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Bethany Christian Services celebrates 20 years in Virginia

Date published: 11/12/2006

By KATHLEEN LEWIS

IVING UP a baby for adoption is now called "making an adoption plan."

The wording has changed, but that's not all that is different in this social services niche.

Twenty years ago, most infant adoptions were completely confidential. Birth mothers rarely had contact with the adopting couple. Today, many birth mothers select their baby's adoptive parents, and often receive letters and pictures as the child grows.

Even though the practices have changed to favor more control for birth mothers, fewer women are placing their babies for adoption.

A report from the National Center for Health Statistics shows that 8.7 percent of babies born to unmarried women prior to 1973 were placed for adoption. That number decreased to less than 1 percent in 1995. Also noted in the report was that abortion was not a significant factor in declining adoption rates because abortion rates were also in decline.

Trends after 1995 haven't been published yet, but the consensus is that adoption rates remain low.

"Nationally, half of a percent to 2 percent are making adoption plans," said Joan Richwine, branch director of Bethany Christian Services in Fredericksburg. "They are keeping their babies instead."

This national trend is affecting the way the agency fulfills its mission.

Bethany is a not-for-profit adoption and family services agency with 75 offices in the United States. Last month, the Fredericksburg office celebrated 20 years. While adoption services will remain its mainstay, the agency is adding a new program aimed at making marriage an attractive option for unmarried women who opt to keep their babies.

In October, Bethany received a $500,000 five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The grant will be used to cover the cost of hiring staff and purchasing educational materials for the Healthy Marriage Initiative program in Fredericksburg, Richmond, Charlottesville and an independently licensed agency in Virginia Beach. The new program will start in Fredericksburg and Richmond in January.

Although adding a marriage-promoting program might seem like a bad business move for an adoption agency, Richwine said the additional service doesn't change the agency's mission.

"Not to take away the whole idea of adoption, but because so many women and their partners don't choose adoption, it's another way to give children a two-parent family. Our goal is that we will provide the best things for children."

Bethany Christian Services of Fredericksburg In 2004, Bethany began offering pregnancy testing. This January, ultrasound capability was added. These additional services increased the number of women coming in--180 so far this year. Of those, 113 have had ultrasound testing. The highest fee for domestic adoption is about $25,000. Families can claim a $10,000 adoption credit on their income tax if they earn $150,000 or less, and a portion of that, if they earn $190,000 or less. Bethany offers a loan plan through a partnership with a bank. Fees charged by countries for international adoption vary. In the lower range is China at about $6,000. In the higher range is Guatemala at about $19,000. Bethany's fee is $9,600 for all international adoptions. Donations cover about 40 percent of the operating expenses. In 2001, Bethany received $25,000 in donations. In 2004, someone donated $25,000 for the ultrasound machine, bringing the donation total to $96,000. This year, donations are expected to total more than $150,000. Since January, the Fredericksburg office has placed three babies for adoption. Statewide, Bethany has placed 22. By the end of the year, 30 domestic placements are expected. All of these infants are black or biracial.

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Date published: 11/12/2006