Who Do You Contact to Place a Baby for Adoption?
If you are exploring adoption, or have already made an adoption decision, then who do you contact to give baby up for adoption? Where do you go to give a baby up for adoption? Whether you are first stepping into considering adoption, or are confident that adoption is the best option for you and your baby, you will want to get in touch with an adoption professional. An adoption professional will be able to walk you through the steps of the adoption process in the areas in which they specialize.
There are plenty of adoption professionals out there. Some of them have great credentials, while others may not be the right fit. Where you go when placing baby up for adoption is important, as it needs to be an appropriate fit to your needs as a potential birth mother. There are so many options for an adoption professional, and hopefully this article will aid you in narrowing down your search.
The 3 Main Types of Adoption Professionals
There are three main types of adoption professionals who can help facilitate the adoption process for you, your baby, and the adoptive family. Whether you have already chosen a family, are still generating your adoption plan, or just have a general idea of what you want, an adoption professional will meet you where you are in the process. There are different services offered by every agency, and the benefits vary depending on the agency as well.
1. Local Adoption Agencies
- A local adoption agency operates in your state or area. These are typically private organizations. They each have their own guidelines and reputation. Sometimes they have religious affiliations. You can usually find them with an internet search within your local area.
- Services Offered: Screening and matching adoptive families, counseling and support, financial assistance, and adoption and hospital plan development.
- Benefits Offered: Local families and local services. Everything you need is within proximity to you throughout the process.
2. National Adoption Agencies
- A national adoption agency is typically a widely-known agency that is familiar with national and potentially international adoptions. They know the laws of various states, and can facilitate out-of-state adoptions. They typically have support telephone numbers that you can call if you have general questions or need support.
- Services Offered: Screening and matching adoptive families, counseling and support, financial assistance, adoption and hospital plan development, and often more, such as a 24/7 support hotline, scholarship opportunities, post-placement correspondence services, etc.
- Benefits Offered: There are many more resources available through a national adoption agency due to their ability to have a wider reach than the local adoption agency. National agencies often employ large, qualified social services staffs and are able to provide you with your own adoption specialist and 24/7 support.
3. Adoption Attorneys
- An adoption attorney will be working with you regardless of what type of agency you choose. Yet you also have the option of only working with the adoption attorney. If you already know who you are choosing for your child to be placed with, then an adoption attorney can facilitate that for you.
- Services Offered: Varies from one adoption lawyer to another. Most attorneys provide only the legal services needed to complete the adoption process; other services (such as counseling, support and matching) will need to be obtained independently.
- Benefits Offered: A birth mother will take a much more active role in the process.
Where Do I Begin?
What if you have no idea which choice is best for you regarding an adoption professional? You have maybe two or three priority items in your adoption plan, whether on paper or in your mind, and you don’t know what choice is the best adoption agency for you.
First, go ahead and start somewhere. Put your priority items on paper. For example, perhaps you want a wide range of families to choose from, or you want more attention from the professional you are using, or you already know who you want your child to be placed with. Look at your list and compare it to the services outlined above. What are the services you need, and which option fits those needs?
Time to Start Making Phone Calls
Then it’s time to start making phone calls and perhaps setting up a few introductory appointments. When you find the right professional for you, your instincts will kick in and notify you. After all, this decision is mostly about what is best for your baby, and motherly instincts are incredibly powerful. Don’t commit to an adoption agency or adoption attorney if you feel uncomfortable with them.
How Will I Know If I Have Found the Right Professional for Me?
The best adoption professional for you will be the professional that meets your adoption plan needs, gives you the attention you require, and has an ability to respect your adoption decisions.
