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Adoption
Considering Adoption in California? Get the Facts
Adoption is a deeply personal and sometimes challenging journey, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Pregnancy Care Center, we understand that choosing adoption requires careful consideration, comprehensive information, and unwavering support. We’re here to guide you through every step of the adoption process, ensuring you have all the facts needed to make the best decision for your unique situation.
Our experienced team is committed to providing you with compassionate care and expert guidance. We work closely with trusted adoption partners who will educate you about your rights as a birth parent and help you create a personalized adoption plan—completely on your terms.
Understanding Your Adoption Options:
A Complete Overview
When considering adoption, it’s essential to understand that there are multiple paths available. The type of adoption you choose will significantly impact your experience and ongoing relationship with the child and adoptive family. Let’s explore the comprehensive range of adoption options available to you.
Types of Adoption: Finding the Right Fit for You
Open adoption allows ongoing contact between birth parents and adoptive families. This can include exchanging names, visits, phone calls, and regular updates. It gives the child a clear sense of identity and connection to their biological roots while allowing the birth parents to remain part of the child’s life in a healthy, defined way.
Semi-open adoption offers limited communication, usually through letters, photos, or messages shared via an adoption agency or agreed-upon system. It provides some privacy for both families while still allowing the birth parents to know how the child is doing.
Closed adoption means there is no contact or identifying information shared between birth and adoptive parents. The records are sealed, and communication stops after placement. While this offers privacy and closure, it also limits the child’s access to their biological history and background later in life.
Your Rights and Choices as a Birth Parent
Understanding your rights throughout the adoption process is fundamental to making informed decisions. As a birth parent considering adoption, you have numerous rights and choices that remain protected throughout the entire process.
Do I Get to Choose The Adoptive Parents?
Yes. As the birth mother, you get to choose the adoptive family. This selection process is one of your most important rights and involves several key considerations:
- Family Characteristics
- Values and Lifestyle
- Special Considerations
Adoption agencies can provide you with detailed family profiles, allowing you to make an informed choice based on your specific criteria and preferences.
Creating Your Adoption Plan
Your adoption plan is a personalized document that outlines your preferences and expectations throughout the adoption process. This plan includes:
- Your choice of adoptive family
- Desired level of ongoing contact and communication
- Hospital and delivery preferences
- Post-placement contact arrangements
- Financial support and assistance needs
- Counseling and emotional support services
Can a Birth Mother Change Her Mind?
In direct placements, after a birth mother has consented to the adoption, she has 30 days to revoke it and request that the child be returned to her.
In agency adoptions, consent is final and can only be revoked mutually between the birth and adoptive parents. It can also be revoked if placement is not finalized with the adoptive family within 30 days.[1]
Legal Support and Advocacy
It’s important to understand that adoption laws are designed to protect both birth parents and adoptive families while ensuring the best interests of the child. Working with experienced adoption professionals ensures you understand your legal rights and timeframes specific to California.
Throughout the adoption process, you have the right to:
- Legal representation
- Full explanation of all legal documents
- Time to consider your decision without pressure
- Access to counseling and support services
- Understanding of your state’s specific adoption laws
- Clear information about revocation periods and procedures
Financial Considerations and Support
Many birth parents have questions about the financial aspects of adoption. In California, the adoptive family can provide financial assistance for pregnancy-related expenses, including[2]:
- Attorney fees
- Medical fees
- Counseling fees
- Living expenses
These services are provided without any obligation to proceed with adoption, and receiving assistance does not legally bind you to complete an adoption plan.
Start Your Adoption Journey In Fresno, California
Our compassionate team is here to answer your questions and give you the support you deserve, so you can make an empowered choice for your unplanned pregnancy. If you would like to learn more about adoption in California, give us a call at 559-237-0847 or schedule your appointment online today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to change my mind after signing adoption papers?
In direct placements, after a birth mother has consented to the adoption, she has 30 days to revoke it and request that the child be returned to her.
In agency adoptions, consent is final and can only be revoked mutually between the birth and adoptive parents. It can also be revoked if placement is not finalized with the adoptive family within 30 days.
Can I choose adoptive parents from a different state?
Yes, interstate adoptions are possible, though they involve additional legal requirements and procedures. A national adoption agency can find you an adoptive family in another state.
What if I can't afford the medical expenses during pregnancy?
The adoptive family can provide financial assistance for pregnancy-related expenses.
Sources
- Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2021, October). Consent to Adoption – California. https://www.childwelfare.gov/resources/consent-adoption-california/
- Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2022, May). Regulation of Private Domestic Adoption Expenses – California. https://www.childwelfare.gov/resources/consent-adoption-california/