Although there are various options you may choose for example your parents, close relative or even a friend who is qualified to take care of your child, we know the burden of just having to ask them is tough enough. Also, the burden on these people might be overwhelming as well. Don't let this stop you should you go this route, we just want to encourage you to no abandone your child and allow yourself the freedom to choose.
What we do know is adoption works! This has been the best way for anyone in your situation to take advantage of. We have listed here information concerning adoption and the procedures available to you.
ADOPTION
Pregnant women who do not believe they have the means, ability and/or desire to parent their baby may choose to put the child up for adoption. Legal adoption is the best option for a parent who is unable to care for a child, as it affords rights to the parent placing the child for adoption and best serves the needs of the adopted child and the adoptive parents.
Babies carried to term can be voluntarily relinquished for adoption, which preserves the life of the infant, creates a new, loving family, and offers the relinquishing parent additional psychological benefits without fear of criminal prosecution.
The following information answers many common questions birth parents may have regarding putting their babies up for adoption: “Relinquishment of a child” means the action of a parent who signs a relinquishment form in which he or she surrenders custody, control and any responsibility for the care and support of the child to any licensed public or private adoption agency for purposes of adoption.
Parents can designate a family to adopt their child; however, the child cannot be placed with the new family until they have an approved home study. If the birth parent does not designate a particular family, the adoption agency selects the adoptive family, although the birth parent may participate in this process.
Every effort is made to honor reasonable requests of the birth parents. Birth parents may meet the adoptive parents if all parties agree. Birth parents may select a religion for their child.
Any parent can sign a relinquishment. Minor children who are parents, do not need their parent’s consent to relinquish. Relinquishment must be entirely voluntary. The court cannot order a parent to sign a relinquishment. A relinquishment may only be taken by a social worker from a licensed adoption agency. There can be no bribes, payments or promises made in exchange for a relinquishment.
The birth parent’s legal rights and responsibilities for the child end when the relinquishment is reviewed and filed by the Department of Social Services and the acknowledgement is issued.
Parents may request to revoke (before the relinquishment is filed) or rescind (after the relinquishment is filed) the relinquishment, but this request will be granted only with the consent of the adoption agency.
Parents must be informed that there are services available which may help them keep their child prior to the taking of a relinquishment. These services include: legal consultation, financial resources, employment resources, education, child care, housing, health services and counseling.
In addition to the voluntary relinquishment of a child through the County Department of Children and Family Services Adoption Division, parents may also arrange for adoption of their child through a private, licensed adoption agency or through an independent adoption with the assistance of an attorney as mentioned above should you choose to find a relative, friend or other family willing to take your child.
