Who does EVOLVE serve?
EVOLVE serves teens, women, men, couples and families who are exploring their options. EVOLVE serves all of Minnesota, along with Wisconsin counties within a 200-mile radius of its Stillwater home office: Adams, Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Juneau, La Crosse, Marathon, Monroe, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Rusk, Saint Croix, Sawyer, Taylor, Trempealeau, Vernon, Washburn and Wood; along with parts of the following counties: Crawford, Iron, Langlade, Lincoln, Marquette, Oneida, Price, Richland, Sauk and Waushara.
How can EVOLVE assist me?
EVOLVE provides free, confidential, comprehensive, non-judgmental decision making counseling. We want to help you develop the plan that you feel is best for you and your child. We’ll meet with you wherever you feel most comfortable (your home, our office, a community location, etc.). Our services are available before and after the birth of your child.
Do I have to choose adoption?
No. EVOLVE will never pressure you to choose adoption. We have no religious or political affiliations. Whether you decide adoption, parenting, or terminating your pregnancy is best, your counselor will continue to provide advocacy, support and resources to you regardless of your final decision.
How much do EVOLVE's pregnancy services cost?
There is no cost to you.
I have an infant or small child and want to explore my options. Can EVOLVE help me?
Yes. A licensed social worker can meet with you about your options, connect you to resources, and support you through your decision-making process. In some situations, EVOLVE may be able to provide temporary care to your child through bridge care while you are considering your options.
Are services available to expectant fathers?
We encourage fathers to be actively involved in the decision-making process. EVOLVE can work with both parents together, or if you prefer, separately. Each of you can have your own counselor if you wish. If you choose adoption, we encourage fathers to remain involved, actively participate in the adoption process and have a relationship with your child.
If I choose adoption, can I choose the family?
You choose the family you want to adopt your child. You may choose from the wonderful approved families seeking to adopt through EVOLVE, or you may connect with someone outside the agency that you know. All adoptive families must have a completed home study.
How do I know if a family will be good parents?
All EVOLVE Waiting Families are approved by our agency. The families must go through a rigorous home study process, background checks, pre-adoption and parenting education, social worker interviews, and home visits. You can meet with as many families as you would like before making your decision
What if I already have an adoptive family in mind for my child?
EVOLVE will work with you and the prospective adoptive family you know to help facilitate the adoption process. If the prospective adoptive family resides in Minnesota or Western Wisconsin and they need a home study completed, EVOLVE can conduct a home study for the family. If the family already has an approved home study or lives in another state, EVOLVE will collaborate with the prospective adoptive family and their home study agency.
Can I change my mind?
You can change your mind regarding adoption at any time prior to completing the legal process to end your parental rights. The timeframe is dependent on state laws, but in both Minnesota and Wisconsin the legal process cannot take place until after the baby is born. Your pregnancy counselor will discuss how the state laws apply to your situation.
Who decides how much contact I have with my child after an adoption?
You decide how much contact you want with the adopting family, now and in the future. We can help you and the adoptive family develop a plan for openness and ongoing contact.
