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Last-Minute Adoption and 4 FAQs [and Answers]

For many prospective birth mothers, choosing adoption takes time and deliberation. It’s not always easy to give yourself a deadline for such a life-changing decision.

But, pregnancy comes with a clear deadline, and it could seem like you need to decide if adoption is right for you early on in your pregnancy. That isn’t exactly the case. If you’re considering adoption farther along in your pregnancy, then know that it’s never too late to choose adoption. Even if it feels like you’re considering a last-minute adoption, it’s still an option.

As an adoption resource, we receive plenty of questions from pregnant people who are worried that a last-minute adoption isn’t feasible. They ask questions such as:

  • “How quickly can I place my child up for adoption?”
  • “Are there adoption agencies that accept infants after birth?”
  • “Are same-day adoptions a possibility?”

Below, we will answer these FAQs and more to give you all the information you need about a last-minute adoption. If you would like to learn more, then please don’t hesitate to contact us today.

1.     I just gave birth. Who do I contact about adoption?

Most adoption professionals will be able to help you complete a last-minute adoption for your child. If you have recently given birth and want to expedite the adoption process, then be sure to contact a national adoption agency that works with many adoptive families at once. You may want to consider calling a 24/7 adoption hotline, which you can find here.

This way, you can find the right adoptive family for your child, and you can find them sooner rather than later. In this instance, we recommend reaching out to American Adoptions, as they have both video and print profiles for hopeful adoptive families. They will be able to connect you with waiting adoptive parents as soon as possible.

2.     How quickly can I place my child up for adoption?

How quickly you want to place your baby up for adoption is up to you and depends on your preferences. There are five simple steps when it comes to placing a child for adoption, even if it is a last-minute adoption. You can complete these steps as slowly or as quickly as you wish. This is because you are always in complete control of your adoption journey.

Step 1: Choose adoption

If you are reading this article, then it’s likely that you have already decided that adoption is the right path for you and your child. But, remember that only you know what is best for your circumstances. No one else can tell you what is right for your baby or yourself.

Step 2: Select an adoption professional

Contact a national adoption agency that has the most resources to help you as quickly as you need. Reputable adoption agencies will offer benefits such as 24/7 counseling, hundreds of adoptive families to choose from, experienced staff members and more.

Step 3: Choose your child’s adoptive parents

Your adoption professional will show you profiles of waiting hopeful adoptive families. If you see one that you like, then you can set up a phone call if you’d like to learn more about them. In most cases, when you choose a family, they’ll be willing to travel to come to see you immediately.

Step 4: Meet your child’s adoptive parents [if you wish]

No matter how late of a last-minute adoption it is, you can still choose an open adoption, in which you, your child and the adoptive family stay in touch and share a lifelong bond. You can communicate through letters, emails, texts, in-person visits or whatever you feel comfortable with. There are varying levels of openness in adoption, so you are free to choose whatever form of communication best suits your needs.

Step 5: Place your child for adoption

Now, you’ll give consent to your child’s adoption. This process will vary depending on what state you live in. Your adoption professional will guide you through this step so you know what to expect when you’re ready to sign. This is also when you terminate your parental rights, so the adoptive parents will have all legal rights and responsibilities from this point forward.

Adoption finalization will also occur later on. This is a brief court hearing, usually 30 minutes to an hour in length, during which the adoptive parents go to a local court to receive the final decree of adoption from a judge. You are not required to be present, but you can always make an appearance to show your support!

3.     Are same-day adoptions a possibility?

Yes. If you are wondering how to place your child for adoption today, then know that the process described above can be condensed into a day if you need it to be. In this case, you may rely more on your adoption professional to help you choose the adoptive parents.

Be sure to ask them about their screening process, and also know that any family who has been cleared to adopt has undergone an adoption home study. This means that they have successfully completed background checks, interviews with each family member, a home inspection and more. They have been deemed ready to provide a child with a loving, safe home.

4.     Are there adoption agencies that accept infants after birth?

Many adoption agencies work with prospective birth mothers after their delivery. Remember that it would be best to reach out to an adoption agency that works with many adoptive families at once. This means that they will be able to find the right adoptive family for you much more quickly.

Also, research any adoption professional you choose to make sure that they handle everything legally, ethically and appropriately. Never turn to websites like Craigslist to find adoptive parents for your baby. This is unsafe, and it could put your child and yourself in danger. Sticking with licensed, reputable adoption professionals is always the way to go.

To get started on a last-minute adoption today, reach out to us through our online contact form or contact any of the following adoption professionals: