Q: Do my parents need to know about the adoption process? I'm 16 years old.
A: The parental notification laws in each stay vary. We recommend that parents be involved in planning adoption because adoption is such a big decision.

Q: If it's 4 months until I'm 17 and my parents want to put me in here to give the child up for adoption since I'm a minor, when I'm 17, since I will still be pregnant, can I leave the place to be on my own and not give my child up for adoption?
A: The birth mothers in our residential program are always free to come and go as they please. However, we encourage only those birth mothers who want adoption for their child to move into our residential facility. It sounds as if you do not want adoption for your baby at this point, so we would not encourage you or your parents to have you move in. We would be more than happy to work with you in your home to help you come to a decision about your pregnancy and adoption.

Q: I wanted to know how old do you have to be to come there?
A: There are no age restrictions, however, if you are a minor you must have parental permission.

Q: I’m 14 and I got my girlfriend pregnant. She wants to give the baby up for adoption and her parents know. Do I have to tell my parents before I sign over my rights or do they have to know?
A: Your parents are not involved in the legal process of an adoption. This is 100% your decision. Therefore, their involvement with your adoption plan is completely up to you.

Q: I am about 1.5 months away from graduating and I am 17 years old. I am pretty sure that I am pregnant but I don't want to tell anyone about it. I just want to give my baby up for adoption. Being that I am 17, can I do so without the parental guardian present. My birthday is in July. I still am unaware of how far long I am.
A: Please call our agency @ 1-800-GLADNEY and we will be glad to assist you with a confidential adoption plan.

Q: I am 16 and pregnant. Do I have to tell my parents that I am thinking about adoption? I know my Mom would have a fit because she was given up for adoption and says there's a lot of pain being an adoptee. I think things have changed today with open adoption. What do you think?
A: Much has changed over the last 20 years in adoption. Today, you can choose the family your child goes to. You can meet them in person and talk over the phone. After placement you can exchange pictures and letters with the family so that you know ho your child is doing.

A birth mother does not have to inform her parents of her pregnancy or adoption plan. However, if you want to live in our maternity home, you must have parental permission. I encourage you to call us to discuss your circumstances and we will assist you in any way we can. 1-800-GLADNEY

Q: I'm 12 weeks pregnant and I don't know what to do. I don't have money for an abortion and if my parents find out they will kick me out. What should I do?
A: You should call one of our admissions counselors and look at all your options. We can counsel you through the decision making process and help you problem solve. There are many options out there for you, including someplace to live. You can call 1-800-GLADNEY anytime!

Q: Do we have to have our parents' permission to come here?
A: You do not have to have your parent's permission to plan an adoption. However, if you are under the age of 18, you must have your parents' permission to live on campus.

Q: I'm a pregnant teen and I want to keep my baby but I'm too young to live alone. Where can I go if my family doesn't want?
A: There are several maternity homes that allow you to stay for a limited amount of time if you are planning to parent. If you are interested, please call us and we can refer you depending on where you live.