Yes! We can help determine if you are eligible for Medicaid and assist in the enrollment process.
Welcome to Adoptions of Indiana
How We Help
Contact Adoptions of Indiana for Help
Call or text us 24/7! We are here to answer your questions and help you explore the possibilities of adoption.
Meet with Your Counselor
We will meet you when and where you are comfortable. Your counselor will help you understand your rights and discuss your options to make a parenting or adoption plan for your child. We will also talk about different levels of openness in adoption and answer all your questions without pressure or judgment.
Decide if an Adoption Plan is Right for You and Your Baby
If and when you decide on adoption, your counselor will help you make a personalized adoption plan for you and your baby.
Review Profiles of Our Waiting Families
All of our families have passed thorough background checks, home studies and received adoption education.
Choose a Family for Your Baby
Before making your choice, you have the opportunity to request more information, speak to them on the phone, or meet them in person, if you wish.
Make Your Hospital Plan
Your counselor will help you design a plan for your hospital stay: including who you would like with you and what contact you would like with your baby and the adoptive family.
Take Time to Make Your Decision
Your counselor will be available to you at the hospital as much as you desire. We recommend that you take at least 24-48 hours to rest and recover before making your decision.
Complete Your Adoption Plan
If you are ready to proceed with your adoption plan, your counselor will meet with you to explain and sign all of the necessary legal documents.
Counseling and Support
Your counselor will be with you every step of the way and for as long as you want it. We will always be here for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You have the right to have help with pregnancy related expenses. Your counselor can answer questions about how and when we can help.
Yes! You have the right be able to select an adoptive family that desires the same level of openness in their adoption plan.
No. In the state of Indiana, you do not need parental consent to create an adoption plan. This is your choice and we respect your privacy.
No. In the state of Indiana, you do not have to name the baby's father.
Yes! You will have an opportunity to review family profiles and get to know them, if you'd like.
Absolutely. All of our families are thoroughly vetted by our staff, passed extensive background checks, home studies and participated in adoption education workshops.
Know Your Rights
If you are considering placing your child with an adoptive family, you are entitled to certain rights, some of which are guaranteed by law.
If any of these rights are not absolutely granted by the adoption resource with whom you are working, or if you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at 317-342-9832.
You have the right to be free from pressure or prejudice in exploring various options concerning the birth and subsequent well-being of your child. Because this is an important decision, you need time to make it. Your adoption resource should help you explore all your options and assist you to plan for your child’s future, not insist you choose a family immediately or to reassure them continually of your commitment to your adoption plan.
You have the right to confidentiality. Even if you are a minor, placing your child with an adoptive family is your decision and it should be respected.
You have the right to have help with medical and other pregnancy-related expenses. If you don’t have health insurance, and are not eligible for Medicaid, your medical fees, including those of private doctors, should be paid by either your adoption resource or by the adoptive family. In Indiana, the law allows for financial assistance for lost wages and living assistance during the 2nd trimester and through 6 weeks post-birth.
You have the right to be put in touch with other women who have placed their children into adoptive homes. Before making a decision, or after placement, it may be helpful to talk with others who have shared your experience and understand your feelings.
You have the right to counseling. A trained and impartial social worker, familiar with adoption, should be available from the beginning to help you review all your options and make the best plan for you and your baby. You should be able to come back for counseling and support services or to supply updated information at any time. An established agency understands adoption is a life-long process and not a spur of the moment decision.
You have the right to select your baby’s adoptive parents. If you are working with an agency like ADOPTIONS OF INDIANA, you should be presented with several families so that you can choose who you believe will be the right family for your child. If you are responding to an advertisement, you should talk with the family and consider meeting them. You should always have the option to meet the family before placement.
You have the right to a safe, legal, ethical, and efficient process. You have the right to separate legal counsel, if you desire, and to review all related legal documents ahead of time. You have the right to keep copies of anything you sign.
You have the right to peace of mind. Every prospective adoptive parent should be screened to make sure they will provide your baby with a safe and loving home. A licensed agency like ADOPTIONS OF INDIANA completes a thorough home study evaluating the family’s social, emotional, medical, and financial stability. We also require all of our adoptive families to complete several hours of pre-adoption education to prepare them as adoptive parents and help them understand adoption from the birth parent’s perspective.
You have the right to choose the type of ongoing communication with the adoptive family. Discussions about the options for post-placement communication and updates are an important part of pre-adoption counseling. You should have the opportunity to discuss post-placement communication directly with the adoptive family. A wide variety of options should be available to you.
You have the right to choose an open adoption. You should be able to select an adoptive family that desires the same level of openness in their adoption plan.
You have the right to take as much time as you need to make an adoption plan. Nothing you say or do prior to the birth of your child is binding in any way. This is an important decision and you should take as much time as you need, and be sure that adoption is the right choice for you and your baby, before signing legal documents.
You have the right to have an adoption resource that will stand by a child with health problems. You should expect your adoption resource to locate adoptive families for your child no matter the health issue.
You have the right to send the agency updated medical and other information. Your adoption resource should allow you to update your medical file and provide updated medical records to the adoptive family or maintain updated records.
You have the right to have assistance with any communication breakdown between the birth and adoptive family. Your adoption resource should offer you informal mediation in the event that there is a miscommunication between the birth and adoptive family.
You have the right to be told about adoption reunion and information registries. Your adoption resource should inform you about adoption registry information. If the adoptee and birth parent choose to meet after the adoptee is of legal age the adoption resource should be available to assist by preparing parties and facilitating this meeting.
Who We Are
Amy Nicholas | BSW, LSW
Coordinator of Outreach & Supervisor of Expectant/Birth Parent Services
Amy Nicholas has been working in adoption and foster care for more than 25 years. She works primarily in outreach, education, and supporting expectant and birth parents. Amy has a passion for educating the public and professionals about adoption and empowering her clients to make positive decisions. She values the impact that compassion, honesty, education, options counseling and support have on all members of the adoption triad.
‘It is such an honor and a humbling experience to walk alongside expectant parents/birth parents who are making the best plan possible for their children, whether that be parenting or adoption.’
Meg Sterchi | ACSW, LCSW
Executive Director
Meg Sterchi is the founder and Executive Director of Adoptions of Indiana. For the last 20 years, she has focused on working with birth and adoptive families, preparing and supporting them throughout the adoption process. She also has personal experience with adoption, as an adoptive mother. She is guided by her philosophy that a major focus of adoption agencies should be to prepare, support and educate all parties involved in an adoption.
‘I've had the honor of working with women considering adoption and birth mothers for over 25 years. I'm always impressed with their grit and desire to put the needs of their children first, whether that is by making an adoption plan or by choosing to parent. Walking by their side throughout the process and building supportive relationships that have lasted years, sometimes decades, is one of my favorite parts of the adoption process.’
