How To Put a Child up for Adoption

It is very difficult to come to the decision to put a child up for adoption. This very emotional process can end up being the right option for you and your child, but only you can decide this. The process of adoption should not be entered into lightly. Here's how to put a child up for adoption:

1. Think it through. Finding out that you are pregnant can be a very emotional time. Adoption is one option, but it is not the only one. Be sure that adoption is the right choice for you and your baby before putting the child up for adoption. Do not feel pressured to put a child up for adoption; remember that you have the final say.
2. Contact an adoption agency. If you think that adoption is your best option, contact a licensed adoption agency. Any physician or public health agency can refer you to one in your area. The adoption agency's role in the process is to help you choose adoptive parents, explain the legal process, and provide you with the documents you need in order to make the adoption official.
3. Arrange an independent adoption. Rather than going through an adoption, you can also arrange an independent adoption. Once you find adoptive parents, they pay the medical and legal costs, and an attorney arranges the legal adoption.
4. Compare the adoption types. In an open adoption, you'll remain in contact with the child and adoptive parents after the birth. In a traditional or closed adoption, you will not remain in contact with the child or the adoptive parents. Usually, in open adoptions you have some degree of choice when it comes to the adoptive parents, while in a closed adoption the selection is made without your input.
5. Know your rights. Even if you have your mind made up ahead of time, know your rights. How long do you have after the birth to change your mind? What if you decide that you don't want to stay in contact even though you chose an open adoption? Knowing your options and rights can help you make an informed choice. An attorney or adoption agency can inform you of your legal rights as the birth mother.
6. Attend adoption counseling. Adoption has a very large emotional impact on everyone involved. As soon as possible, attend adoption counseling sessions. Your doctor or local family planning agency can refer you to appropriate counseling options.

If you are unable to provide the care a child requires, putting the child up for adoption may be the right solution for you. There are thousands of couples who are eager to become adoptive parents, though you shouldn't let yourself get talked into adoption if it's not the right option for you. If you find yourself unable to care for a newborn, you should know that in the U.S., under the Safe Haven law you can leave your baby at a safe place, such as a fire station, without repercussions.