How to Start the Adoption Process

Adoption is a brave, selfless decision that comes from a place of love for your baby. You’re choosing to give your child a life that you may not be able to provide otherwise.

Knowing how to start the adoption process may not be the most difficult step in your journey, but it does require professional guidance so you can have a safe and comfortable experience.

This guide will answer four FAQs that expectant mothers have about where to begin with adoption.

If you have any further questions about adoption, where to begin or how to handle the complex emotions, then you can fill out this form to get free adoption information now from an adoption professional.

Question 1: What’s the First Step in Starting the Adoption Process?

Adoption is a life-changing journey for everyone involved. That’s why you should be emotionally committed.

No matter which stage you’re at in your pregnancy, you are in control. Whether you’re having second thoughts about raising your baby or you’re experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, adoption is always an option for you.

Once you know that adoption is the best decision for not only your child but for yourself, you should begin researching the type of adoption professional you want to work with.

Working with an adoption professional ensures that you don’t have to go through this experience alone. They will:

• Be by your side every step of the way
• Be your biggest supporter
• Answer any questions you might have during the process

American Adoptions is a reputable adoption agency you can contact today for free information when you want to know how to start the adoption process.

Question 2: Where to Begin with Adoption Costs?

A common misunderstanding is that expectant mothers pay to use adoption agencies. But, that’s not the case.

The adoption process is completely free for birth mothers. In fact, it’s possible to receive financial assistance during your adoption to help cover the costs of pregnancy. This assistance can cover:

• Rent and utilities
• Transportation
• Groceries
• Maternity clothing
• And more

Each state has its own laws regarding prospective birth parents’ financial assistance. To learn what’s available for your situation, please contact an adoption professional today.

Question 3: What Are the Benefits of Adoption?

Adoption is a selfless decision that will provide your baby with a life of love and opportunity.

You’re in control throughout the entire process, from choosing an adoptive family to deciding what level of openness you want for your adoption. The choice is always yours. 

Adoption can give you peace of mind knowing your child will be raised in a stable, loving home. There are plenty of other benefits to choosing adoption, such as:

• Free, 24/7 counseling to answer all your questions at any time of day
• Financial assistance to help you with any adoption- and pregnancy-related expenses
• Pre-screened hopeful families with appropriate background checks
• Post-placement support and counseling
• And much more

Question 4: What Are the Next Steps after Starting the Adoption Process?

Learning about the entire adoption process before you start will help you make informed decisions throughout your journey.

Below are the basic steps you will take (with the help of your adoption professional) after starting the adoption process:

Step 1: Create Your Adoption Plan

An adoption plan is one of the most important parts of the process. It will help you get a sense on where to begin with adoption. Here, you will specify:

• Your preferences for an adoptive family
• The amount of contact you’re open to during and after the adoption
• What you want your hospital stay to look like

You can be as specific as you like when you describe the ideal family to raise your child, such as:

• Whether you prefer a family in a small town, suburb or city
• The kind of home environment you want for your baby
• Whether you want your baby to grow up in a family with religious beliefs
• If you want your baby to have siblings or not
• And much more

Step 2: Choose the Perfect Adoptive Family for Your Baby 

Once you have completed your adoption plan, your professional will send you a group of adoptive family profiles based on the preferences you outlined in your plan.

A benefit of working with a national adoption agency is that they have a wider reach, which results in more opportunities and resources to help you find the perfect family for your baby.

The family profiles your professional shows you will match most, if not all, your interests and preferences for your child. From there, you will enter the stage of adoption: where to begin interacting with families.

Step 3: Get To Know the Family before Placement 

In most cases, your adoption professional will mediate your initial contact with the family you choose. But, you can start to get to know the hopeful parents as much as you want through:

• Phone calls
• Emails
• Video calls
• In-person visits
• Or whatever you feel comfortable with

Step 4: Create Your Hospital Plan and Complete Your Placement 

Once you close in on your due date, you will fill out your hospital plan. This plan informs the adoptive family and the hospital staff on how you want your hospital stay to go, such as:

• How much time you want to spend with your baby
• How much time you want to spend with the adoptive family
• If you plan to nurse
• Who will be the first one to hold your baby
• And more

Step 5: Stay Connected with Your Baby through Open Adoption

From how to start the adoption process to completing your placement, your adoption journey does not have to end here.

You can continue to have a post-placement relationship with your child and the adoptive family through an open or semi-open adoption. No matter what kind of contact you want, you can find a family that’s on the same page. Choosing adoption doesn’t have to mean goodbye if you don’t want it to. You can still watch your child grow and thrive.

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Whether you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy or having second thoughts about raising your baby, adoption could be the right path for you.

If you’re ready to begin the adoption process, then fill out this contact form to get more free information now. We’d love to help you start this beautiful journey today.