Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – May 16, 2024 – May is Foster Care Awareness Month, a time to recognize the challenges and opportunities within the foster care system and to highlight the importance of alternatives like private adoption.
Arrow Adoptions is a local non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing support for expecting or parenting mothers in crisis who are considering or in need of an adoption plan. The organization offers comprehensive services aimed at helping mothers in NEA reach a place of comfort, whether they decide to place their child for adoption or continue parenting through difficult times. Partnering with Woodruff Law Firm PA in Lake City, Arrow Adoptions ensures the legal aspects of adoption are smoothly handled, assisting birthmothers in finding the perfect match for their child.
Arrow Adoptions was founded from a personal experience when an expecting mother approached founder, Caleigh Parker, at church, asking her if she would adopt her child at nine months pregnant. This encounter highlighted to Caleigh the lack of resources available for private adoption in our area. Recognizing this gap, she decided to establish Arrow Adoptions to offer mothers an alternative to foster care through private adoption placements.
“As a native of Northeast Arkansas and a graduate of Arkansas State University with a Master’s in Social Work, I bring both personal and professional experience to this mission. I have been teaching in the social work program at ASTATE for nine years and am married to Colby. Together, we have six children, including two who we adopted. My first hand experience with adoption’s challenges and rewards fuels my passion for this work.”
Over the past three years, Arrow Adoptions has averaged 12 adoptions annually. In 2023, this number nearly doubled to 22 adoptions. The increase in adoption placements likely coincides with the overturning of Roe v. Wade, leading more mothers to consider adoption as a viable option. These statistics reflect a growing recognition of adoption as a meaningful choice for mothers facing unplanned pregnancies.
Private adoption provides an alternative to the foster care system, as Arkansas law allows mothers to make private adoption placements during pregnancy. This option is particularly beneficial for mothers who do not intend to reunify with their child through foster care. By choosing a private adoption, a mother can select a family for her child and receive updates, ensuring ongoing connection and peace of mind. If a child is born exposed to drugs and enters foster care, the mother still has 30 days post-birth to arrange a private adoption plan.
Arrow Adoptions truly emphasizes the importance for mothers to explore their options and feel supported throughout the decision-making process. Their team includes a birth mom mentor, Ashley, who has personally experienced the journey of placing a child for adoption. She now mentors other mothers in similar situations, offering empathy and guidance.
By offering resources, legal support, and compassionate guidance, Arrow Adoptions helps mothers make informed decisions, ultimately keeping children out of the foster care system and ensuring they find loving, permanent homes. The organization’s work not only empowers mothers but also protects the well-being of children, making a significant impact in the community.
As we observe Foster Care Awareness Month, it is essential to recognize and support the efforts of organizations like Arrow Adoptions that provide vital alternatives and support for families in need.