What to Expect When You Decide to Give Your Child Up for Adoption
You know that you want to give your child up for adoption. You may have finally found a family who wants the same thing as you, or you may be considering adoption because it’s in the best interest of the child. Whatever the reason, you are readying to make this decision.
But what exactly will happen next? What should you expect? You’ve probably got some questions and concerns, but don’t worry. Here is an overview of what to do and expect when deciding to give your child up for adoption.
Find Emotional Support
Many organizations can provide emotional support for those interested in giving up their child for adoption but are scared. Whether it’s a social worker working with you or an organization like a birthmothers support group California that helps mothers cope with their decision, there is a lot of support available to help you through this process.
What Happens Next?
After deciding to give your child up for adoption, the next step is finding a family.
Typically, the birth mother will work with an agency or attorney who will work on her behalf due to confidentiality issues. They will likely require you to fill out paperwork before looking for families to adopt your child. Not all agencies and attorneys are created equal, so if you have any concerns or needs, make sure to find someone who can help you meet them. It can take a few weeks to several months to find a family.
Next, you will need to sign a consent form. The consent form is an agreement between the birth parent and adoptive parents about who will care for the child. This document states that you release legal custody of the child to the adoptive parents.
What To Expect After Adoption
There are two types of adoption: open and closed adoptions. With open adoption, you can expect to receive updates and pictures of your child. In some cases, adoptive parents are open to visits so that their child can maintain contact with the birth parents. You can decide to keep in touch with your child via email or phone conversations as well.
Some birth mothers choose a closed adoption. A closed adoption means that there will be no contact between the birth family and the child after the adoption takes place. It is up to you to determine the best fit for you.
Deciding to give your child up for adoption is a big decision to make. It’s important to make sure that this decision is the best one for you and your child. Many resources are available to help you through the process when you are ready.