How to Place Your Baby for Adoption in Texas

If you are pregnant and considering adoption, you may feel overwhelmed by the amount of information available to you.  You know that you want to provide the best possible home for your child, but simply do not know where to begin.  Perhaps the most important thing to know as an expectant mother in Texas is that you are not alone.  There are supportive, knowledgeable adoption professionals in Texas who can help you research all your unplanned pregnancy options and guide you in making an adoption plan for your baby.

The decision to place your baby for adoption is ultimately your choice to make.  Adoption is one of the most loving and long-term decisions you can make for your child, and should always be well-informed.  Before choosing to make an adoption plan, it is important to do your research.  Ask questions.  Prepare.  Learn about the steps you need to take to place your baby for adoption in Texas.  As a licensed adoption agency serving Texas, Adoptions With Love can help.  We are here to listen and answer questions, educate you on adoption in Texas, and help you make the most positive, informed decision for you and your baby.  Whether you are facing an unplanned pregnancy or have already given birth to your baby, we extend our support to you.

For over 34 years, Adoptions With Love has been building relationships with expert adoption counselors and attorneys licensed in your state.  If you need help placing your baby for adoption in Texas, know that you can always contact us.  We partner with experienced counselors, trusted Texas adoption agencies and attorneys that can help you explore your options, understand the adoption laws in your area, and design a plan that is tailored to your needs.

To help guide your adoption journey, here are the steps you must take to place your baby for adoption in Texas:

1. Choose and Meet with an Adoption Agency You Trust

Every adoption journey starts by choosing the right professional support to guide you through the process.  There are hundreds of adoption professionals in Texas who can help you, but it is important to find an agency that you trust, one that is reputable and will listen to your needs.  Choose an adoption agency that will discuss your options with you, adoption and beyond, and that will respect any choice you make.  The right adoption agency will stand by your side throughout the entire adoption experience – as you prepare for the adoption, after placement, and throughout your life in the years ahead.  Select an adoption agency that will be accessible to you any time of day, any day of the week, to answer your questions and help you design the perfect adoption plan.

2. Decide on the Adoption Plan that is Right for You

If you choose to work with an open adoption agency serving Texas, you will have complete say in your adoption plan, from choosing an adoptive family to deciding the amount of contact you want with your child’s family over the years.  At Adoptions With love, we can help you personally design the type of adoption plan that fits your wants and needs: you can choose an open adoption, semi-open adoption, or a closed adoption plan.  An adoption counselor will explain each option to you and, if you would like, will help you create an adoption plan that will last for years to come.  You can also select and meet an adoptive family for your baby, if you wish.

3. Select a Loving Adoptive Family

After creating your adoption plan, you will have the option to choose an adoptive family to raise your child.  If you would like to make this loving choice, your open adoption agency can share with you a selection of prospective Adoptive Parent Profiles.  These family profiles, consisting of letters and photos, will help you get to know each waiting family and choose the best match for your baby.  At Adoptions With Love, we will listen carefully to your wishes and show you the families that can meet all you envision for your child.

No matter which adoptive family you choose, know that your child will be safe and secure.  All potential adoptive families must be thoroughly screened and evaluated by a licensed adoption agency.  This includes a home study process as well as a series of background checks to ensure each family is fit to raise a child.  Adoption agencies such as Adoptions With Love are here to make sure your baby is placed in a loving, safe, and stable home.

4. Understand the Adoption Laws in Texas

Adoption laws and statutes vary state to state.  In Texas, no mother can sign legal adoption documents until at least 48 hours after the baby is born.  This gives birth mothers a chance to spend time with their baby and to think about their choice.  Once an adoption is finalized in Texas, you cannot change your mind.  For this reason, we encourage you to take time before making this decision.  Adoption is a lifelong choice, and we want you to be comfortable and confident that it is the best one for you and your child.

In making an adoption plan, it is important to find an adoption agency that is knowledgeable, experienced, and specifically trained in the laws of your area.  If you choose to work with Adoptions With Love, you can meet with our attorney partners who are experts in Texas adoptions.  They can meet with you – wherever you are – to help walk you through the legal adoption process.

Adoptions With Love’s legal services are always free of charge.  In fact, there is never a cost for expectant or birth parent services at our agency.  We can provide financial assistance for pregnancy-related expenses needed before, during, and up to six weeks after your baby’s adoption, such as:

• Complete counseling
• Help designing your adoption plan
• Assistance finding quality medical care
• Housing assistance 
• Financial assistance
• Legal assistance

5. Pursue Ongoing Adoption Support

Adoption is a lifelong journey full of new, sensitive emotions and relationships.  Adoptions With Love can help you navigate these feelings and manage any adoption relationships or communication for years to come.  As part of your post-adoption plan, we offer free ongoing, confidential counseling services.  We can also help you create a post-adoption contract with the adoptive family, and mediate any contact you wish to have with his or her family down the road.

At Adoptions With Love, we want you to know how brave you are for making this selfless choice.  Know that we are always here for you.  Whether you are pregnant or have already given birth to your baby, it is never too late to start your adoption in Texas.  Call us at 800-722-7731 or text us confidentially at 617-777-0072.

This is our State by State Adoption blog series.  To learn about the different areas we service, or to find the specific steps of adoption in your state, please visit adoptionswithlove.org/areas-we-service.