project.
Can I see my baby after the adoption?: Yes, if it is planned for and agreed to. We ask that each birth and adoptive family complete a Contact and Communication Agreement which plans out the type and amount of contact between the two families.
Is there financial help for me now?: Yes, we are able to help with your living expenses that are related to welfare and care of the unborn child. Typical items that we can help would include, medical bills, transportation to and from pre-natal care, maternity clothes, food and rent.
When is too late to make an adoption plan?: It is never too late to make an adoption plan. We can work with you even after the child is born or while you are still in the hospital.
What about the baby's father?: The father does have legal rights that need to be addressed. If he is a safe person for you, we would welcome the opportunity to meet him and get to know him. We can talk to him for you and/or with you. If you are not sure who the father is, we can still proceed with an adoption plan for your child.
What about pre-natal care?: We encourage all of women we work with to seek out pre-natal care. If you do not know who to go to we can provide information on the local options. If you chose to not receive pre-natal care we can still go through with an adoption plan.
What if I have used drugs or alcohol while I am pregnant?: We would encourage you to stop using any mood altering chemicals or alcohol the moment that you believe that you are pregnant. We have adoptive families that understand that they may be a part of the child's history and they are still open to adoption.

Adoptive Families

How long will it take to receive a child?

The Miriam Project does not have set time limit or expectation for how long it will take for an adoptive family to receive a child. We believe that there is a specific home for each child and we work with the birth mother to find that home for the child. Therefore Miriam Project does not have a "first come-first serve" waiting list for adoptive families. The birth mother reviews perspective family profiles and letters that are prepared by the adoptive families and then chooses which families she would like to consider. Therefore, the Miriam Project does not set a specific allotted time before a family is selected.

How much will it cost?

The cost of each placement is different depending on the needs of that birth family. The fees to the Miriam Project can be viewed in the document section (Fee Schedule). There could be medical and living expenses associated with the placement. Every birth family has different needs which lead to different adoption costs. Before an adoptive family agrees to work with a specific birth family, we are able to identify the general cost associated with that placement.

Do you provide Open or Confidential adoptions?

Yes, we provide both open and confidential adoptions. Open and confidential refers to the level and amount of personal information that is shared between the birth and adoptive families. We look for a match between the birth family and the adoptive family in terms of their comfort level.

Is the Miriam Project involved in International Adoptions?

The Miriam Project does not facilitate International Adoptions. However, we have a working relationship with attorney-at-law, Michele Jackson. Ms. Jackson is an Adoption Consultant and expert with International Adoptions and currently works with Haiti, China, Guatemala, Nepal and the Ukraine.

We also have working relationships with other Licensed Adoption agencies that facilitate International adoptions. The Miriam Project completes "home-studies" for International Adoptions and also provides follow-up reports that are often required by the foreign countries.

What are the basic requirements for a family to adopt?

At least 23 years of age
U.S. Citizen
Completed Home Study
No Criminal Record
No history of domestic violence
No history of committed sexual abuse
Financially stable