I've recently read the reviews from DeeDee and Lynn. After DeeDee's first post I privately wrote her to offer grief counseling services (at no cost to her of course). A former client wrote her and recommended this to her as well. We have not heard from her. It appears that it may not be grief that is motivating her, which is disconcerting.\r
\r
Our agency has provided professional counseling services, including options counseling, to expectant women/couples and birth parents for well over a decade. K&K refer women and couples to us and we provide counseling and social services to the majority of women who are connected with prospective adoptive parents through their practice. Steve & Joel encourage all women to seek pre/post-placement counseling. They even have them review and sign a form titled ""Why Counseling is Important."" Women have the right to refuse counseling; it appears this is what DeeDee chose. Counseling is always available to every woman at no cost to her.\r
\r
I've personally been with Steve & Joel during hundreds of consent signings. I know the mantra well. They review all of their rights with them, clearly tell them they are under no obligation to proceed at this time and that they have the right to parent this child if they choose. They explain the permanence of adoption and Indiana law related to consents. They encourage them to ""only sign"" if they understand and are ready to proceed. We have walked out of many consent signings because the woman needed more time or chose not to proceed. That is their right and Steve and Joel wish them well.\r
\r
The women we have worked with over the years respect and admire Steve and Joel. Women often tell me that Steve & Joel treat them with respect and compassion. They laugh at how many times Steve and Joel remind them that ""they are under no obligation to proceed."" Because of this I find it hard to reconcile DeeDee's recounting of her story with who I know them to be as professionals, and as men. \r
more