Adoptions With Love Blog

How to Give Your Baby Up for Adoption in Indiana*

*Adoption is not giving up

Are you a facing an unplanned pregnancy? You may be feeling scared and overwhelmed. One of the most important things to know as an expectant/birth parent in Indiana is that you have options. It is important to explore these carefully, with the help of a doctor, counselor, or other professional. Know that you do not have to make any big decisions alone. If you are looking for an adoption agency servicing Indiana, or simply looking to learn more about the adoption process, you have come to the right place.

As an expectant/birth mother, it is important to learn about your options and think about the best interests of your baby. An informed decision is the best decision you can make. To help get you started, we have compiled a short guide about placing a baby for adoption in Indiana.

Giving Your Baby Up for Adoption in Indiana

While many people continue to use the term “give baby up for adoption,” it is important to know that you are not “giving up.” *In fact, adoption is the opposite of giving up. The journey to adoption is one that is full of emotional difficulties. It is not for everyone, but it is a choice that can offer plenty of rewards for birth mothers.

Placing a baby for adoption in Indiana is a chance to gain new opportunities for both birth mother and child. While you may feel the heartache and experience grief, you are also partaking in an incredible act of love. Placing your child’s needs before your own is a brave, selfless, and thoughtful decision.

Instead of saying you are “giving baby up” for adoption in Indiana, you can shift your mindset with more positive phrases that are used within the adoption community today. Terms like “placing baby for adoption” or “making an adoption plan” are more commonly used with those who have been touched by adoption. There is power in language. Keep this in mind as you navigate the adoption journey.

The Indiana Adoption Process for Expectant/Birth Mothers

1.    Choose an adoption agency.

As you begin to explore your options and make an adoption plan, your first step will be to choose the right adoption professional. Remember, choosing an adoption agency does not mean you must choose adoption. An adoption agency can guide you through the process and educate you about your options. There are many adoption professionals, but it is important to find someone you feel completely comfortable with – professionals you can trust. Be sure to choose an adoption agency that is fully willing to discuss your options, listen to your hopes and needs, and respect any choice that you make. Your adoption agency or its attorneys should also inform you regarding adoption laws in Indiana and provide you with the guidance you need and deserve.

2.    Meet with an adoption counselor.

After choosing an adoption agency in Indiana, you should begin meeting with a licensed adoption social worker. This is an essential part of the journey. This is the person who will walk you through your pregnancy and adoption options, and who help you make an adoption plan that is unique to you. She will also be there to answer your questions, to answer the phone whenever you call, and to help you navigate any emotions along the way. You will be given the opportunity to consider (and re-consider) your options, learn about your rights as an expectant/birth parent, and understand exactly what to expect before, during, and after the adoption process.

3.    Understand the adoption laws in Indiana.

Adoption laws vary by state. In Indiana, if the birth father is involved, he may give consent for adoption at any time. A birth mother may give her consent any time after birth. This gives birth mothers a chance to meet their baby and more time to think about their choice. This time should be taken to ensure you are comfortable with your decision. You can take all the time you need. There is never an expiration date when it comes to making an adoption plan.

In Indiana, if the biological father signs consent before birth, and it contains the statutorily prescribed language, the document becomes irrevocable – he cannot change his mind about the adoption. There are many other laws about adoption in Indiana, including the level of financial aid you may receive, your rights as an expectant/birth parent, as well as the rights of your baby’s biological father. That is why, if you choose to place your baby for adoption in Indiana, it is important to work with professionals that are experienced in the state. Knowledgeable adoption attorneys, like those that work with Adoptions With Love, are specifically trained in Indiana adoptions. They can meet with you – wherever you are – to help walk you through the legal process. These legal services, along with other expectant/birth parent services, are always free of charge.

4.    Choose an adoptive family.

An important part of the process in making an adoption plan is having the opportunity to choose the perfect adoptive family for your baby. Express your wishes and vision for the ideal family to your adoption agency, and they, in turn, will send you detailed profiles and photo albums from the many families hoping to adopt. Once you have chosen the right family, you will have the option to meet or speak with them – over the phone, email, or in-person – if you would like. This is completely up to you! No matter which family you choose, your baby will be welcomed into a safe, secure, and loving home. Adoptive families that adopt a baby in Indiana must complete a home study process, which includes background checks, interviews, and a series of in-person visits to ensure the home is safe, secure, and stable.

5.    Make a post-placement plan.

Expectant/birth parents in Indiana can choose to stay connected with their child’s adoptive family after the adoption takes place. This is available through an open adoption plan. Open adoption means birth parents and adoptive parents stay in contact over the years. You define this level of contact and the frequency of contact. You may also decide you do not want any contact right away and opt for a closed adoption plan. You can always open this up down the road, with the help of your adoption counselor. Every hopeful adoptive family at Adoptions With Love agrees to at least a semi-open adoption, meaning you will have letters and photos of your child if, and when, you are ready.

Whether you choose an open adoption, semi-adoption, or closed adoption, the trained social workers of your adoption agency will always be here for you, now and for years to come. Adoption is a lifelong journey. After placing your baby for adoption in Indiana, it is best to pursue counseling and support. The best adoption agencies in Indiana will offer ongoing, confidential counseling services at no cost to expectant/birth parents who chose adoption. This service can help you navigate your emotions, as well as any post-placement communication and relationships.

What You Should Know About Giving a Baby Up for Adoption in Indiana

What are all my pregnancy options in Indiana?

As of this writing, expectant mothers in Indiana have the following choices when it comes to their pregnancy outcomes:

  • Abortion
  • Adoption
  • Parenthood

Indiana abortion laws have been changing and are being challenged. You should check with Planned Parenthood in Indiana to learn about the current abortion laws and whether this option is available to you.

What is the legal process for placing a baby for adoption in Indiana?

Placing a child for adoption in Indiana is a lengthy legal process and an emotional journey, as well. Your adoption agency can guide you through the adoption process every step of the way.

What are the birth father’s rights in Indiana?

In Indiana, a birth father may consent to an adoption before birth if he:

  • Puts his consent in writing
  • Has his consent signed in front of a notary public
  • Acknowledges that his consent is irrevocable and that he will not be notified of adoption proceedings

Your child’s birth father may or may not be required to give consent at all. Contact your adoption agency’s team of attorneys for guidance on this topic.

Can I get paid to place my baby for adoption in Indiana?

While you cannot receive financial compensation for your baby or adoption, you can receive financial support during the pregnancy. Adoption agencies, such as Adoptions With Love, can help you in the following areas:

  • Living expenses. We can cover deposits and several months of rent, as well as utilities.
  • Medical coverage. We can cover the costs of prenatal and postpartum care, and any hospital visits along the way – including labor and delivery.
  • Maternity clothing. We can help you pay for maternity clothes, if needed.

Can I give a baby up for adoption after birth in Indiana?

Yes. It is never too late to make an adoption plan for your baby. An adoption professional can come to you at the hospital or birthing center, or  come to your home if you would like to bring the baby home and think about your decision.

What does it mean to have an open adoption?

Open adoption can look different for each family, it means there is ongoing communication between birth and adoptive families. Whether you would like to receive letters and photos in the mail once a year, exchange emails a few times a year, or have in-person reunions occasionally, your adoption specialist can help you custom-design an open adoption plan in Indiana that works for you.

Who can help facilitate my adoption in Indiana?

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 create an adoption plan. Contact Adoptions with Love today at 1-800-722-7731 for more information on adoption in Indiana. We work with experienced adoption attorneys in Indiana and can help support you throughout this journey.

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.

 

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