For many, a blended family is the norm today. Whether through divorce or the loss of a spouse, couples remarry and form new families. Step-siblings and half-siblings add another layer of intricacy, while interracial marriages blend individual cultures. However, the blending of biological and adopted children has unique challenges that other families don’t face. If you’re contemplating adding to your family through adoption or are already raising both, here are some tips to help build a stronger, loving family bond. Tip # 1: Celebrate the Differences Children, no matter if they are biological or adopted, all have different personalities, traits, and interests, but adopted children feel those differences more acutely. They may look completely different from their adopted family or have different likes and dislikes. Adoptees already have a predisposition to feeling like an outsider. It’s the old nature vs. nurture debate. They see their siblings' physical features and personality similarities with their parents as a constant reminder that they are different. Be especially sensitive to the idea that parents show favoritism to their biological children over their adopted ones. Comments like “You have your grandmother’s eyes” or “You have your father’s sense of humor " remind your adopted children that they are not blood-related. Emphasize the uniqueness of everyone in the family and celebrate those differences. If you have an open or semi-open relationship with your adopted child’s birth family, reference them when speaking to your child. Create an atmosphere where everyone feels special. Tip #2: Learn Something New Together One child may be gifted athletically, while another may be a talented artist. The key to drawing the family together is finding new, shared experiences. For instance, take up a new family hobby, tackle a home improvement project together, or start a family book club. Everyone is on equal footing when adopted and biological children learn something new together. It’s also good if you, as parents, are learning something new, too. Watching a YouTube video to get instructions or taking a class together can build an excellent family rapport. Just be willing to stumble along like everyone else. Tip #3: Build Trust Through Openness ANo one, whether they’re outsiders or family members, should ever be allowed to refer to your biological children as your “real kids.” Draw tight boundaries and protect the integrity of your family as a whole. One way of doing this is to speak openly about adoption. A report published by the National Library of Medicine stated, "Engaging in aspects of birth family contact and having adoption conversations together as a family, including siblings (adopted or not), appears to yield advantageous results for target adoptees.” Help your biological children understand that their adopted siblings may battle with feelings of rejection and, therefore, perceive words or actions differently. Be sensitive to everyone’s emotions, and when arguments arise, never let it be an “us” vs. “them” fight. Make it clear, as parents, you do not view them as “adopted” or “biological,” but simply your children. Validating every child’s feelings is essential. Reinforce to your children that you love each of them unconditionally and equally. Tip #4: Enjoy Typical Sibling Interaction It’s agonizing for parents when siblings argue, but wonderful when they enjoy being together. Don’t stress over disagreements between your adopted and biological children; after all, they’re siblings. Let them have the freedom to build their relationships on their own. Not everyone enjoys each other's company, even in a family with all biological kids. Stress that, as siblings, they must watch out for and protect each other. As they grow and interact, encourage their kindness and care for one another. Contact Adoption Angels for More Information As a full-service, licensed child-placing agency, Adoption Angels is committed to offering the highest level of care for both expectant and potential adoptive parents. We understand and value the importance of a strong, loving family for every child. If you are considering adoption to add to your family, we invite you to fill out our interest form . We also provide a list of Adoptive Family Resources .

The DNA-testing phenomenon in the context of adoption doesn't always lead to a happy ending. Learn what adoptees should expect from DNA testing.

The idea of being unexpectedly pregnant is finally sinking in, and it’s time to consider one of the most significant decisions you will make. Should you parent this child or place them for adoption? Only you know what’s best for you and your child’s future. Here’s a list of the pros and cons of both. Pros of Parenting You are the one to guide your child’s future. Your child has a complete understanding of their heritage. There are no doubts your child is loved and cared for. You receive the reward of their happiness daily. You get to enjoy every milestone. Pros of Adoption Your child has greater opportunities for their future. A two-parent home is more secure than a single-parent home. By choosing the adoptive couple, you have the assurance your child is loved and cared for. You avoid having your child potentially enter foster care. You build a relationship with your child without the day-to-day responsibilities of parenting. Cons of Parenting Parenting is expensive. Raising a child leaves you with little time for yourself. You have a greater work responsibility to provide for a child. Parenting requires an incredible amount of energy and focus. Cons of Adoption When choosing your adoption agency, you want to work with an experienced agency that understands how it feels to be a birth mother placing her child. You need confidence your adoption specialist will be with you from start to finish. Adoption Angels has over 40 years of combined experience in the field of adoption. We consider every client a part of our family, so we strive to provide the highest level of care, comfort, and support throughout the adoption process and beyond. We provide many pregnancy-related services and assistance at no cost to you. Take a closer look at the profiles of some of our waiting families hoping to adopt. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and are considering making an adoption plan for your child, contact us. Call or text us 24/7 at (210) 227-2229 or fill out our confidential online contact form . We’re here for you.

A phrase like “giving up your baby” is one of the many hurtful misunderstandings about adoption. Far from giving up, a woman who considers adoption is moving forward, taking charge, and creating a plan for the future. Adoption is courageous, selfless, and difficult all at the same time. Where Did “Giving Up” Begin? For centuries, the stigma of being an unwed mother was so horrible society forced women to give their babies up to strangers. Usually, a woman had no idea where or how the adoptive parents raised her child. Was the child loved? Safe? The birth mother and child did not know of one another. They both spent a lifetime wondering about the other, making adoption a painful, lonely experience. For adoptive parents, society regarded infertility as shameful. People believed couples were “cursed by God” for not having children. Therefore, when a couple had the chance to adopt, they often kept the adoption secret and never even told the child. Why Shouldn’t We Say “Giving Up”? When someone “gives up,” it means they’re quitting. The person can’t or won’t continue what they started to do. An expectant or birth mother may place her baby for adoption or make an adoption plan, but a caring, loving mother never gives up. A woman who chooses adoption for her unplanned pregnancy wants the best for her child. She recognizes she cannot give the child what they need. Out of love, she carefully selects other parents who can provide the love, safety, financial security, and future she cannot. Why Do People Still Say “Giving Up”? Although society’s stigmas and the adoption process have changed, the hurtful language hasn’t. Out of misunderstanding, people still regard adoption as “giving up.” Even some adoption agencies or lawyers still use this phrase. Choose To Make An Open Adoption Plan Today, the majority of adoptions in the United States are open. An open adoption plan means the expectant or birth mother carefully selects the adoptive couple. She looks through various portfolios to find the couple with the lifestyle she wants for her child. The couple and the expectant mother can meet and build a relationship before the baby is born if they would like. As the child grows, everyone shares photos and information. The child has the chance to ask questions and learn about their birth family, and the birth mother gets the assurance that her child is safe and loved. Beginning the Process If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and want to explore the adoption process, contact Adoption Angels. We realize how difficult this decision can be, and we want you to have as much information as possible. If you are currently pregnant, we provide free assistance for living and medical expenses, free counseling and legal services, and 24/7 support and care. If you have already given birth, there is still time to place your child for adoption. Call or text us 24/7 at (210) 227-2229 or fill out our confidential contact form . An adoption counselor will reach out to you as soon as possible. Only you can decide if making an adoption plan is right for you. We’re here to help along the way.

Every parent wonders what the future holds for their children. You hope they will make good choices, find happiness, and, more than anything, want to have a relationship with their parents, both biological and adoptive. How you set up your adoption plan at the beginning can affect how an adult adoptee views both sets of parents. It’s critical to remember adoption is never a one-time event. It’s a lifetime adventure. Every adoption is as unique as the people involved. Here are a few tips that may help you get a glimpse into your future. Growing Up Like children growing up in their biological families, adoptees are affected by their home life, family dynamics, neighborhoods, schools, and friends. But there is one crucial difference. An adoptee has a part of their lives that is entirely unknown to them. If the birth and adoptive parents agree to have an open adoption, their child has more knowledge of their biological family. However, knowing and living day-to-day are two different things. With a semi-open adoption, an adoptee has even less information but can still have confidence in some knowledge of their biological family. Although sometimes necessary, a closed adoption plan leaves everyone in the dark. Of course, the ability to have a relationship with one another depends entirely on the willingness of everyone involved. Adoptive parents feel threatened and afraid birth parents may want their child back. Birth parents wonder what is said about them and if their child knows they love them. The adoptee ponders why they like cats when their adoptive parents are strictly dog people or why they have black hair when their parents have blonde. They may wonder if their biological families even think about them. The unknown is one of the most complicated aspects of adoption. How You Talk About Adoption Matters Because adoption is slowly creeping out of the shadows, birth parents, adoptive parents, and adoptees are more willing to talk about their experiences. With open and semi-open adoptions, children learn about their adoptions at a very early age. Many adoptees say they’ve known about their adoptions for as long as they can remember. It is imperative that adoptive parents speak respectfully of their child’s biological parents. Even if there were issues such as substance abuse, incarceration, or mental health problems, adoptive parents must never ridicule the biological parents. After all, they became parents because of the choice the birth parents made. Adoptive parents must make room for honest questions and open discussions as their child grows. Although parents may feel hesitant, there's comfort when a child knows they can ask anything. Growing Up as an Adoptee In their teen years, many adoptees struggle with feelings of rejection. They find it difficult to understand why their biological mothers would choose adoption. They may have feelings of guilt because they want to know more about their biological families. Some adoptees act out because the abandonment they feel is so deep. Others grow up feeling confident they have as much information as they need. Again, the adoption experience is as unique as each family. Adoptive parents must make room for a birth mother and father’s story in their child’s life. Whether the biological parents tell it in person or it’s conveyed through the adoptive parents, children need to know what it was like for their birth mother and father to choose adoption. Everyone longs to know who they are and where they came from. Adoptive parents should give their children as much information as they possibly can. Of course, as the child reaches adulthood, the relationship switches to what they are comfortable with. What Can Adoption Angels Offer? If you are an expectant mother considering adoption for your child, know that Adoption Angels provides free counseling throughout your adoption journey and beyond. Our qualified staff offers comfort and support 24/7 for as long as you need it. We provide adoption education, support, and guidance for potential adoptive parents throughout your journey. We work hard to provide the best care and knowledge to see you through the process. If you wish to explore adoption for your unplanned pregnancy or you are a couple hoping to adopt, contact Adoption Angels. Expectant mothers can reach us by filling out our confidential contact form . Prospective adoptive parents can begin the process here . You can both call or text us at (210) 227-2229. We look forward to talking with you.

We understand the hesitancy adoptive parents feel when it comes to having an open relationship with their child’s birth family. You are concerned the birth family will interfere, or your child will be confused by what a birth parent is vs. an adoptive parent. At Adoption Angels, we provide adoption education, support, and guidance for our adoptive families. Learn why we feel an open adoption plan is best for everyone. What Is Open Adoption? Due to technology and research, open adoption has evolved and become There are three basic adoption plans: open, semi-open, and closed. An open adoption means you and the birth parents exchange identifying information. You learn one another’s full names, addresses, phone numbers, or whatever information you agree to exchange. You can contact one another directly. Together, you decide whether phone calls, texts, emails, or personal visits are best. A semi-open adoption is also known as a mediated adoption. You learn one another’s first names and communicate through a third party, such as your Adoption Angels coordinator. All contact runs through us first, and we pass it on. A semi-open plan provides a little more privacy for everyone involved. With a closed adoption, you and the adoptive family won’t contact each other. All identifying information is kept confidential. What Benefits Do We Receive From an Open Adoption? Although it can be awkward at first, having a relationship with your child’s birth family is valuable. You can see first-hand why your child has particular likes or dislikes, looks like they do, or has certain personality traits. Once you are matched, you receive background and medical information from the birth parents, but a relationship opens the door to more information. Additional information about your child’s heritage or family history helps you understand them better. As your child grows, they will naturally begin asking questions as you share about their adoption. By having a relationship with their birth family, you are better prepared to provide answers. Ultimately, research suggests open adoption is better for your child, which makes it better for you. When a child has contact with their birth family, they gain a complete identity. They understand why they look different from everyone else or have particular likes and dislikes. It helps answer many questions because they experience how much the birth parents and adoptive parents love them. Being adopted is no longer what they are. It becomes a part of who they are. Working With Adoption Angels Whether you are a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy or a couple wanting to adopt, a member of our staff is happy to answer your questions. We’ve assisted birth mothers and potential adoptive parents for over 40 years. We thoroughly explain the pros and cons of having a relationship with their child’s birth family and help couples navigate that relationship. Every step is vital to a healthy adoption experience for you, your child, and their birth family. Please contact us if you have questions. Fill out our confidential online Contact Form , and we will email you an information packet with instructions to get you started on your adoption journey. We are grateful for your consideration and look forward to working with you.

Adoption is a life-changing journey filled with love, growth, and new beginnings. However, many people are still unaware of the challenges, beauty, and importance of adoption. By raising awareness, we can inspire compassion, support adoptive families, and encourage others to consider adoption as a way to expand their families or support those who do. Here are ten impactful ways to spread adoption awareness in your community and beyond. 1. Speak to an Adoptee Hearing firsthand experiences from adoptees can provide invaluable insights into the adoption journey. Whether you're speaking with an adult adoptee or a child, their stories can illuminate the joys, challenges, and complexities of adoption. These conversations can help dispel myths, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding of what adoption truly means. Encourage adoptees to share their stories in ways they feel comfortable—whether through interviews, panel discussions, blogs, or social media. Listening to their perspectives is essential for advocating in a way that respects and uplifts their voices. 2. Use Positive Adoption Language Words matter, and the way we talk about adoption can shape perceptions and experiences. Positive adoption language emphasizes respect, accuracy, and empathy. For instance, use “birth parents” instead of “real parents,” and say “placed for adoption” rather than “given up for adoption.” This language affirms the dignity of everyone involved in the adoption process—adoptees, birth families, and adoptive families—and helps dispel harmful stereotypes. Sharing resources about positive adoption language can educate others and encourage more thoughtful conversations. 3. Celebrate Adoption Milestones Publicly Events like National Adoption Month (November) and World Adoption Day (November 9) provide excellent opportunities to highlight adoption. Organize a celebration, post on social media, or partner with local businesses to create awareness campaigns. Celebrating adoption publicly normalizes the concept and fosters community support. 4. Advocate for Adoption-Friendly Policies Reach out to local and national lawmakers to advocate for policies that support adoptive families and streamline the adoption process. This might include pushing for better parental leave for adoptive parents or advocating for subsidies and grants to make adoption more affordable. Write letters, sign petitions, and encourage others to join your efforts. 5. Leverage Social Media Campaigns Create or join adoption awareness campaigns on social media. Use hashtags like #AdoptionAwareness, #AdoptionIsLove, or #NationalAdoptionMonth to amplify your message. Share statistics, heartwarming stories, and resources for those considering adoption. Visual content, like infographics and videos, can be especially engaging. 6. Share Your Story Personal stories are powerful. Whether you’re an adoptee, adoptive parent, or someone touched by adoption, sharing your journey can create understanding and connection. Consider writing a blog, recording a podcast episode, or creating a video series. Social media platforms are excellent for reaching a broad audience and sparking conversations about adoption. 7. Partner with Local Organizations Collaborate with adoption agencies, nonprofits, or community groups to host events or workshops. These could include informational sessions about the adoption process, Q&A panels with adoptive families, or support group meetings. Local libraries or community centers often welcome events that educate and bring people together. 8. Host a Fundraiser Financial barriers often prevent families from pursuing adoption. Hosting a fundraiser for an adoption agency or a family going through the process can help alleviate these challenges. Popular options include bake sales, charity runs, silent auctions, or crowdfunding campaigns. Not only will you raise funds, but you’ll also spotlight the cause in your community. 9. Educate Initiatives Speak to educators and faith leaders about incorporating adoption awareness into their programming. Schools can host book readings featuring adoption themes, while churches can include prayers for adoptive families and host informational sessions. Many organizations also welcome guest speakers to share their experiences and educate the community. 10. Donate Time and Resources Support adoption organizations by volunteering your time or donating resources. Many agencies and nonprofits rely on community support to fund programs that assist adoptive families and birth parents. You can help by: - Volunteering at events or providing administrative support. - Donating to adoption-related causes, such as scholarship funds for adoptees or grants for adoptive families. - Offering in-kind donations like clothes, school supplies, or toys for foster and adoptive children. Even small contributions can make a big difference in supporting adoption efforts and spreading awareness. Final Thoughts Spreading adoption awareness is about compassion, education, and action. By taking steps to inform others and support adoptive families, we can create a world where adoption is celebrated, understood, and accessible to those who seek it. Whether through storytelling, advocacy, donations, or community events, your efforts can make a lasting difference. How will you contribute to spreading adoption awareness today? Do You Have Questions About Adoption? Whether you are a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy or a couple wanting to adopt, a member of our staff is happy to answer your questions. We’ve assisted birth mothers and potential adoptive parents for over 40 years. For expectant mothers, please fill out our confidential online contact form , and we will contact you shortly. If you are a couple wanting more information about adoption, please start the process here .

The adoption process varies from state to state, and sadly, some untrustworthy adoption coordinators are out there. Whether you want to place your child for adoption or you hope to adopt, watch out for some red flags. It’s essential to ask questions such as, “Are you licensed in the state of Texas?”, “Are your services free for birth parents?” and “Can I meet with you personally?” Here are a few other red flags to be aware of. Red Flag #1: Are They Ethical? A reputable adoption agency is fully licensed within the state where it operates. If the agency’s license is not posted on its website, ask to see it or check with your state’s licensing agency. If necessary, consult the Better Business Bureau . Read clients' reviews and ratings on their social media or business profiles. Ask the agency for referrals of other birth or adoptive parents they’ve worked with. You want your adoption to follow all state regulations without complications, so don’t be afraid to ask for information. Red Flag #2: How Do They Treat Expectant Parents? If the agency speaks disrespectfully about the expectant parent or birth mother, do not work with them. Everyone in the adoption process deserves the utmost respect and honor. An agency that deeply cares for the birth mother is an agency that counsels her, thoroughly explains the adoption process, and does not coerce her into placing her child. Listen to how they refer to a woman. Is she called an expectant mother before the adoption and a birth mother after? It matters. The agency should give the expectant parents or birth parents complete control over selecting the potential adoptive parents and the amount of contact they hope to have with them and their child. An adoption isn’t a one-day event. Does the agency provide birth parent counseling before, during, and after placement of their child? If you are a woman considering placing your child for adoption, make sure you are the priority at the agency. Red Flag #3: How Do They Treat Potential Adoptive Parents? The adoption process is stressful for everyone involved. An agency must treat potential adoptive parents as individuals, not open wallets. The agency should fully reveal the cost of the process without unexpected financial surprises. Is the agency full-service? A qualified agency provides the necessary services or referrals to complete the adoption process thoroughly. Ask if they assist with the home study, photo book (profile bio), and legal and financial resources. Ensure agency representatives contact you regularly and are candid about wait times. Counseling and educational services should also be available. The Benefits of Working with Adoption Angels If you are looking for an ethical, full-service, licensed child-placing agency in the state of Texas, come to Adoption Angels. We proudly list our licensing information on our website and encourage you to call the local licensing office to verify our status. We have seven locations throughout Texas to serve you. At Adoption Angels, we treat everyone in the adoption process with respect and care. When you choose to work with us, you become part of our family. We listen to your story and do our best to provide an unmatched adoption experience. If you are currently pregnant and want more information about making an adoption plan for your child, please fill out our confidential online contact form . If you prefer, you can call or text us at (210) 227-2229 to speak directly with an adoption counselor. If you are a couple hoping to adopt, start by filling out our inquiry form . We will then email you an information packet and instructions for getting started. Get the care and support you deserve, not just what’s required. Come to Adoption Angels.

The answer is “Yes!” We work with expectant and birth mothers with past and present drug and alcohol use. Talk with us about your circumstances and your health background. We would love to support you at this time. Become A Part of the Adoption Angels Family When you work with Adoption Angels, you are never just a number. We consider every client a part of our family. Our adoption specialists provide the highest level of care, comfort, and support throughout the adoption process and beyond. Like a family member, you receive many free services, including prenatal care, doctor and hospital visits, and delivery. The sooner you become involved with Adoption Angels, the sooner we can put you on a path to better health. Honesty Is The Best Policy The adoption process involves a great deal of trust. You need to trust that we have your best interests at heart and will help you and your baby find the perfect solution. We need to trust you to give us honest information about your drug use, the types of drugs, and the frequency of use. By being transparent, the doctors and hospital staff delivering your baby can be ready to offer the immediate help they need. Many Waiting Families Ready To Adopt As part of our screening process for potential adoptive families, we ask them upfront if they are open to adopting a baby with particular health concerns. Some couples have the necessary skills and desire to adopt a baby exposed to prenatal drug use. They can confidently handle any medical, emotional, or physical complications. Other couples recognize their inability to deal with those challenges. Regardless of your drug use, there is a waiting family ready to adopt your baby. Find a way to be relaxed and comfortable talking about their birth mother. As questions arise, give only the information you know to be true and necessary. It’s easy, when nervous, to say more than you need to. Are You Considering Placing Your Child For Adoption? If you are considering making an adoption plan for your child, we would be happy to talk with you. Many free services are available to support and care for you during the adoption process. Free Living Expenses, including rent, utilities, food, and clothing Free Counseling during the adoption process and beyond Free Medical Expenses, including prenatal care, hospital, and delivery Free Transportation to and from our agency, your doctor, and the hospital Free Legal Services 24/7 Care and Support Other Free Resources, including job training, education, and daycare Contact Adoption Angels if you are currently expecting or have already given birth. We have several locations throughout Texas and will be happy to meet with you. Adoption is not an easy choice. But sometimes, the most challenging decisions become the best ones we’ve ever made. Call us today.