Where do you turn? Who can you trust? What are your options? The Gladney Center for Adoption can help you. Here are answers to some tough questions that you're probably asking yourself:

Q: What is adoption?
A: Adoption is the loving act of biological parents (birth parents) who choose a family to nurture and care for their child. When considering adoption, you're thinking about your child and what's best for his or her life. Adoption finds forever homes for children, homes where emotional and financial support create a stable, lifelong future for your child.

Q: What does adoption offer me?
A: Gladney offers birth mothers many options:

• All inclusive maternity home.
• The ability to choose an adoptive family through your own personalized plan.
• Assistance with pregnancy-related needs, including housing and medical care.
• Access to an experienced attorney and legal department.
• Education and career planning.
• Emotional support during your pregnancy and beyond.
• Access to Gladney's post-adoption services.
• Photos and letters from adoptive parents after placement.

Q: What does adoption offer my child?
A: By choosing adoption, you give your child the love and security of a mother and a father who are emotionally and financially ready to be parents.

Q: Am I strong enough to give away my baby?
A: Adoption is not about giving away your baby. Adoption's about making a plan for your child's life.

Q: How do I know adoptive parents will take care of my baby?
A: Parents who adopt through Gladney must prove that they are emotionally and financially ready to parent. They must complete a rigorous home study process to be approved as adoptive parents. Since so many couples want to adopt, Gladney is extremely selective about the couples with whom we work. Also, you can watch your child grow up through the photos and letters sent to you from the adoptive parents.

Q: My mother had me at my age, and she raised me. What if she thinks I should raise my baby?
A: Once you know the facts about adoption, you can make the best decision. Think about the dreams that you have for yourself and your child. You, and only you, have the right to determine your future. It's a gift of love that only you can give.

Q: Won't the government help me take care of my baby for the first few years?
A: Possibly, but welfare only assists with basic necessities. It does not help you to buy clothing, toys, gifts and all the extras you may want and need for your child.

Q: Will my baby grow up hating me?
A: Adoptive parents often tell their children, even as babies, of the tremendous love their birth parents have for them. Adopted children grow up with a great deal of respect and a very special love and appreciation for their birth parents. Just call 1-800-GLADNEY and a counselor will assist you. No one will judge you. We're here to listen and to help. Call anytime!