Pregnant? Scared? Unsure?
You are not alone.

Whatever you are feeling right now, you do not have to figure this out by yourself. Spence-Chapin offers free, compassionate counseling and support for birth parents at every stage. We will talk you through all of your options, including adoption, with no judgement and no pressure.

Free, confidential, and available 24/7

We are here for you.

Hear directly from one of our counselors about how Spence-Chapin can support you, whatever your situation may be.

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy or have recently given birth in Arizona, New York, or New Jersey and want to discuss your options, we offer a safe space for you to talk it through. We can offer the information, support, and resources you need to make the best plan for you and your child.

Counseling and Support

Our licensed counselors are available around the clock to listen, answer your questions, and help you think through your options. All conversations are completely confidential and free of charge.

Temporary Newborn Care

If you have recently given birth and need space to think clearly, our Interim Care Program offers trained, loving volunteers who can care for your baby while you work with a Spence-Chapin social worker.

Special Needs Adoption

If you’ve received an unanticipated diagnosis or experienced a complication during pregnancy or after birth, you may be unsure about parenting and unaware of all your options. Our social workers can meet with you confidentially to talk with you about your baby’s needs and help you understand your options.

Birth Parent Rights

You have rights throughout this process, and we will make sure you understand them. Our adoption process is birth parent-led, meaning you choose the type of plan, you choose the family, and you are provided with independent legal representation at no cost.

Already a parent and considering adoption?

You do not have to be pregnant to reach out to us. If you are a parent considering adoption for a child you are already raising, Spence-Chapin can help you understand your options and support you through every step of the process.

Financial Assistance

If you are pregnant and worried about money, you are not alone. Financial concerns are one of the most common reasons people consider adoption, and we want you to know that help is available regardless of what you decide to do. Spence-Chapin is committed to providing financial support for pregnancy-related expenses. Depending on your situation and state of residence, assistance may include:

Rent and utility payments
Groceries and food assistance
Transportation to medical appointments
Maternity clothing
Other pregnancy-related needs

All financial assistance is completely free and comes with no conditions attached. You do not need to have made any decisions about your pregnancy to receive support. Reach out to one of our counselors to find out what is available to you.

Hospital Advocacy and Planning

No matter what you decide about your pregnancy, having a plan for your hospital stay can make a significant difference. Your Spence-Chapin social worker will work with you to create a hospital plan that reflects your wishes, so that your choices are respected from the moment you arrive.

Our counselors will coordinate directly with the hospital social worker on your behalf to make sure your rights are protected and your voice is heard throughout your stay. We can be present with you at the hospital, advocate for your preferences with medical staff, and support you through every decision you face before, during, and after delivery.

We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you have a detailed plan in place or are still figuring things out, we will meet you wherever you are.

Free Legal Services

For those who choose to make an adoption plan, we’ll hire an adoption attorney on your behalf to represent you free of charge. If you choose to have an open adoption, your attorney will explain your options and help you craft an open adoption agreement that works for you.

Meet our Waiting Families

Every family in our program has been carefully screened and is ready to welcome a child with open arms. When you are ready, their profiles are waiting for you.

Real Stories

Experience true stories directly from birth parents who open up about their experiences exploring options and choosing the path that was best for them and the child.

Hear from our Community

"Spence-Chapin helped me understand the broad world of adoption. They helped me understand the process and made sure I was the one with agency and power in every turn.

There are many uncertainties in life, but choosing Spence-Chapin to help me with my adoption plan was not one of them. With all the knowledge, support, and care from Spence-Chapin, I was prepared to make life-changing choices knowing that they were with me every step of the way."

Linda L
Spence-Chapin Birth Parent

"As a birth mother, I would want others to know there is relief ahead. As alone as I felt, after I started working with Spence-Chapin, I felt I had a resource, and I didn’t feel any pressure after that. It’s such a personal decision...my hardest experience was also my greatest blessing."

Noelle
Birth Parent

Why birth parents trust Spence-Chapin

Since 1908, Spence-Chapin has supported birth parents through one of the most significant decisions of their lives. For over a century, we have been guided by a simple belief: that every person who comes to us deserves honest information, compassionate support, and the freedom to make the choice that is right for them.

Our process is birth parent-led from beginning to end. That means you are always in control. You choose whether to explore adoption or other options. You choose the family. You have your own independent attorney provided at no cost. And you can change your mind at any point before the adoption is finalized.

All of our services are completely free and confidential. We are licensed in New York, New Jersey, and Arizona, and our counselors are available around the clock, every day of the year. Whatever you are facing, you do not have to face it alone.

Birth Parent Led Process
You make every decision. We Support you.
Since 1908
Over a century of compassionate support.
Always Free
Every service, at no cost to you.
Licensed in NY, NJ and AZ
In-person and virtual options.
Available 24/7
Day or night, every day of the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

We know you have questions. Here are answers to some of the things birth parents ask us most. If you do not see what you are looking for, please reach out.

What is an adoption plan and how does it work?

An adoption plan is a document you create with your Spence-Chapin social worker that outlines your preferences for the adoption process, including the type of adoption, the kind of family you are looking for, and the level of contact you would like after placement. It is entirely your plan, and it can be adjusted as your needs and wishes evolve.

How does the adoption process work for birth parents?

The process starts with a free, confidential conversation with one of our counselors. From there, if you decide adoption is right for you, we will help you create an adoption plan, choose a family, and navigate the legal steps at your own pace. You are supported every step of the way and you are always in control of the decisions that matter most.

What are my legal rights as a birth parent?

You have the right to make your own decision, free from pressure or coercion. You have the right to choose the adoptive family. You have the right to independent legal representation, which Spence-Chapin provides at no cost. You also have the right to receive counseling and support, and to understand the full terms of any adoption agreement before signing anything.

Can I change my mind about adoption?

Yes. You can change your mind at any point before the adoption is legally finalized. The exact timeline varies by state, but in all cases, your decision is yours to make. We encourage you to take all the time you need and to talk through any uncertainty with one of our counselors before making a final decision.

What is the difference between open and closed adoption?

In an open adoption, you maintain some level of contact with the adoptive family and your child after placement. This can range from letters and photos to visits. In a closed adoption, identifying information is not shared and there is no ongoing contact. Most adoptions today are open to some degree, and you choose the arrangement that feels right for you. Spence-Chapin supports the full range of options.

What financial support is available to me?

Spence-Chapin is committed to providing financial support for pregnancy-related expenses, which may include help with rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and maternity clothing. All financial assistance is provided at no cost to you and with no strings attached. The specifics depend on your situation and state of residence, and our counselors can walk you through what is available to you.

How do I know if adoption is the right choice for me?

That is a deeply personal question and one only you can answer. Our counselors are here to help you explore all of your options, including parenting, adoption, and other resources, without any pressure or judgment. Many people find that simply talking through their situation with someone who is knowledgeable and compassionate helps them gain clarity. You do not need to have made a decision before reaching out.

Why should I work with an adoption agency rather than an attorney?

An adoption agency like Spence-Chapin provides comprehensive support throughout the entire process, including counseling, financial assistance, family matching, hospital advocacy, and post-placement support. An adoption attorney handles only the legal aspects. Working with a licensed agency means you have a team supporting your wellbeing, not just the paperwork. Spence-Chapin also provides independent legal representation at no cost, so you receive both.

Pregnant? Scared? Unsure? You are not alone.