During this time of great uncertainty, you are no doubt feeling more worried, anxious and concerned than usual. These feelings are natural!
Here at Adoption Choices of Colorado, our hearts go out to all who have been affected during the coronavirus pandemic. We want to personally reach out and provide you with updates on how we are helping prevent the spread of the virus and supporting the health and well-being of our clients, employees and communities. If you are worried about what could happen to you, your baby or our agency – don’t worry.
Our very own Christy Ikeler, Executive Director and Birth Parent Caseworker, is here to put your mind at ease and answer several of the common questions about COVID-19’s impact on pregnancy, adoption and hospital experiences. In this interview, she shares why Adoption Choices is still open during the coronavirus pandemic, how birth mothers can communicate with the agency, and in what ways operations will look like moving forward.
TT: With so many businesses closing due to the coronavirus pandemic, will Adoption Choices close, too?
CI: No, our doors will not be closing. Adoption Choices is still open during the coronavirus pandemic. However, for the time being, please be aware that our physical office in Golden, CO is closed. We have moved to virtual communication to respect the importance of social distancing. That said, we will check our email on a regular basis and respond as promptly as possible. The same goes for any and all calls and text messages.
We believe it is our role and responsibility during this time to prioritize two things: 1) the health and well-being of our clients, employees and contract workers, and 2) to support the local health officials and government leaders as they work to contain the virus. We will continue to make decisions with vigilance and courage, stick to our mission and values, and stay up-to-date with the latest science-based information.
TT: Is Adoption Choices still operating fully during the coronavirus? How so?
CI: We are operating the best we can. We are doing all of our casework remotely in order to keep everyone safe.
TT: How do birth parents and adoptive parents get matched during the coronavirus?
CI: We are still following all matching procedures and will continue to match. The difference is that we are no longer scheduling in-person meetings.
TT: Because of social distancing, what happens if birth parents and adoptive parents want to meet in-person?
CI: At this time, we are assisting in Skype visits only.
TT: What are the available ways that a birth parent or adoptive parent can communicate with you during the coronavirus?
CI: You can communicate with us via any specific programs or forms of communication you use, such as – ZOOM, FaceTime, Skype, phone calls, texts and emails.
TT: What advice can you give to birth parents wanting to place their baby for adoption during the coronavirus?
CI: Continue to move forward with your plan if you feel it is in your baby’s best interest. We will support you throughout the entire process. We are here for you and will be a guiding light during this tough time.
Important Reminders
Please be sure you are following the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) protocol to avoid exposure to the infection: avoid people who are sick, wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and avoid touching your face.
While the CDC has identified older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions to be at a higher risk for complications from COVID-19, please keep in mind that social distancing should be practiced to protect the health and well-being of you and your baby. While pregnant women were placed in the “vulnerable category” on March 16th, there are no studies that have shown that you are at greater risk. But this recommendation is just a precaution. If you have further questions about potential risk factors of being pregnant during COVID19, be sure to check out our previous blog.
Our Doors are Open
Adoption Choices is still open during the coronavirus pandemic. We are always available to help you, talk with you and take care of you and your needs in the best way we can. Please do not hesitate to call, text or email us at any time if you have immediate questions or concerns. Rest assured that we are going to continue working remotely and doing our utmost to make sure your adoption journey goes smoothly. We will move through this challenging situation together. Please stay safe and know that you can count on Adoption Choices of Colorado.
Adoption Choices of Colorado
Adoption Choices, Inc. is a private, non-profit adoption agency licensed by the state and leader in the adoption community. We have been assisting birth parents, children, and adoptive parents in Colorado since 2002. Our staff has a genuine commitment to providing an empathetic, empowering, and progressive experience to all involved in the adoption process. For more information on adoption please contact Adoption Choices of Colorado. We can be reached via our website or phone 303-670-4401.
Support Adoption Choices
Adoption Choices, Inc. is partnering with Crowdrise, a fundraising website for nonprofits, to help our adoptive parents and birth parents with much needed financial assistance. We understand that expenses keep clients from fulfilling their dreams. Both with birth parents making a plan for adoption, and with adoptive parents growing their family. It is our mission to provide financial assistance through grants and scholarships, awarded annually in November, in honor of National Adoption Month. Funds assist adoptive parents with matching and placements, adoption finalization and helping birth mothers improve their lives through higher education — and much more.
However, we can’t do it alone. Please read up on our programs and donate money where you are able. Your donation will make a huge impact.
About the Author
Taylor Tsakopulos, the bestselling student. She has interned locally in Denver and internationally in Dublin, Ireland, taken classes/workshops and worked odd jobs and yet always comes back to being a student and the desire to learn or create.
She is a jack of all trades (i.e. a Gemini). She is a Denver-based writer, creator, artist and student. A graduate from Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU).
When she isn’t creating content she’s off dancing and hiking. Always chasing after new things and experiences. After living and working in Europe, she is hungry for more.