A Guide to Open Adoption in Tennessee

If you are living in Tennessee and facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be considering making an open adoption plan. Open adoption in Tennessee is a positive choice for anyone who is unable to parent but wishes to have a relationship with their child someday. This type of adoption plan brings many expectant/birth mothers peace of mind, as it is not “goodbye” forever. It is, in fact, just the beginning.

Open adoption looks different for every family, in general, it means there is ongoing communication between birth and adoptive parents. This allows the birth mother to choose adoptive parents for her child, if desired, and form a relationship. If you are considering open adoption in Tennessee, you will want to start with an open adoption agency that is qualified and has experience with adoptions in the state. Each state has its own adoption laws and regulations, so it is important to work with an agency that can provide you with an adoption attorney – free of charge.

Choosing to work with a Tennessee open adoption agency also means having access to many financial, emotional, and medical services – all at no cost to you. It is also empowering because all pregnancy decisions are yours and yours alone. The best adoption agency will respect – and support – your decisions. You have the power to choose the adoptive family, the level of contact after the adoption is complete, and you will be supported every step of the way.

How Does Open Adoption in Tennessee Work?

There is no “right” or “wrong” way to make an adoption plan. As mentioned above, open adoption looks different for everyone who places their child for adoption. The form and frequency of contact are your decision.

Some birth mothers and adoptive families choose to stay connected with emails. Others may choose to chat on the phone a few times per year. You may choose to have in-person reunions from time-to-time. There are many options when it comes to setting up an open adoption plan. This is a personal decision that must be custom designed to fit the needs of a birth mother and her growing child.

While the decisions are all yours, you can get help in designing the open adoption plan. At Adoptions With Love, for example, your adoption counselor can work with you to help you decide what makes you most comfortable. They can facilitate the arrangement before putting it in an open adoption agreement. This plan is agreed upon before the adoption is final, but the plan may be modified as your needs, and your child’s needs, evolve over the years.

The Benefits of Open Adoption in Tennessee

Open adoption in Tennessee is a common choice for expectant/birth parents and their families today, because of the many benefits it offers. There are benefits to birth mothers, adoptive parents, and – most importantly – the children being adopted.

Adoption is not the taboo subject it once was in the U.S. Many birth parents today are open about expressing how much their open adoption plan means to them. Madison, a birth mom who made her adoption plan with Adoptions With Love in 2021, had this to say about her open adoption arrangement:

“Our relationship with [the adoptive parents] and the baby is amazing. We are one big family. We speak at least once a week via text, but generally a lot more than that! We communicate with one another about what is comfortable for us, as well as the baby. We take it day by day. We get to FaceTime with him as well!”

Madison also shared advice for birth parents considering adoption:

“Always, always trust your gut. You are in control… And every journey is different. It is not easy whatsoever. Take it day by day. I loved my baby more than myself; and wanted him to have a better life than what I could give to him. Making this decision hurt a lot and still does, but I know he is happy. I know how much his family loves him. And he knows that his birth father and I love him.”

As Madison mentioned, open adoption can help you cope with the normal feelings of grief that come with making an adoption plan. The healthy, loving relationship that you get to witness between your child and their adoptive family will help you see first-hand that your child is, without a doubt, growing up in a safe, stable, and loving home.

Another powerful benefit of open adoption is the freedom it gives you to work toward your own personal and professional dreams, all while maintaining a positive relationship with your child.

Open adoption offers many benefits to children, as well. With an open adoption plan, your child has a better chance of:

• Developing a strong sense of identity
• Building a deeper understanding of their cultural and ethnic heritage
• Connecting with any other biological relatives in the future
• Gaining an understanding of why they were placed for adoption, which helps their relationships with birth parents in the future

Open Adoption After Adoption is Complete

A Tennessee open adoption works similarly to open adoption in other states.  The journey of adoption does not end with finalization. Adoption is a lifelong journey. It becomes a part of all birth and adoptive families’ lives, forever touching lives.

Reputable adoption agencies, such as Adoptions With Love, oversee and manage the entire adoption process. Throughout the years, your child’s needs may change. Open adoption plans may be modified to accommodate these changing needs. Your adoption agency can assist you whenever you need it.

Adoption laws vary by state and can be complex. Adoption attorneys that work with adoption agencies in Tennessee can help you along in the legal process, ensuring that you are aware of your rights – at no cost to you.

Free Services for Tennessee Open Adoptions

Expectant/birth mothers who choose to work with a Tennessee open adoption agency have access to the resources and support they need. There should never be any costs for birth mothers who choose adoption.

At Adoptions With Love, expectant/birth mothers who make an adoption plan for their child receive the following free supportive services:

• Housing assistance. We can cover a deposit and several months of rent.
• Other living expenses, such as utilities, phone bills, food, transportation, and even maternity clothes, as needed.
• Medical coverage. We can help you find a midwife or doctor with whom you feel comfortable, and cover any uninsured medical expenses related to the pregnancy, birth, and recovery.
• Legal support. Our experienced Tennessee adoption attorneys will answer any questions you may have and meet you at a time/place that is convenient for you.
• Counseling services, before and after adoption is
• Ongoing contact. We can help you design an adoption plan and stay connected over the years.

At Adoptions With Love, you will always have free meetings with licensed attorneys and compassionate counselors specifically trained in Tennessee adoption. These professionals are caring, patient, and sensitive to your needs. They will listen – and really hear – your concerns, fears, and wishes, and work diligently to make sure you feel supported every step of the way.

It is Never Too Late

In the State of Tennessee, a birth mother must wait until at least 72 hours (3 days) after the baby is born to sign consent forms. This gives you time to meet your baby and think about your decision before making it final.

It is never too late to place your baby for adoption in Tennessee. Whether you are in the first trimester, the third, or you have already given birth – you can always contact an adoption agency for support. You can lovingly make an adoption plan after you bring the baby home from the hospital, as well. Expectant/birth mothers thinking about open adoption in Tennessee can contact a professional for information or help in making an adoption plan at any time. There are never any fees for making an open adoption plan.

If you want to learn more about open adoption in Tennessee, contact Adoptions With Love by text (SMS) at 617-777-0072, by phone at 1-800-722-7731, or by message online. We can answer your call any time of day or night, any day of the week.