I have had an AMAZING experience. I’ve loved all the ladies I’ve worked with from Debi to Kim and everyone in between! I’ve chosen a great family and formed a strong bond with them. I’ve had so much fun and learned a lot in our groups. Met other birth moms with amazing stories! I also had a great opportunity to meet with a group of new adoptive couples and got to share my story as well as hear theirs! It’s been a tough road but it turned out to be the most meaningful and greatest decision I’ve made. I’ve gained a lot of peace and confidence from Heart to Heart and learned how to feel comfortable talking about my adoption process! Thanks!!
Virginia Adoption Agency
How Can We Help?
Whether you’re a regular at Harris Teeter, filling up at Sheetz, or exploring Tyson’s Corner, you probably love the commonwealth of Virginia like we love this unique, historic-laden area.
Whether you’re a regular at Harris Teeter, filling up at Sheetz, or exploring Tyson’s Corner, you probably love the commonwealth of Virginia like we love this unique, historic-laden area.
Virginia Adoption Agency
How Can We Help?
Whether you’re a regular at Harris Teeter, filling up at Sheetz, or exploring Tyson’s Corner, you probably love the commonwealth of Virginia like we love this unique, historic-laden area.
Heart to Heart Adoptions has supported expectant mothers from Arlington to the Heart of Appalachia to Chesapeake, Norfolk, Richmond, and places in between. We love providing services needed during an unexpected pregnancy. Our goal is to connect Virginia birth mothers who are thinking about placing a child for adoption with the perfect potential adoptive families.
We're Here to Support Expectant Mothers in Virginia
During this uncertain time, we want you to know that you’re not alone. Our team is here for you 24/7, ready to help with any questions you have and talk about your choices. We won’t push you in any direction and will always support whatever decision you make. Our services are completely free and private. You can reach out to us by phone, text, chat, or email whenever you need.
The Adoption Process for Birth Mothers
We’re here with you every step of the way.
Step one—Contact Heart to Heart Adoptions
We’re here to help you explore your options. You can talk to someone anytime. Call us, and we’ll explain the emotional, financial, and medical support we can provide.
Step two—Begin Prenatal Care.
You need to start prenatal care if you haven’t done so already. This is very important. If you don’t have compassionate, competent medical care, we can help you find a doctor and get financial support for all these medical needs.
Step three—Create an Adoption Plan
We will talk to you about what you want during your adoption journey, but we always keep in mind that things happen. You may feel one way today and a different way tomorrow. That is okay. These are the three things we consider in the adoption plan.
At Heart to Heart Adoptions, we will spend all the time you need to find the right adoptive family that fits your adoption plan. You’ll always have the option to pick the family for your child, no matter where you are in your pregnancy or adoption journey.
- Do you want to choose the family yourself, or would you like your adoption professional to do it?
- Do you prefer a family with kids already or a couple waiting for their first child?
- Do you envision a family in the city, suburbs, or countryside?
- What kind of experiences do you want your child to be exposed to, such as education, religious experiences, hobbies, etc.?
- What level of contact do you want with the adoptive family before and after the adoption? Do you want an open adoption, and at what level of openness will you feel comfortable?
Preparing for your hospital stay is crucial in your adoption plan. Thinking ahead will help you focus on a healthy birth for your baby. Here are some things to think about:
- Do you want the adoptive family in the delivery room?
- Who do you want with you during your time at the hospital?
- Would you like alone time with your baby?
- Do you want photos with your baby and/or the adoptive family?
- Do you plan to leave the hospital with your baby and the adoptive family?
You’ll have a social worker and adoption attorney with you to protect your rights and interests during your stay. All medical costs related to pregnancy and birth are fully covered.
Adoption options now include various levels of contact with the adoptive family during your pregnancy and after the adoption. Consider these questions:
- Do you want to get to know the adoptive family before deciding?
- How would you like to communicate with them? Phone, email, Skype, or in person?
- Are you interested in maintaining a relationship with the adoptive family and your child?
- Would you like updates, such as photos and letters, about your child?
What kind of post-adoption contact would you prefer with the adoptive family, and how often?
When working with Heart to Heart Adoptions, our specialists can help facilitate ongoing contact between you and the adoptive family, ensuring successful communication in the future.
Expectant mothers often ask the following two questions:
Can I get paid for giving my baby up for adoption?
First, we don’t like to use the phrase “give up my baby.” You are not “giving up.” You are making an informed decision—a loving, brave decision that will positively impact many lives, including yours. Receiving money for a baby is money is unlawful and unacceptable in Virginia or any other state.
You will not find any adoption agencies that pay you for the baby in Virginia or elsewhere. In a birth mother’s case, however, financial assistance for adoption in Virginia is available, and at Heart to Heart Adoptions, we are here to make sure that you don’t have to be worried about finances while you are making decisions for yourself and your baby.
The Virginia courts regulate a birth mother’s reasonable expenses, so you cannot be paid more or less by different adoption agencies.
Does it cost to place my baby for adoption?
Virginia allows for the following financial assistance:
- Before, during, and after birth, including medical appointments and hospitalization.
- Counseling before and after the birth
- Rent
- Utilities
- Relocation expenses if your present living conditions are unsafe or inadequate.
- Transportation
- Food
- Maternity
- Clothes
- Phone, etc.
Birth Mother Testimonial
World Class! There are simply no words to express our sincere appreciation for this world-class adoption agency!
Our story: When the decision to pursue an adoption was made and help our niece with the process (she being the birth mom)… we searched many different agencies both in our home state and across the country. Heart to Heart was the first agency to respond. Being new to the search, we decided to interview other agencies before we made a final decision.
Heart to Heart quickly surfaced as the most professional, knowledgeable, caring, and accommodating agency. It didn’t take us long to decide who we wanted to work with!
Going through this process was brand new to us and we had many questions. They kindly answered each question with knowledge and compassion. From day one, they were attentive to our needs and made us feel valued and cared for. The ladies at Heart to Heart are top notch!
During her pregnancy, they provided an apartment for my niece to stay and made sure she was well taken care of. This included outings, shopping, and self-care trips (salons, etc.).
While in the hospital during labor and delivery (also post-delivery), they visited us several times, providing the extra support we needed and the guidance to get us through each step. We never felt alone.
In short, it’s truly been an amazing experience! They have left an impression in our hearts, and in our souls that will remain with us for our lifetime!!
Thank you Heart to Heart!! We love you!
Felicia — Aunt of a BM
Adoptive Family
As a prospective adoptive family, we understand your desire to support the courageous birth mother who is carrying a child. At Heart to Heart Adoption Agency, we are well-versed in Virginia’s adoption laws.
We follow the Virginia Administrative Code as a framework to offer the highest level of emotional support and financial assistance permitted by law. According to the law, a birth mother can receive financial aid to cover her reasonable and essential living expenses as well as legal costs.
Potential Adoptive Parents
So, you’re wondering how to adopt a child in Virginia and what it costs. Those are common questions, especially for potential adoptive parents like you. Here at our agency, we’re here to give you straightforward answers and guide you through Virginia’s adoption process.
Let’s discuss the fees. We believe in transparency about costs. Some expenses, like those legally provided to birth mothers, are covered by the fees we charge as an agency. We’ll give you a clear breakdown of what you can expect financially when you choose to adopt through us.
Our goal is to make this journey as smooth as possible for you. Whether you’re ready to take the next step or simply want more information about the costs and process, we’re here to chat and support you every step of the way.
At Heart to Heart Adoptions, we see adoption as more than just paperwork and procedures. It’s about turning a challenging situation into something positive. For women facing unplanned pregnancies, adoption offers support, structure, and a path forward. It’s about taking control during a difficult time.
And for couples struggling with infertility, adoption can be a beacon of hope. It’s an opportunity to create the family you’ve been dreaming of, filled with love and endless possibilities.
When a birth mother chooses adoption, she’s making a courageous and loving decision for herself and her baby. It’s a choice filled with bravery and compassion, and we’re here to support everyone involved in this journey.
What Families Looking to Adopt in Virginia Need to Know
How much does it cost to adopt a child in Virginia?
Adoption costs in Virginia are about the same as the national average, typically between $20,000 and $50,000. Our adoption agency is transparent and will tell you the exact cost upfront. We don’t have any hidden fees, and we’ll talk to you about the costs openly.
How do I adopt a baby in Virginia?
When it comes to adopting an infant in Virginia, there are several legal obligations and steps that prospective adoptive parents must follow. Here are the key details:
Prospective adoptive parents must meet specific eligibility criteria to adopt in Virginia. These include being at least 18 years old and financially stable enough to meet the child’s needs.
A home study is a crucial part of the adoption process in Virginia. It involves a thorough evaluation of the prospective adoptive parents’ home, background, lifestyle, and readiness to adopt. This study ensures that the child will be placed in a safe and supportive environment.
Once the home study is completed and approved, prospective adoptive parents must file an adoption petition with the court. This legal document formally requests the court to grant the adoption.
In Virginia, consent is required from various parties before an adoption can be finalized. This includes permission from the birth parents, any legal guardians, and in some cases, the child if they are of a certain age.
Prospective adoptive parents must undergo background checks, including criminal background checks and child abuse registry checks, to ensure the safety of the child.
After all the necessary documents and consents are obtained, an adoption hearing is scheduled. During this hearing, the court reviews the case and determines if the adoption is in the child’s best interest. If everything is in order, the court will issue a final adoption decree.
Following the adoption, there is a period of post-placement supervision where a social worker or adoption agency representative visits the adoptive family to ensure the child’s well-being and adjustment to the new family.
If you meet Virginia adoption qualifications, contact Heart to Heart Adoptions for more information or call 801-563-1000.
Home Study Explained
In Virginia, a home study typically includes:
- At least three interviews, including one conducted at the adoptive family’s home.
- Providing references from unrelated individuals.
- Presenting a physician’s assessment of the adoptive parents’ health status.
- Undergoing a criminal background check.
- Undergoing a Child Protective Services
- Central Registry check.
- Assessing various aspects such as family and friend relationships, work history, community involvement, parenting capabilities, readiness for adoption, acceptance of the child’s birth family history, financial readiness, access to community resources, and a safe home environment.
A licensed social worker or a child-placing agency oversees the home study process. All household members, including children if relevant, are part of the study.
What could lead to a home study not being approved in Virginia?
A home study in Virginia may be denied if a prospective parent has been convicted of certain crimes, such as sex offenses leading to registration as a sex offender. Additionally, barrier crimes like murder, robbery, assault, arson, sexual assault, child abuse or neglect, possession of child pornography, and other serious felonies can also result in a failed home study assessment.
How long does it take to adopt a child in Virginia?
Like most states, adoption in Virginia has an unpredictable timeline. We’ve placed babies within a couple of months of completing a home study, but potential adoptive families have also waited years. This wait depends on many variables, one of which is how open you are to various situations. However, the wait for a baby in a Virginia adoption is generally between 9 and 18 months.
There is a finalization hearing after the child is placed in your home. This usually occurs about six months after placement. You will attend a hearing where a judge will review the post-placement visit report provided by your home study professional.
Virginia Adoption Laws: A Summary
Birth father’s rights in Virginia Adoption
A father’s consent to adoption is required if:
- He is acknowledged as the father under the law
- He is adjudicated as the father under the law
- He is a presumed father under the law or has registered with the Virginia Birth Father Registry
Va. Code Ann. §§ 63.2-1202, 63.2-1241 (2020)
Consent is not required of the father if:
- He denies paternity under oath and in writing
- His parental rights are terminated
- The child was conceived in rape; or
- The father, without cause, has failed to contact the child for six months preceding filing for adoption
- Failure to appear at the hearing constitutes a waiver of the right to consent to the adoption.
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-1202 (2020)
Virginia has a putative father registry, and a putative father who wishes to be notified of adoption or termination of parental rights must register before the birth of the child or within ten days of the birth of the child. Failure to register waives all rights regarding the child unless the father is an acknowledged, presumed, or adjudicated father.
Va. Code Ann. §§ 63.2-1249, 63.2-1250 (2020)
Va. Dep’t of Soc. Servs., Virginia Birth Father Registry
Separate Legal Representation
When a parent enters an adoption agreement involving the laws of another state, “any waiver of consent made pursuant to this subsection shall be made under oath and in writing, and shall expressly state that the birth parent has received independent legal counsel from an attorney licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia”
Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-1232(C) (2020)
How does Open Adoption work in Virginia?
A post-adoption contact agreement shall include a statement by the birth parents acknowledging that failure to comply with the agreement does not affect the validity of the adoption and an acknowledgment by the adoptive parents that the birth parents may seek enforcement of the agreement. The agreement shall be filed with other documents, and the court shall have jurisdiction over the adoption. The agreement may be approved if the court finds it is in the child’s best interest, the parties consent, the guardian ad litem recommends the agreement, and the child consents if the child is over the age of fourteen years old. The birth parents or adoptive parents may file for enforcement or modification, and the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child. The court may only grant a modification if the moving party shows that there has been a change in circumstance and the agreement is no longer in the best interest of the child.
Va. Code Ann. §§ 63.2-1220.2, 63.2-1220.3, 63.2-1220.4 (2020)
How does the legal process for adoption work in Virginia?
Consent may be given three days after the birth of the child in the presence of the court.
Va. Code Ann. § 16.2-1233 (2020)
How long will I have to change my mind about adoption in Virginia?
Consent is revocable before a finalized adoption if there is proof of fraud or duress.