A Heart for Birth Families

Adoption is not solely about the adoptive family. Birth parents, most often birthmothers, are making one of the most profound and courageous decisions of their lives. They deserve support, honesty, and compassionate care from a qualified professional who understands every dimension of the adoption experience.

Christen Hartig, LCSW, has worked with birth families throughout her career. Her training as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and her firsthand experience with adoption from multiple perspectives, including adoptive parents, adopted children, and birth families, gives her a uniquely empathetic and comprehensive approach to birth parent support.

An adult's hand gently holding a newborn's tiny hand

Birthmother Interview Services

As a service to adoption agencies and attorneys, Adoption Support Services of Florida will complete the birth parent interview as part of the adoption process. These interviews are conducted with sensitivity, professionalism, and a genuine respect for the birth parent's experience and decisions.

The birth parent interview typically covers the birth parent's background, health history, reasons for choosing adoption, and understanding of the adoption process and its implications. Christen ensures that each interview is conducted in a manner that is both thorough and deeply respectful.

This service is available to adoption agencies and attorneys throughout Florida. If you are an attorney or agency looking for a qualified LCSW to conduct birth parent interviews, please contact us to discuss how we can support your cases.

Ongoing Birthmother Counseling

In addition to interviews, Christen can provide ongoing counseling for birth parents if requested by the agency or attorney. This may include:

  • Emotional support during the decision-making process
  • Counseling before and after placement
  • Assistance in understanding the adoption process and what to expect
  • Grief support following placement
  • Referrals to additional support resources as needed

Why This Matters for the Adoption as a Whole

When birth parents are treated with respect and receive appropriate support, the adoption process benefits everyone involved. Birth parents who feel heard and cared for are better equipped to make clear, informed, and peaceful decisions. This serves the adoptive family, the child, and the integrity of the adoption itself.

Adoption Support Services of Florida believes that caring for the birth family is not separate from supporting adoptive families. It is part of the same compassionate commitment to every person the adoption touches.

For Agencies and Attorneys

Agencies and attorneys interested in working with Adoption Support Services of Florida for birth parent interviews and counseling are encouraged to reach out directly. Christen is available throughout Florida and can discuss how her services can integrate smoothly with your existing processes and case management.