Call: 800-722-7731
Text: 617-777-0072
Are you facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering adoption in Tennessee? Right now, you may be feeling especially scared or overwhelmed. You want the best possible life for your baby, but also feel that you are not ready to raise a child at this time. You are not alone. Adoptions With Love is here to listen to you, to answer your questions, and to help you make the most positive, long-term decision for you and your baby – no matter what it might be.
Adoptions With Love is a licensed, non-profit adoption agency helping expectant/birth parents nationwide find the best possible homes for their children. Whether you just found out you are pregnant, are in your third trimester, or have already given birth, we extend our support to you.
If you are still exploring your unplanned pregnancy options, know that Adoptions With Love is always available to educate and guide you through this important decision. If you know you would like to place your baby for adoption in Tennessee, we can help you navigate the entire adoption process, from beginning to end. Our trusted Tennessee adoption agency partner will meet you, wherever you are, to help you understand the adoption laws in your area and make the perfect plan for your baby.
In this short guide, we will walk you through some of the steps you must take to make an adoption plan in Tennessee.
Choose a reputable adoption agency.
Your first step in the adoption process will be to choose the right adoption agency to guide you. There are many adoption professionals out there today, but it is important to find someone you truly trust to be there throughout this unexpected journey – not only during your pregnancy and the adoption, but also throughout your life. Choose an adoption agency that will discuss all your options with you, listen to your wishes, and respect any choice you make. You should never feel pressured to make an adoption plan, and any decision you make should be well-informed. That is why it is so important to select an adoption agency that knows about adoptions in your state, and that will provide you the support you need and deserve. Adoptions With Love has trained adoption professionals nationwide, and extends a range of free services to expectant/birth mothers in need of help.
Meet with a dedicated adoption counselor to begin your plan.
After choosing an adoption agency, you will begin working with a dedicated, licensed adoption social worker. She will be the person helping you design an adoption plan, and the person you can call if you ever want to chat. You can reach out to your adoption counselor with any questions or concerns. You should also schedule times to meet regularly with your counselor, to talk about your decision, about open vs. closed adoption, and about any feelings you might be experiencing throughout this journey. At Adoptions With Love, we feel this is a crucial part of the adoption process. We want to make sure you have the opportunity to learn about all of your options, all of your birth mother rights, and know exactly what to expect before, during, and after an adoption takes place.
Understand the adoption laws in Tennessee.
Adoption laws vary state to state. In Tennessee, no parent can sign legal adoption documents until the 72 hours after the baby is born. This gives birth mothers time to spend with their babies, and think about their choice. Adoption is a lifelong decision. That is why, at Adoptions With Love, we want you to be completely certain you are making the best possible choice for your child.
There are many other laws regarding the financial aid you may receive, your rights and responsibilities as an expectant/birth mother, as well as the rights of your baby’s biological father. For this reason, it is crucial to work with an adoption agency that has attorneys specifically trained in the state of Tennessee.
Adoptions With Love works with a team of compassionate and knowledgeable adoption attorneys who understand the laws of adoption in Tennessee. Rest assured that our legal services are always free of charge. In fact, there is never any cost for expectant or birth parent services at Adoptions With Love.
Choose an Adoptive Family
If you choose to work with Adoptions With Love, you will have the opportunity to choose an adoptive family for your baby. After listening to your wishes and vision of the perfect family, we will send you detailed photo albums and personal profiles of the waiting families that best meet your needs. Once you choose a family, you can speak to them through email, phone, or meet them in-person. This is up to you.
No matter which family you choose, rest assured that you will be placing your baby in a safe and secure home. All of the families at Adoptions With Love have gone through an extensive home study process as well as a series of background checks to ensure the safety and stability of their home.
Make a Post-Placement Plan
At Adoptions With Love, you will also have the option to establish a plan for ongoing communication with your child’s adoptive family, following the adoption. This level of contact (if you would like any at all) is completely up to you. Whether you choose an open adoption, semi-open adoption, or closed adoption plan, our trained social workers will help you think through your options for post-adoption contact with your child, his or her adoptive family, and our adoption agency professionals.
Remember that adoption does not end with the placement of your baby. As a birth mother choosing adoption, it is important to seek out ongoing support. Adoptions With Love offers confidential counseling services at no cost to you. We can help you navigate emotions, communication, and relationships after the adoption takes place. We will always be here for you.
Contact Amy, Nancy, Claudia, Nellie, or Amelia today at 1-800-722-7731 for more information on adoption in Tennessee. You may also 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.