Place Your Baby for Adoption in Massachusetts

Are you considering giving up your baby for adoption in Massachusetts?*

Facing an unplanned pregnancy can be emotional and overwhelming. Like many women in this situation, you may be thinking about adoption but unsure of where to go for help. You may be searching online for information or places that can help with giving your baby up for adoption in Massachusetts.

The decision to make an adoption plan for your child is never easy. It is one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make. However, adoption is also one of the most loving and positive choices you can make for your child, if you are not ready to parent.

*Giving Your Baby Up for Adoption in Massachusetts is NOT “Giving Up”

Adoption is not always the right choice for every person facing an unplanned pregnancy. For this reason, it is important to understand all of your options: Adoption, termination, and parenthood. Take time to learn about each option’s benefits, challenges, and possible outcomes—for both you and your baby.

If you do feel ready to make an adoption plan for your baby, it is important to remember that adoption is not “giving up.” Adoption is a brave, caring, and selfless decision that comes from a place of love. By considering adoption, you are putting the needs of your child before your own, in order to provide him or her with the best possible life.

Instead of saying “give baby up for adoption,” we recommend saying “make an adoption plan.” “Making an adoption plan” is more appropriate, as it speaks to the loving and thoughtful plan being made to place your child in a safe, stable, and loving home. This phrase is important, not only for expectant/birth mothers, but for the children being placed for adoption, as well.

How to Give a Baby Up for Adoption in Massachusetts

Placing a baby for adoption can be overwhelming. It is important to remember that you do not have to go through this process on your own. An adoption agency’s main purpose is to help women like you feel supported, informed, and empowered throughout the adoption journey.

In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, expectant/birth mothers must always work with a Massachusetts licensed adoption agency. This will ensure your adoption is carried out safely and legally, and that your child is placed in a permanent, loving home.

If you are wondering how to place your baby for adoption in Massachusetts, read on. We have created this short guide to show you some of the steps you can take if you decide to make an adoption plan in Massachusetts.

1. Choose a Massachusetts Adoption Agency

Choosing the right adoption agency in Massachusetts is an important first step of the adoption process. In fact, it is required. In order to make a legal, secure adoption plan in Massachusetts, you must work with a non-profit adoption agency that is licensed by the Commonwealth.

When looking for adoption agencies in Massachusetts, try to find one that is licensed, reputable, and compassionate. Make sure they can offer you personalized, caring services at every step of the way. The right adoption agency will be by your side throughout the entire adoption experience—as you prepare for the adoption, after placement, and throughout your life. Your agency professionals should always listen to your wishes, respect your choices, and use those to help you design the perfect adoption plan. You should never feel pressured by your adoption agency. You should always feel supported and be able to reach your adoption agency 24/7 if you ever need help.

2. Understand the Adoption Laws in Massachusetts

Adoption laws and regulations differ depending on the state. It is important to find an adoption agency who is specifically trained in and knowledgeable of the adoption laws in Massachusetts.

In Massachusetts, no parent can sign legal adoption documents until four days after the baby’s birth. This ensures that birth parents are very confident in their decision. Once the legal documents are signed, the birth parents cannot change their minds. That is why, at Adoptions With Love, we want you to be completely certain that you are making the best possible decision for your child.

At Adoptions With Love, we have highly trained attorneys who are experienced with Massachusetts adoptions. They will help you understand the adoption laws and ensure that your rights as an expectant/birth mother are protected. These compassionate legal services are offered free-of-charge through Adoptions With Love. You can rest assured your adoption will be legal and safe, without the stress of costs.

3. Discuss an Adoption Plan

With a Massachusetts open adoption agency, you will have the option to design the type of adoption plan you want:

• An open adoption, meaning you will have contact with the adoptive family
• A semi-open adoption, meaning you might have mediated contact with the family
• A closed adoption plan, no identifying information will be shared with the adoptive family

The type of adoption plan you choose is a very personal decision. While your adoption agency can help guide you through your options (and discuss different methods of communication you may have with an adoptive family), only you know what is best for you and your child. Some common forms of communication between birth/adoptive families include:

• Email updates
• Letters and pictures through the agency
• Phone calls
• Text messages
• Shared photo accounts
• In-person visits
• And more

Most adoptions today are open to some degree. This has proven beneficial for both child and birth mother. In fact, 90 percent of adopted children over age five say they are happy with their open adoption circumstances.

If you decide to have a closed adoption, your adoption agency will fully support and respect your decision. Open adoption is not right for everyone. At Adoptions With Love, we always keep photos and letters on file throughout the years, should you change your mind down the road and wish to receive updates of your child as he or she grows.

Through an open adoption arrangement, you can also select the family of your child and meet them, if you wish.

4. Choose an Adoptive Family

If you would like to choose an adoptive family for your baby, your adoption agency can show you various approved waiting families in Massachusetts who may be a match for your child. Adoptions With Love has carefully screened each family that we approve for adoption. You can take as much time as you need in choosing the perfect adoptive family for your baby. You can also meet them in person.

Some of the steps you will take in finding an adoptive family for your child include:

• Talking with your adoption agency about what qualities you are looking for in an adoptive family
• Browsing through profiles of prospective adoptive families
• Asking questions to learn more about these families
• Contacting the prospective adoptive family you have chosen
• Create your adoption plan and discuss the future with family
• Plan your hospital stay and how they will be involved

In Massachusetts, it is required that all potential adoptive families be thoroughly screened and evaluated by a licensed adoption agency. We go to their homes to ensure the environment is safe and secure. They have gone through an extensive home study process as well as a series of background checks and interviews, to ensure their stability. We want to make sure your baby is placed in a loving and stable home.

5. Create a Post Adoption Agreement

An Open Adoption Agreement is a legal and binding agreement that is part of the Massachusetts adoption regulations. . This agreement is signed by the birth parents and adoptive parents. It is entered into court at the time of finalization. In this plan, you can determine if you want contact with your child and his or her adoptive family, as well as how much contact you would like. You can choose to have ongoing face-to-face meetings with your adoptive family, communicate with them through email or phone, solely maintain contact through the agency, or have no contact at all. The choices are yours.

Just as every woman is unique, every adoption plan is unique.  When you work with Adoptions With Love, know that your post-adoption plan will be completely tailored to meet the needs of you, your child, and your child’s adoptive family.

6. Pursue Ongoing Adoption Support

After your baby’s adoption, it is important to seek ongoing support. Through a reputable Massachusetts adoption agency, you can participate in support groups or meet one-on-one with a licensed counselor. At Adoptions With Love, we promise you will have our support and ongoing counseling after the adoption.

Adoptions With Love is a full-service adoption agency. We provide the following free services to expectant/birth mothers considering adoption in Massachusetts:

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

Massachusetts Adoption Information for Expectant/Birth Mothers

Can I give my baby up for adoption?

Adoption in is a great option for unplanned pregnancy. It has benefits for all involved – birth parents, adoptive parents, and – most importantly – adoptees. Is it the right choice for you?

The decision to make an adoption plan is a deeply personal one. Every expectant/birth mother must make this decision for herself. It is not something that anyone should be pushed into, and it is something that requires careful thought and consideration. Only you can decide what is best for you and your baby.

If you feel that adoption is the right choice, Adoptions With Love will support you every step of the way. We will not, however, ever pressure you into making any decisions regarding your pregnancy or adoption.

You decision to make an adoption plan can be made at any time. There is no expiration date on adoption. Whether you have just learned about your pregnancy, or you have already given birth, you can make a loving adoption plan for your child when you feel that the time is right. You can make an adoption plan for a baby that is several months old. It is never too late.

What are the different types of adoption in MA?

There are many different types of adoption to choose from in Massachusetts. If you are considering making an adoption plan, you may choose between the following types of adoptions:

• Open
• Semi-open
• Closed

While most adoptions today are open, you may choose the type of adoption that fits your needs. At Adoptions With Love, every adoptive family agrees to at least a semi-open adoption, meaning there is some limited communication and information sharing between the birth and adoptive families.

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

While you will not be paid a lump sum of money for giving a baby up for adoption in MA, you may be supported financially during the adoption process. At Adoptions With Love offers expectant/birth mothers financial assistance with:

• We can cover the deposit and several months of rent.
• Utilities
• Maternity clothes
• Groceries
• Transportation
• Medical coverage

How can I find an adoptive family for my baby in MA?

Finding an adoptive family for your baby is an important part of the journey. You want to be ensured that your child is going to a safe, stable, and loving home. This is why it is so important to work with an adoption agency. An adoption agency will have a list of families who have been thoroughly screened, interviewed, and approved to adopt.

At Adoptions With Love, every prospective adoptive family is thoroughly evaluated as part of the Home Study process. This helps put many expectant/birth mothers at ease, knowing the family they choose for their child is healthy – physically, mentally, and financially, too.

Your adoption specialist can give you profiles of several families looking to adopt. You can browse through their photos, read their letters, and get the information you need to make an informed decision. If you have even more questions about an adoptive family profile, you can ask your adoption specialist. You may also choose to speak with – or meet with – the family before making your decision.

What are the birth father’s rights in Massachusetts?

When it comes to adoption in Massachusetts, the rights of both parents must be terminated before any legal proceedings, whether voluntary or involuntary. Only an adoption professional can advise a birth mother on parental rights in Massachusetts, including whether those rights can be involuntarily terminated in a court of law. While an expectant/birth mother may not always need the father’s consent – particularly if he is unknown or uninvolved – this can only be confirmed by your adoption agency’s professionals and attorneys.

If you are considering adoption, but you have not yet spoken with an adoption attorney, contact an adoption professional to get in touch with one.

What should I know about Massachusetts adoption laws and my rights as a birth mother?

Before an adoption can take place, a child’s birth parents must first terminate their legal parental rights. This must happen before a child is eligible for adoption in Massachusetts. According to Massachusetts adoption laws, consent to an adoption must not be given by a child’s birth parent until at least four days after the child’s birth. This gives you time to get to know your baby and consider your decision one last time before making it final. Once you have signed consent papers, the decision cannot be reversed. Adoptions With Love understands that adoption is a difficult decision and wants you to be confident in the decision. If you have any questions regarding your birth rights as an expectant/birth mother, contact your adoption agency’s professionals and/or attorneys.

Make an Adoption Plan in Massachusetts with AWL

Adoption is a life-changing experience. It can bring many emotions and many birth mothers report experiencing feelings of loss and grief. There are, however, many benefits in choosing adoption in Massachusetts.

Choosing adoption means the possibility for a bright future – for both you and baby. An adopted child is more likely to be read to, sung to, and told stories on a daily basis. They are given many opportunities and enjoy a lifetime of love and happiness. Children in open adoption report having positive feelings about their adoption, and often feel the love of two families instead of one.

For a birth mother, there are many benefits of choosing adoption. Not only are you given the peace of mind of knowing that your child is happy, healthy, and safe with their adoptive family, but you also can have a relationship with your child in the future. Birth mothers are also given the chance to work toward their own personal and professional goals.

Birth mothers who choose to work with a private adoption agency also have the opportunity to use the free services and financial support they need. Whether you need counseling services after giving birth or help paying your bills during the pregnancy, your adoption agency can help you every step of the way.

Learn more about the options you have with adoption in Massachusetts by contacting Adoptions With Love today. We are here to help support you and guide you through this journey.