Are you living in Georgia and facing an unplanned pregnancy? You may be considering adoption. This is a positive, loving choice for anyone who is not yet ready – or able – to raise a child. The idea of going through the process, however, can feel overwhelming. You likely have many questions. When it comes to placing a baby for adoption in Georgia, the best place to start is with a reputable, experienced adoption agency.
The right Georgia adoption agency can walk you through the adoption process, offer you supportive services – at no cost – and offer you guidance every step of the way. The best adoption agencies in Georgia have experience with birth mothers facing unplanned pregnancy and offered compassionate counseling before, and after, the adoption is complete. Adoptions With Love, for example, has been working with expectant/birth mothers in Georgia since 1986.
Right now, you may be feeling scared, stressed, and all alone. You do not need to face this experience on your own. The best Georgia adoption agencies can support you, guide you, and answer any questions you may have. Explore a list of the most frequently asked questions about Georgia adoption below.
Can I make changes to my adoption plan after it has been created?
Yes. Adoption plans are made with the assistance of an adoption agency. The terms of the adoption plan are detailed in a legally binding document and then signed like any other contract by the birth and adoptive parents. This plan, however, may be tweaked over the years to accommodate a growing child and evolving relationships.
Adoption plans can always be changed with the help of the adoption agency. If a birth mother chooses to make a closed adoption, Adoptions With Love keeps photos and letters on file in case she decides to open it later.
How do I know if adoption is the right choice for me and my baby?
Choosing to place a baby for adoption is an incredibly personal decision. It is one that only you can make for yourself. There are, however, some considerations when trying to decide if adoption is the right path.
Making this decision requires strength, thoughtfulness, and deep love and devotion. If you are not in a place to raise a child, but you care about the child’s future, adoption may be right for you. If you want to make sure this child has a bright future, but you know you are unable to provide that kind of upbringing, choosing adoption in Georgia may be the best decision. Spend some time considering your options, contact an adoption agency for information, and lean on trusted loved ones for support.
What are the different types of adoption available in Georgia?
You can choose between the following 3 types of adoption plans:
Each plan has its own pros and cons. With an open adoption in Georgia, the birth parent(s) can select their child’s adoptive parents and there is ongoing communication between birth and adoptive families. You, the birth parent, can choose the form and frequency of communication.
Closed adoption, as the name would suggest, entails zero communication with the adoptive family and there is no personal information shared between the two parties.
A semi-open adoption is a middle ground between an open and closed adoption. You may wish to choose your child’s adoptive family but limit communication once the adoption is complete. There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to making an adoption plan. You can choose whichever type of plan best meets your needs.
What is the role of an adoption agency in Georgia?
A Georgia adoption agency can help you plan your adoption while offering you supportive services throughout the pregnancy and adoption planning process. At Adoptions With Love, expectant/birth mothers are encouraged to get counseling before and after the adoption is complete. Your adoption agency will provide you with a Georgia adoption attorney. This professional ensures that your adoption is handled safely and legally. Your adoption agency will also oversee the Home Study process and placement of your child.
Adoption is a life-long journey. It does not end once the paperwork is complete. Adoptions With Love offers ongoing support for birth mothers.
How do I choose an adoptive family in Georgia?
Expectant/birth mothers in Georgia can choose an adoptive family that has completed the Home Study. This process, which takes several months to complete, ensures that every family is healthy enough – physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially – to raise a child. You can rest assured that your child will be placed in a safe, stable, and loving home.
Your adoption agency can offer you adoptive family profiles to browse the approved adoptive families ready to raise a child. These profiles include photos, letters, and stories about the individual or couple. Some of these hopeful adoptive families are looking to become first-time parents, while others have children at home. Before choosing a family, consider the values, traditions, and ways of life that are most important to you.
Will I be able to meet or communicate with the adoptive family before the adoption?
Yes. You can get a sense of what each family is like by browsing through the adoptive family profiles, but looking at a booklet is sometimes not enough. You can choose to speak with – or meet – a family before making your decision.
Your adoption agency can help arrange this phone call or meeting. This professional can also attend this meeting with you if you wish. The choices are all yours.
Can I get financial assistance during my pregnancy in Georgia?
According to Georgia adoption laws, adoptive parents can pay for (or reimburse) the birth mother’s medical expenses related to the pregnancy and birth. At Adoptions With Love, expectant/birth mothers in Georgia get much more than that.
At Adoptions With Love, expectant/birth mothers planning adoption can get the following supportive services for free:
- Financial assistance – including rent and other living expenses.
- Medical care – we can find you a doctor or midwife with whom you feel comfortable and cover any uninsured medical expenses related to the pregnancy and birth.
- Counseling services from experienced and compassionate professionals.
- Legal support from knowledgeable Georgia adoption attorneys.
- Adoption design assistance – we can help you find an adoptive family and custom build an adoption plan that makes you feel comfortable with – and confident in – your decision.
What are the steps of the adoption process in Georgia?
The first step of making an adoption plan in Georgia is to find a reputable and trustworthy adoption agency. Once you have chosen this professional, you can begin to look at adoptive family profiles and then design your adoption plan.
Your adoption agency will walk you through the Georgia adoption process. They will help you understand your rights as an expectant/ birth parent and answer any questions you may have along the way. They will also encourage you to seek ongoing counseling support after the adoption is complete.
How long do I have to change my mind after signing the adoption consent forms in Georgia?
Birth mothers in Georgia cannot sign consent forms for the adoption until 24 hours after the baby’s birth. This allows some time to meet your baby, consider your decision one more time, and move forward with your life in peace. According to Georgia adoption laws. birthparents have a four-day revocation period in which they may change their minds.
At Adoptions With Love, expectant/birth mothers are encouraged to take all the time they need before signing consent forms. It is never too late to make an adoption plan.
Learn More About Georgia Adoption
Were all your Georgia adoption questions answered? You may have more, and for this you will want to contact an adoption agency with whom you can trust. Call 800-722-7731, text (confidentially) 617-777-0072, or contact us online. We can offer you support and guidance – commitment-free – and answer your questions with compassion, understanding, and love.