How to Give Your Baby Up for Adoption in Kentucky

Are you facing an unplanned pregnancy in Kentucky? You may be considering “giving up your baby for adoption.” The first thing to know about adoption is that it does not mean “giving up.” Giving up implies that you are not trying or that you do not care. In reality, adoption is all about trying to make a positive plan for your baby’s life—all because you care about his or her best interests. For this reason, we recommend saying, “making an adoption plan” or “placing my baby for adoption,” rather than “giving up.”

Making an adoption plan for your child is a brave, selfless decision. It requires strength and devotion as you lovingly plan for your baby’s future. It means putting your child’s needs before your own to provide them with the best life possible.

You do not need to face this journey alone. A reputable adoption agency in Kentucky, such as Adoptions With Love, can help you through this process. An adoption agency will educate you about your options and the steps to give your baby up for adoption in Kentucky. However, you will be in complete control of your adoption plan.

Expectant/birth parents in Kentucky have the power to choose the adoptive family for their baby. They can also choose the form and frequency of communication with the family, before and after birth. They can create a birth plan to follow in the hospital.

Placing your baby for adoption in Kentucky is never an easy decision. You may be feeling overwhelmed, confused, stressed, and alone all at the same time. Keep in mind that you are never alone. Many women are facing similar circumstances at this very moment. Half of all pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned each year, and one-third of these pregnant people consider adoption.

The Process of Placing Your Baby for Adoption in Kentucky

As you consider making an adoption plan in Kentucky, you will want to be informed. Read on, as we break down the steps to take if you decide to place your baby for adoption in Kentucky.

1. Research your options in Kentucky.

Before making any decision regarding your pregnancy, you will want to know all the options available to you. There are typically three options for expectant/birth mothers:

• Parenthood
• Adoption
• Abortion – If you live in Kentucky, you must travel to another state for this option.

When Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, Kentucky was one of 13 states that immediately banned abortion. This means that abortion is illegal after six weeks of pregnancy in Kentucky, unless the pregnancy is life-threatening to the expectant mother.

2. Find an adoption agency you trust.

If you want to learn more about adoption, your first step is to contact a Kentucky adoption agency. There are many adoption professionals who can help you, but it is important to find an organization that you trust throughout this journey. Choose an adoption agency that will keep you informed, respect your decisions, and provide you support services, free of cost and bias.

3. Create an adoption plan.

One of the benefits of adoption is that it does not need to mean “goodbye forever.” Today, choosing adoption as an expectant/birth parent means having the power to choose the type of adoption that meets your needs. You can choose to have an:

• Open adoption,
• Semi-open adoption, or
• Closed adoption.

Most adoptions today are open or semi-open, meaning there is some ongoing communication between birth and adoptive parents. Your adoption specialist can help you determine the right plan for you. If you want to maintain ongoing communication with your child’s adoptive family, you can determine the form and frequency. You may choose to connect via text messaging once a month or email a few times a year. Some families decide to reunite in person. There is no right or wrong way to set up an adoption plan. Every prospective adoptive family at Adoptions With Love agrees to an open or semi-open adoption.

If you feel that a closed adoption is the right choice for you, the staff at Adoptions With Love keeps letters and photos on file for you, if you wish to see updates of your child in the future.

No matter the type of adoption plan you choose, your decisions will be respected and supported.

4. Choose an adoptive family.

Another choice expectant/birth mothers have, when choosing adoption, is choosing the adoptive family. You have the power to decide who will raise and love your child. If you are considering adoption, then you are already a thoughtful and loving mother. You want the best for your child, and that means finding the best adoptive family.

Expectant/birth mothers in Kentucky may browse the many profiles of hopeful adoptive families who are ready to raise a child. You can look through photo albums and read their stories and letters. These profiles can help paint a picture of the life your child will live. After browsing through these profiles, you may wish to speak with them to get a better sense of who they are. You can speak with hopeful adoptive families if you wish. The choice is yours.

No matter which family you choose, know that your child will be raised in a safe, stable, and loving home. Adoptions With Love ensures each prospective adoptive family is thoroughly screened through a series of interviews, home visits, and background checks. Each family is guaranteed to be healthy and stable – physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially.

5. Know the legal requirements in Kentucky.

Adoption laws vary by state. In Kentucky, no parent can sign legal adoption consent forms until at least 72 (about three days) after the baby is born. This gives you time to meet your child and consider your decision one more time before making it final.

Adoption laws can be complex, so it is important to work with an adoption agency that can offer you free legal services. The adoption attorney team at Adoptions With Love is well-versed in adoption laws in Kentucky. Their knowledge and experience can help guide you through this process.

6. Receive post-placement adoption services.

Adoption is a life-changing experience. It does not end once you have signed the consent forms. Once the adoption is finalized, you can begin your journey toward healing. Adoptions With Love offers comprehensive counseling services at no cost to the expectant/birth mother. This free service continues up to one year after the adoption is complete.

How to Prepare for Giving Your Baby Up for Adoption in Kentucky

Knowing the steps to place your baby for adoption in Kentucky is helpful. However, going through these steps can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you prepare for this journey:

• Do your research and meet with an adoption counselor that is experienced in Kentucky adoption. This will help you make an informed decision for your baby.
• Know your rights and your options as an expectant/birth mother.
• Work with an adoption agency that is caring, reputable, and always there for you. Your adoption agency should be with you even after your adoption is finalized.
• Take advantage of free services, like counseling support.
• Choosing and meeting the family ahead of time can help give you peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions About Placing a Baby for Adoption in Kentucky

• When do I need to make an adoption plan in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, you can make an adoption plan at any point during your pregnancy or after birth. While you cannot sign consent forms until 72 hours after post-birth, you can make your adoption plans at any time. Your adoption specialist can meet you in the hospital – or at home – to help you. It is never too late to make an adoption plan.

• Who can help me with an adoption in Kentucky?

A reputable Kentucky adoption agency, such as Adoptions With Love, can help you with every step of the adoption process.

• What will my baby think of me?

Making an adoption plan is one of the most loving and selfless things a mother can do for her child. You are putting your child’s needs above your own feelings. With the help of open adoption, your child will know they are loved by not one, but two families.

• Will I get paid to place my baby for adoption in Kentucky?

While you cannot receive monetary compensation for placing your child for adoption in Kentucky, you may receive financial assistance. Adoptions With Love offers expectant/birth mothers who choose adoption many supportive services, including security deposits and several months of rent, utility bill coverage, phone bill coverage, medical coverage, and  maternity clothes.

• How do I get started?

When you are ready to learn more about adoption, reach out to Adoptions With Love. Our compassionate counselors are ready to guide you through this process.

Call 800-722-7731, text 617-777-0772 confidentially, or contact us online. We can help you navigate the adoption journey every step of the way.

Adoptions With Love is a licensed, nonprofit, private adoption agency that works with expectant/birth mothers nationwide to provide personal and individualized care. We are dedicated to providing compassionate care for expectant/birth mothers in Kentucky.