The Adoption Process

I think it is helpful to set forth the adoption process for birth mothers. While there are exceptions, here is the process for a "typical" domestic adoption:

1. "Am I pregnant?" asks the client.
2. If yes, she receives options counseling. Does she want to learn about adoption?
3. If yes, she may speak with an adoption agency, social worker or attorney to discuss adoption and make an adoption plan for her child.
4. The client receives additional counseling during the course of her pregnancy and makes a hospital plan setting forth her wishes in the hospital (e.g., does the client want hold the baby, does she want to stay on the maternity floor or move off the floor to another area).
5. The client is presented with information on potential adoptive families and makes her selection.
6. If the client and a potential adoptive family decide to move forward, they are matched.
7. Once the baby is born, the client must decide whether or not she wants to parent or move forward with the adoption plan.
8. If she chooses to continue with her adoption plan, the client relinquishes custody of the child and consents to the placement.
9. The client receives follow up counseling and her parental rights are terminated.

I hope this explanation of the adoption process is helpful.