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Facing an unexpected pregnancy can be an overwhelming experience. If you are living in North Carolina, one of your available options is adoption.
As you consider giving up your baby for adoption in North Carolina, the first thing to know is that adoption is not “giving up.” Placing your baby up for adoption is a thoughtful, loving, and brave decision for any birth parent. In this article, we will share information about how to start an adoption plan for your baby in North Carolina.
What is Adoption?
Adoption is the legal process wherein a person accepts the responsibility of parenting a child from a birth parent or legal guardian. This must be done with the assistance of an adoption professional – either an adoption agency or adoption attorney.
Why Consider Adoption for Your Baby?
If you have read this much, you are seriously considering adoption. Deciding to place your baby for adoption in North Carolina is a positive choice. It is also a life-changing decision that requires much consideration, preparation, and research. If you are thinking about adoption for your baby, you will want to understand the emotional impact on your life. You can receive counseling services from your adoption agency before and after the adoption is complete.
North Carolina Adoption Laws: A Brief Overview
Adoption can be complicated, not just because of the emotional journey, but because of the legal process involved. Each state has its own set of adoption laws. It is invaluable to have access to an adoption attorney that is well-versed in North Carolina adoption laws. Many adoption agencies, like Adoptions With Love, offer free legal services to expectant/birth mothers.
In North Carolina, an expectant/birth mother can consent to adoption at any time after the baby’s birth. Any man whose consent is required can sign consent forms either before or after the child’s birth. This man – whether he is the birth father or not – is someone who:
- Is or was married to the birth mother
- Attempted to marry the birth mother before the baby’s birth
- Has legitimated the child under state law
- Has acknowledged paternity of the child
When you work with a North Carolina adoption agency like Adoptions With Love, you may contact your social worker at any time with questions regarding the adoption.
How to Place Your Baby for Adoption in North Carolina
1. Choose an adoption agency.
The first step to take when considering adoption is to contact a reputable adoption agency that works with expectant parents in North Carolina. Their knowledge and experience can help guide you through this process.
Placing a baby for adoption is a complex process. Navigating the journey alone is overwhelming. Having a professional service at your fingertips to guide you along the way is important. Look for an experienced, trusted adoption agency that is familiar with North Carolina adoption laws and regulations. Ensure this agency has a caring team that will not pressure you into making a decision, and that will respect any decision you make. In the end, adoption is a deeply personal decision and only you – the expectant/birth mother – know what is best for you and your baby. A licensed adoption agency can help you through the tricky parts of the adoption process, such as paperwork, choosing a family, and counseling throughout the entire adoption journey. Many adoption agencies, like Adoptions With Love, offer an array of free services for birth mothers in North Carolina.
2. Meet with an adoption counselor.
Once you select an adoption agency with which you feel comfortable, you can begin your adoption plan. As an expectant/birth parent, you should meet with a licensed, compassionate adoption social worker that works with your agency of choice. This professional will walk you through your options, educate you on your expectant/birth mother rights, and help you understand what to expect before, during, and after the adoption takes place. Your adoption counselor will also give you the option to design the type of adoption plan you want: an open adoption, semi-open adoption, or closed adoption plan.
3. Choose the adoptive family.
With an open adoption agency working in North Carolina, you have the option to choose an adoptive family for your baby. Your agency will show you the waiting families who best meet your wishes and expectations. If you choose an adoptive family, you can speak to them through email, phone, facetime, or meet them in-person. This is completely up to you and your comfort level.
No matter the family you choose, you can rest assured your baby will be placed in a loving, secure home environment. In North Carolina, it is required that all potential adoptive families complete a thorough home study through a licensed adoption agency. Many private adoption agencies today, such as Adoptions With Love, require home studies, as well. With this process, prospective adoptive families are carefully screened and interviewed, and birth parents can have peace of mind knowing their child will be placed in a safe and stable home.
4. Make an Adoption Plan
Adoption can look different for each individual family. You can choose the exact type of adoption plan that makes you feel comfortable and confident in your decision. You can choose between:
With open adoption, you can stay connected with your child’s adoptive family in a way that makes you feel most comfortable. You can choose the form and frequency of communication. You may choose to keep in touch via social media messaging or text messaging monthly. Or you would prefer to email a few times a year. You may form a close bond with your child’s adoptive family and choose to plan in-person reunions once a year. Your North Carolina adoption agency can help you design a plan that feels right for you, but the decisions are yours. This is your pregnancy. The choices are all yours.
5. Make a Post-Adoption Plan
If you choose to make an adoption plan in North Carolina, you may want to consider meeting your child’s adoptive family and establishing a plan for communication following your baby’s adoption. During counseling, the trained social workers at your adoption agency will help you design a post-adoption plan for contact with your child and his or her adoptive family. You may also choose to take advantage of post-placement counseling.
Adoption is an emotional journey and the beginning of several lifelong relationships. Adoptions With Love can help you navigate these new emotions and relationships after your baby’s adoption takes place. As part of your post-adoption plan, for a year after placement, we offer ongoing, confidential counseling services at no cost to you.
We understand that this is an emotional journey. In addition to our North Carolina adoption plan and legal services, we offer expectant/birth mothers free counseling services during pregnancy and long after the adoption is finalized. It takes time to heal from the experience, and we want to guide and support you every step of the way.
Role of Adoption Agencies in North Carolina
Why You Need an Adoption Agency
Adoption is a life-changing journey. As you consider the decision to place your baby for adoption in North Carolina, you need to consider the support and resources required to make it happen legally, safely, and smoothly. A North Carolina adoption agency can oversee every step of the adoption process, including the legal proceedings, the Home Study for the adoptive parents, designing an adoption plan, and guidance with navigating post-adoption contact. This professional can also ensure that you have everything you need – including financial assistance during your unplanned pregnancy and professional counseling services.
Open vs. Closed Adoption in North Carolina
Pros of Open Adoption
There are many benefits associated with choosing open adoption in North Carolina, including:
- Ongoing contact with adoptive family. Many expectant/birth mothers take comfort in the fact they do not have to say goodbye “forever.”
- The chance to see your baby grow. You can see photos of your child throughout the years, and you may even have in-person reunions occasionally.
- Building a loving bond for years to come. Many adoptive and birth parents form a close relationship, bonding over the shared love for their precious child.
- Peace of mind, knowing baby is safe and well-loved. Adopted children are happy with their circumstances and grow up knowing they are loved by two families instead of one.
Cons of Open Adoption
Open adoption is not for everyone. Those who opt to have a closed adoption may view open adoption as too painful. The following may be considered cons of open adoption, for those who do not like this type of adoption plan:
- Less closure. Some birth mothers may feel that open adoption is not right for them because seeing their child with another family will hurt too much.
- Pressure to stay connected. While you may not be ready to parent, you may also find that you feel too much pressure to stay connected with the family, when it may not be in your best interest.
Pros of Closed Adoption
Closed adoption may be a choice you are considering. If you are, then you may feel that this path is right for you because it can offer:
- A fresh start. Many birth mothers who choose closed adoption like that adoption allows them a second chance at life to pursue their own passions – personally and professionally. While this can be true for open adoption, it may be easier to move on with closed adoption.
Cons of Closed Adoption
Closed adoption can be a positive choice, but it can also present the following challenges:
- No contact. Not seeing baby throughout childhood.
- No updated medical/background information for adoptive parents. This updated information can help adoptive families raise their children to be healthy and happy.
At Adoptions With Love, any birth mother who chooses closed adoption can change their mind and open the adoption later. Adoptions With Love keeps letters and photos on file for this very scenario and assists with reunions.
Coping With Post-Adoption Emotions
Adoption brings a range of emotions. These feelings continue long after the adoption is complete. Adoptions With Love urges birth mothers to continue professional counseling services after the paperwork is completed. Counseling services are covered for up to one full year after adoption.
Is Adoption Free for Birth Parents in North Carolina?
Yes. There is never a fee for those who decide to place a baby for adoption in North Carolina.
At Adoptions With Love, those who choose to “give baby up for adoption North Carolina” (Remember: It is NOT giving up,) can get the following services – at no cost:
- Living expenses, such as rent, utilities, phone bills, and even maternity clothes, as needed.
- Medical care. We can cover any uninsured medical bills related to the pregnancy and birth, and even help find you a doctor or midwife with whom you feel comfortable.
- Adoption designing assistance. We can help you custom design an adoption plan that meets your needs, including finding the perfect adoptive family for your baby.
- Counseling services with our compassionate, experienced counselors.
- Legal services. Our well-trained adoption attorneys can meet you at any time and place that is most convenient for you, including your home or hospital bed. They will answer any questions you may have about the adoption process and ensure your rights are protected.
- Ongoing support over the years.
Making the Right Decision
Adoption is a personal decision that must come from the heart. It is a positive, loving choice that birth mothers make selflessly to ensure a wonderful life for their child. Adoption is not for everyone, but it could be the best decision for you and your child.
Place Your Baby Up for Adoption in North Carolina Today
If you think that adoption in North Carolina may be right for you, contact Adoptions With Love today. We are available by text (SMS) at 617-777-0072, by phone at 1-800-722-7731, or through our website. Our staff is here to answer your call any time of day or night, any day of the week.