Michigan Adoption Agency Guide

Deciding to place a baby for adoption in Michigan is a positive, loving choice. It is a thoughtful, brave, and selfless path to take for the sake of your child’s future. If you are living in Michigan and facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be researching “Michigan adoption agencies.” If that is the case, keep reading.

In this guide, we will walk you through the adoption process. We will also share what to expect with the Michigan adoption process, the Michigan adoption requirements, and what to look for when trying to find the best adoption agencies in Michigan.

Types of Adoption Agencies in Michigan

There are several different types of adoption agencies in Michigan. It can be hard to know where to begin. To help you, use this quick outline as a reference when researching “adoption Michigan:”

Private Adoption Agencies in Michigan

This type of adoption agency handles the domestic adoption of children born in the U.S. This is the type of adoption agency that typically handles infants and young children, working with expectant/birth mothers voluntarily choosing adoption. This is the right type of adoption agency for any birth parent in the U.S. lovingly making an adoption plan for their child.

International Adoption Agencies

This type of adoption agency places children born outside of the U.S. with prospective adoptive parents who are American. If you are an expectant/birth parent in the U.S., you would not use this type of adoption agency.

Foster Care Adoption Agencies in Michigan

Foster care is a state-run system to place a child in the custody of a pre-approved foster parent. This can be a temporary situation until the child is returned to their family, or a child may be adopted by their foster parents. If a child is taken into state custody and placed in a foster home, it is because their parents – or home environment – have been deemed unfit or unsafe for the child. A family court judge will deem this course of action necessary. A birth parent does not voluntarily choose foster care for their child.

Benefits of Choosing a Private Adoption Agency in Michigan

There are many benefits for expectant/birth parents who choose to work with a Michigan adoption agency. One of these key benefits is having access to the supportive services available – at no cost to you. These include financial assistance, counseling services, legal support, and medical coverage – not to mention assistance custom designing an adoption plan.

Another benefit of working with an adoption agency in Michigan is peace of mind. In the state of Michigan, every child adopted must be placed with parents who have completed a home study. The home study is a process that takes several months to complete, and includes a thorough background check and screening, multiple home visits and interviews, and the review of important medical and financial documents. This brings comfort to expectant/birth mothers choosing adoption. You can rest assured that your child is going to a safe, stable, and healthy home.

Services Offered at Adoption Agencies in Michigan

When you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering adoption, it is important to consider the support you will need during this challenging time. Will you be able to work throughout your pregnancy? Do you need medical coverage? Your mental and physical health should be prioritized. With the right Michigan adoption agency, you will have access to all of these services – and more – at no cost to you.

At Adoptions With Love, Michigan birth parents have access to the following services – at no cost:

• Counseling services, with our experienced adoption counselors, before and after adoption.
• Legal support. We can provide you with a team of Michigan adoption attorneys well-versed in Michigan adoption laws. They can answer any questions you may have about the adoption process and ensure that your rights are protected.
• Financial aid. We can cover a deposit and several months of rent. We can also cover other living expenses, such as utilities, phone bills, transportation, food, and even maternity clothes, as needed.
• Medical care. We can reimburse any uninsured medical bills related to pregnancy and birth once the adoption is complete.
• Adoption planning assistance. We can help you find an adoptive family for your child. We can also help you custom design an adoption plan that meets your needs, whether you would like to have an open, semi-open, or closed adoption.
• Ongoing support. Our adoption professionals will stay connected with you over the years, supporting your unique adoption plan.

Frequently Asked Questions for Birth Parents in Michigan

When do I consent to adoption?

The State of Michigan requires birth parents to wait at least 72 hours (3 days) before signing consent to the adoption. This gives you time to meet your baby and consider your decision. At Adoptions With Love, we encourage birth parents to take all the time they need before consenting to the adoption. It is never too late to make an adoption plan.

Can I change my mind after consenting to the adoption?

Consent may be revoked if it is requested within five days, but a judge may deny this request. That is why it is important to be confident in your decision before signing consent.

Does the birth father need to consent?

Michigan does not have a putative father registry, but any birth father that files an acknowledgment of paternity is entitled to notice of any official hearing regarding his child. Birth fathers’ rights are complicated and are typically handled on a state-by-state basis. It is best to consult your Michigan adoption agency for guidance on this topic.

Can I be paid for my child’s adoption?

While you cannot receive monetary compensation for your child’s adoption, you can receive support that eases the financial burden. In Michigan, an expectant/birth mother may receive money to cover the expenses of medical bills, adoption services, legal fees, counseling services, and living expenses during the pregnancy and up to six weeks postpartum.

What will my child think about the adoption?

This is a common concern for expectant/birth parents. Most children in open adoption report having positive feelings about their adoption. They grow up knowing the story about their adoption, helping them to have an appreciation for both birth and adoptive families. They typically have a relationship with their birth mother and know they are loved by two families, not one.