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Can I Surrender My Child to the State?

How to Choose the Right Path for Your Situation

Surrendering your parental rights is a monumental decision. But, by considering this choice, you’re doing so out of selfless love for your child. It doesn’t make you a bad parent. Instead, it means that you’re doing all that you can to give your child the best life imaginable.

By choosing adoption, you’re giving your child a life of endless love and opportunity. This is a beautiful journey that will create a brighter future not only for yourself but also for your child.

If you’re interested in learning more about adoption, then contact us online to get more free information now. Our team is here to help you whenever you need us, whether it’s 4 p.m. or 4 a.m.

Can I Surrender My Child to the State?

The process for placing your child in state custody is different in every state. That’s why it’s often best to contact your local Department of Social Services or Department of Families and Children to learn about the options available to you.

Before committing to this permanent decision, though, there are other options, too. Through adoption, for instance, you can choose the perfect adoptive family for your child. Firsthand, you can watch their milestones and growth while knowing they’re with a loving family that you chose just for them.

How Do I Give My Child Away for Adoption?

If you want to give up your child for adoption, then the process will vary depending on your unique circumstances. We will work with you to make an adoption plan that perfectly matches your needs. You’ll be in full control of each facet of your adoption journey.

Generally speaking, you’ll follow these five steps of the adoption process:

  • Step 1: Reach out to our agency and receive all the support you need.
  • Step 2: Choose the right family for your baby and the type of adoption you want to pursue.
  • Step 3: Receive adoption financial assistance that covers all adoption-related fees.
  • Step 4: Complete the placement.
  • Step 5: Stay in touch with your child for years to come.

Many prospective birth mothers worry that they won’t be able to find a family for their baby. But, there are thousands of hopeful families to select from at our agency. Right now, you can browse a list of waiting family profiles that are specifically tailored to your search.

To learn more about choosing a family through our agency, you can contact us online at any time.

When Can I Relinquish Parental Rights in Adoption?

There are strict laws on when you’re able to surrender your parental rights in adoption. For the most part, though, you’ll need to wait until after you give birth. If your child is older, then there will likely be a waiting period until you can sign your consent for the adoption.

When you pursue adoption, you will need to terminate your parental rights as a part of the process. Keep in mind that this is your choice through and through. During your adoption journey, you’ll call all the shots while we do the heavy lifting. We’ll have your back every step of the way.

Here are a few things you can do while you’re considering surrendering your parental rights in adoption:

How Much Does It Cost When I Want to Give My Child Up for Adoption?

Putting your child up for adoption is 100% free for prospective birth mothers. With our full-service, comprehensive support, you can experience the adoption process without any extra financial stressors. That’s because of our adoption financial assistance.

The amount of financial assistance that you qualify for varies based on your situation and where you live, as this support is court-mandated. It can help cover living expenses like rent, utilities, groceries, legal fees and much more.

Birth mother Sara was grateful for the financial assistance she received when she worked with our agency. It helped her focus on more important parts of her adoption journey by alleviating the financial stressors. 

“It really made a huge difference in my life and made the process less stressful,” she said. “I was extremely grateful that everything was taken care of, and I can’t imagine going through the process without the financial support I received; having help was critical in me being able to do it stress-free.”

How Can I Start Surrendering My Parental Rights in Adoption Today?

One of the first things you’ll need to do is contact an adoption agency, such as American Adoptions. You’ll be connected with a birth parent specialist who will be your biggest supporter throughout the process. They’ll help you create an adoption plan, receive financial assistance, choose an adoptive family and much more.

Adoption is never an easy choice to make. But, the best things in life are never easy. Adoption can be a beautiful way to provide your child with a life of love and opportunity.

If you’re ready to begin your adoption journey today, then fill out our online contact form to get more adoption information now. We’d love to help you out in any way that we can.

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Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is American Adoptions the right adoption agency choice for many birth mothers?

American Adoptions is one of the largest licensed adoption agencies in the United States. Each year, we work with thousands of women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy and offer assistance to these women. Our large, caring staff is able to assist you seven days a week and provide you with one-on-one counseling about your pregnancy and available options.

You should choose an adoption agency where you feel completely comfortable with their services and staff. With American Adoptions, you will work with an Adoption Specialist who is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Adoption Specialist will be your advocate and will provide support and guidance as you create an adoption plan that is right for you.

How will the family tell my child about me and the adoption when my child is older?

Each family has their own style of introducing adoption to the child. When you are matched with an adoptive family, you can ask them this question. If you would like your Adoption Specialist to discuss it for you, just let her know. He or she can share your wishes or provide good ideas from other adoptive families.

You will also be able to share what you want your baby to know about you. You can complete a keepsake booklet to share hobbies, stories, photos of you and your family and a letter to your baby. The adoptive family can provide this to your child as he or she grows older. Be as creative as you like! Some birth mothers have even knitted a special blanket as a gift to their baby or given a similar symbol of their love.

The father of your baby can fill out the birth father's keepsake booklet or write a letter too. You may have other family members who would also like to share photos or a letter to the baby. This is your opportunity to pass on your and your family's love and to share your personality, history and reasons for choosing adoption. The adoptive family will treasure whatever information you provide and will share it with the baby at an appropriate age. In most adoptive homes, the word adoption is in the child's vocabulary early on, and adoption is celebrated in their lives.

Additional Resources

Teen Pregnancy - Information for Young Women

While not every woman who chooses adoption is a young mother, many are. Through adoption, many young women have found an ability to give their babies the best life possible, while finding the opportunity to realize their own dreams, as well. Call American Adoptions today at 1-800-ADOPTION.

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Adoption Glossary

Do adoption terms and phrases leave you feeling confused? Learn the meaning to key adoption words and phrases with our comprehensive adoption glossary.

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