Adoptions With Love Blog

How to Place a Baby for Adoption in Alabama

Are you facing an unexpected pregnancy? One of the most important things to know as an expectant parent in Alabama is that you have options. No matter the circumstance, Adoptions With Love wants you to know that you do not have to go through this alone. Since 1986, we have been helping match expectant/birth parents with loving, responsible, and devoted adoptive families. Our fully licensed, private, nonprofit adoption agency specializes in providing adoption services throughout the state of Alabama. If you are pregnant and hoping to learn more about adoption, we can help. Our caring staff is here to walk you through the options, guide you on adoption in Alabama, and help you make the best possible decision for you and your baby – free of pressure and free of cost. We are available 24/7 to give you confidential and compassionate support, throughout your pregnancy and beyond.

To help you get started, Adoptions With Love has created this short guide to share some of the steps to take, should you decide to make an adoption plan in Alabama.

1. Choose an Adoption Agency.

The first step – as you explore your options and consider making an adoption plan – will be to find the right adoption agency. There are many adoption professionals to choose from, but it is important to find an organization with whom you feel most comfortable. We recommend choosing an adoption agency that is willing to listen to you and really consider your needs and wishes. This professional should be open to discuss all your options, and will respect any decision you make. Your adoption agency should also stay up-to-date and well-versed with the adoption laws in Alabama, and offer the guidance you deserve.

2. Meet with an adoption counselor.

Once you have chosen an adoption agency in Alabama, you should begin meeting with a licensed adoption social worker. At Adoptions With Love, we understand that this is a crucial part of the adoption journey. You will be meeting with the person who will walk you through your pregnancy and adoption options, and who will help you make an adoption plan that is catered to your unique needs. This is the person who will be there whenever you call and be there to offer any assistance and guidance you need along the way. At Adoptions With Love, we believe an informed decision is the best decision, and that you should be given the opportunity to consider all your choices, be educated on your rights as an expectant/birth mother, and understand exactly what to expect before, during, and after the adoption process. Only then will you know if adoption is the right path for you.

3. Understand the adoption laws in Alabama.

Adoption laws vary by state and may change at any time. In Alabama, the birth parent may sign consent (i.e. final adoption papers) at any point before or after birth. This consent to adoption may be withdrawn within five days after birth or within five days after signing the consent, whichever comes first. You may take all the time you need before signing any legal adoption documents. At Adoptions With Love, we encourage birth mothers to take all the time you need to ensure you are comfortable with and confident in your decision.

There are many other Alabama-specific laws about financial aid you may receive as well as the rights of your baby’s biological father. This is why, if you choose to make an adoption plan in Alabama, it is important to work with an agency that is experienced within the state. Adoptions With Love works with knowledgeable attorneys who are specifically trained for adoptions in Alabama. We can meet with you – wherever you are – to help guide you along through this legal process. You can rest assured that our legal services, among the many other birth parent services, are completely free of charge.

4. Select an adoptive family.

At Adoptions With Love, the expectant/birth mother has the power to choose the perfect adoptive family for baby. Your adoption counselor will understand your vision of the ideal family, and send you detailed profiles and photo albums from the many families hoping to adopt. Once you have chosen the family that you feel comfortable with, you will be able to speak with them – over the phone, via email, or even in-person – if you would like. This is completely up to you if you are comfortable. There are no right or wrong decisions here. No matter which family you choose, you can rest assured that your baby will be welcomed into a safe, secure, and loving home. All adoptive families at Adoptions With Love must pass a thorough screening process and home study. The home study involves background checks, multiple interviews, and several at-home visits to ensure the safety and stability of the home.

5. Make a post-placement plan.

At Adoptions With Love, expectant/birth parents can choose to keep in touch with their child’s adoptive family after the adoption has been finalized. This is possible with an open adoption plan. Open adoptions are different for every family, but, put simply, it means there is some continuous communication between birth and adoptive parents. The level and frequency of contact is entirely up to you. Should you decide that you would like email updates and photos twice a year, your adoption agency can work with you and your baby’s adoptive family to make that arrangement and get it in writing. You may decide you do not want to have any contact at first and opt for a closed adoption. That is okay, too. You can always open the adoption down the road, with the help of your adoption counselor. All adoptive families at Adoptions With Love agree to at least a semi-open adoption, so we keep letters and photos of your child on file for you to look at whenever you feel ready.

Whatever adoption plan your feel is best for you, our trained social workers will always be here for you, now and for years to come. Adoption is a lifelong journey. After placing your baby for adoption in Alabama, we encourage you to pursue counseling and support. Adoptions With Love offers ongoing, confidential counseling services at no cost to birth parents who chose adoption. We can help you navigate your emotions, as well as any post-placement communication and relationships.

Whether you just found out you are pregnant, are in your final trimester, or have already given birth to your baby, it is not too late to start an adoption plan. Contact Adoptions With Love today at 1-800-722-7731 or text 617-777-0072 for more information on adoption in Alabama.

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.