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Pregnancy Support:
Choosing Adoption

Richmond, VA | Roanoke, VA | Norton, VA

Learn about placing a child for adoption with CCC's free experienced guidance and support.

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From Real Birth Moms

“I knew I would love this baby, but I would not be able to care for him in my present circumstances…leaving the hospital was emotionally challenging…I have zero regrets because God blessed me with a healthy baby and an amazing adoptive family” – Chelsea

“It took everything out of my heart…you have to put your needs and your child’s needs in two different boxes…it’s the child’s needs that’s the most important”. - Liz

The Adoption Process Today

If you are considering placing a child for adoption, it’s important to understand the steps involved.

Step 1: Get the facts.

Learn if adoption is the right decision for you and your baby. Talk to a pregnancy counselor and explore the process and find answers to all of your questions.

Meet the Team

The decision to place a child for adoption is complicated and full of mixed emotions. It is one of the hardest decisions you will ever make and takes great strength and courage.

If you are considering adoption, it is important to choose a reliable and trusted case worker. Our pregnancy support team has decades of combined experience and has guided hundreds of women through some of the most difficult decisions of their lives.

Tami Hudson

Richmond

"It is my joy to be a part of the journey whether with the birth parent or the adoptive family, not only as a support and an advocate, but as their biggest cheerleader. To see a family created by the gift of adoption is one of the greatest things to witness." Tami has over 25 years of experience in adoptions—21 of which have been at Commonwealth Catholic Charities, where she has worked with domestic and international adoptions.

Donna Banks

Richmond

Donna has 34 years of experience in the adoption field and has worked at CCC for 16 years. She has a wide range of experience navigating both domestic and international adoptions. Donna has also supported dozens of birth moms as they navigate their own unique journeys. Originally from New York, Donna has been a Virginian since 1989. In her free time she enjoys exercising, swimming and spending time with her 5 adult children and her husband.

Bridget Mullins

Norton, Roanoke

"I want to help children achieve permanency, and find their forever families, assist birth mothers in making the best decision for themselves and their children, and help adoptive families grow their families." Bridget has worked for CCC’s foster care program and now helps families as an adoption case worker and pregnancy counselor.

MYTH:

"If I give up my baby it means I don't love them."

REALITY:

When a mother chooses adoption, she’s making a lifelong, loving plan for her baby—not giving them up. It’s an act of profound selflessness, driven by a desire to give her child a better life.

MYTH:

"I'll never see my child again if I choose adoption"

REALITY:

Most adoptions today are open, with ongoing, agreed-upon contact between birth parents and adoptive families. This often includes updates, photos, and sometimes visits—allowing birth parents to maintain a healthy relationship with their child and the adoptive family.

MYTH:

"My child will hate me if I place them for adoption."

REALITY:

Any adoptee in a modern-day open adoption will give you the same answer: Absolutely not.

From an Adoptee:

“I know my birth parents love me, and I know that they wanted the best for me, and this is how they could achieve that. I’m grateful that that’s what they did. It was the hardest choice they probably ever had to make, but it’s a choice that I respect, knowing that they loved me enough to do this for me. They gave my family to me, and that’s never lost on me. That’s never something I take for granted.

FAQs

I am already parenting a child/children and just found out I’m pregnant. Is it okay to place this baby for adoption?

You may feel completely alone in this situation, but you are not. An unplanned pregnancy is just that—it is unplanned. You are already parenting and know that you are unequipped to raise another child. We are here to help you think through your next steps.

How can I carry this baby to term and then give it away?

You're not giving your baby away. You are making a life-long decision to give your child everything the best possible life. You are taking control of the situation, determining what's best for the baby, and working through a decision you can live with and know is best. If you are unable to be your child's parent at this time, adoption may be right for you.

Can I change my mind about adoption after I’ve signed the legal documents?

In Virginia, birth parents have until the baby is 10 days old to change their minds.

When do I sign the legal paperwork?

You sign consents after the baby is born. Typically, the paperwork is signed in the hospital prior to discharge.

What about the baby’s father?

Involving the birth father and giving him the opportunity to be a part of the process is encouraged. Birth fathers have certain legal rights and may register with the Virginia Birth Father Registry to protect those rights. In Virginia, agencies are legally required to notify the father.

How do open and closed adoption differ?

A closed adoption means that there is no contact or identification shared between the birth parents and the adoptive family. An open or semi-open adoption means that there is a level of direct contact between the birth parents and the adoptive parents. There is a range of openness in adoptions that can range from receiving letters or pictures a few times a year to developing a relationship with the family with regular and ongoing contact. A case worker can help to explore which type of adoption will work best for you.

Can I choose the adoptive family for my baby?

Yes. CCC has completed intensive home studies for adoptive families. You can also choose to meet the family before making your final decision.

Can I continue to talk to my case worker after the adoption placement is completed?

Absolutely! You are important to us. We are here for you as long as you need us.