Making an adoption plan through Adoption STAR was very hard – but my worker was very helpful. She made sure I wasn’t down. It was a pleasure to meet my daughter’s adoptive parents. It was hard for me and still is… but overall I’m glad to have made a new family, and have a connection with my daughter’s family.

In the fifth month of my pregnancy my doctors told me my baby would be born with a birth defect. I was devastated. My family turned their backs on me, and my boyfriend was not supportive. No one was there for me to turn to. As much as I wanted to, I knew I could not raise this baby alone. The doctors and social workers counseled me on the type of care a child with hydrocephalus would need. I knew I couldn’t take care of the baby. I chose the best option I could – adoption. I had to find an agency that specialized in children with special needs. My social worker at the hospital told me about Adoption STAR. The staff was wonderful. I was confused and upset about placing my baby but they were sensitive to my needs. They treated me like I was their only client.

When I had my child at age 17, no one ever mentioned any options other than staying pregnant and keeping the baby. When my son turned one I actually asked my mom about adoption but she asked how I could even think of doing that. I guess she is afraid of what people might think. I think it would be better for my son to have two adult parents.

I gave birth to a little boy. I knew I was placing him for adoption but I never spoke with anyone before he was born. I called Adoption STAR after I gave birth. At no time did I feel pressured or disrespected for making this decision. The social worker explained everything to me before signing the papers. She even arranged for me to meet the baby’s parents. Though they don’t think so, they are the perfect couple. It was as if I knew them,
I felt so comfortable. I love his family and I love this agency.

I feel that having worked with Adoption STAR was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I don’t think that any other agency would have seemed so concerned with every small detail, and what I preferred. The staff was very helpful throughout my entire pregnancy, birth and adoption. They were very concerned about my privacy and wishes. If I ever was in the same situation again, I would probably notify Adoption STAR about my pregnancy before my parents, because I’m sure that the staff would make it easier to tell other people including my parents about my situation. I felt that the people I worked with at Adoption STAR became a part of my family when I needed people who understood the most.

Adoption STAR has impacted my life in more ways than one could imagine.

After becoming pregnant at the age of 16 I chose adoption for my birth son. I was scared and had no idea what to expect when walking in the door (and up all of those stairs at the old office!) to the agency. I was overwhelmed by the tremendous support and overall respect that I received from STAR. I do not know if I would have been able to do it without them.

On September 16, 2004 Camden was born and I knew my decision was the right one. I was able to choose the family that was meant to be Camden’s parents. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think about them and what amazing people they are. They have told me several times that they are so grateful for me and what I have given them and I hope they know how grateful I am for them in return.

Placing my birth son for adoption was one of the most difficult things I have done in life, but I firmly believe that I was meant to do it. The process of placing Camden has shaped me into the person that I am today. Adoption has become a passion of mine and the agency has everything to do with that.

I hope that the agency prospers for the next ten years and can continue to create forever families long into the future.