How to Place Your Baby for Adoption in Missouri

Are you facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering adoption in Missouri? You have come to the right place. Adoptions With Love is a licensed, non-profit adoption agency helping expectant/birth parents make the most positive, informed decisions for their babies. Whether you just found out you are pregnant, are in your third trimester, or have already given birth, we extend our support to you.

Adoptions With Love has been guiding young women through the adoption process since 1986. For the last 33 years, we have also offered birth moms a network of the best adoption professionals in your state. If you need help placing your baby for adoption in Missouri, know that you can always contact us. Our trusted Missouri adoption partner can help you explore your options, understand the adoption laws in Missouri, and make an adoption plan that caters to your needs.

The adoption process – and the laws surrounding it – vary state-by-state. This short guide outlines some of the many steps you should take in placing your baby for adoption in Missouri.

1. Choose an adoption agency.

As you consider adoption, your first step will be to find the right adoption professional to guide you through this delicate and emotional journey. While there are many Missouri adoption agencies that offer assistance, it is important to find a licensed professional you can rely on – one that will sit down with you to discuss all of your options, listen to you, hear your concerns and wishes, and support you no matter the choice you make. Choose an adoption agency that will neither judge nor pressure you, but instead, that will be there to support you through this time. The right agency will also provide you with the emotional, financial, and physical assistance you need – during pregnancy and in the postpartum period after the adoption is complete.

2. Meet with an adoption counselor to work on your adoption plan

After carefully selecting your adoption agency, you will begin working – and establishing a relationship – with one of their licensed, compassionate social workers. This person will become your confidant, your guide, and the helping hand to walk you through the adoption process every step of the way. Together, you will discuss your needs and hopes, and create an adoption plan that works for you and your baby.

At Adoptions With Love, we understand that the meetings with your adoption social worker are a critical part of this adoption journey. They will give you the opportunity to consider all of your choices, learn about all of your birth mother rights, and understand exactly what to expect before, during, and after an adoption takes place.

3. Understand the adoption laws in Missouri.

Adoption laws vary state to state. In Missouri, a birth mother can sign legal consent to adopt forms 48 hours after the baby is born. She can also withdraw her consent form until the court has approved the forms, which take place within three days. The 48-hour window will give you some time to rest, think about your decision, and spend time with your baby (if you would like) before finalizing an adoption plan.

If you decide to make an adoption plan, it is invaluable to use a reliable adoption agency that has attorneys specifically trained in your state. Birth father rights in Missouri are complex, for example, and they vary by situation. An agency like Adoptions With Love has a team of experienced and knowledgeable adoption attorneys who knows the laws of adoption in Missouri. Our attorneys can meet you – wherever you are – to help walk you through the legal process.

You can also rest easy knowing 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. Missouri law permits financial assistance for pregnancy-related expenses needed before, during, and after your baby’s adoption, such as transportation, counseling, uninsured medical expenses, living costs, and more.

4. Choose the perfect adoptive family.

At Adoptions With Love, you will have the power to choose an adoptive family for your child. For many expectant/birth mothers making an adoption plan, this helps them feel confident in their decision, because they have the opportunity to hand-pick a loving family for their baby.

If you are interested in selecting an adoptive family, Adoptions With Love will meet with you to discuss your expectations, hopes, and your vision of the perfect family. Then, we will provide you with detailed photo albums and personal profiles of the waiting families that best meet your needs. Once you have found a family for your baby, you can speak to them through email, phone, or you may even meet with them in-person if you wish.

No matter what family you choose, you can trust that your baby will be placed in a very loving, safe and secure home. At Adoptions With Love, all potential adoptive families are thoroughly screened through a series of personal interviews, background checks, and in-home visits. All prospective adoptive families must pass an extensive home study process to ensure the safety and stability of their home.

5. Make a post-placement plan.

Thanks to the modern-day acceptance of open adoption, adoption is no longer the taboo secret it once was. It also does not have to mean goodbye. As an open adoption agency, Adoptions With Love gives you the opportunity to establish ongoing communication with your child’s adoptive family throughout his or her childhood. This means you can occasionally touch base with your child’s family and see how he or she is doing over the years. The level of contact is determined by you and agreed upon by your child’s adoptive parents. You and your child’s family may choose to stay in touch via letters/pictures, emails, phone conversations, texts, or  in-person meetings.

There is no right or wrong way to choose an adoption plan. Whether you choose an open adoption, semi-open adoption, or you are looking to get a fresh start with a closed adoption plan, our trained social workers will help you consider all of your options for post-adoption contact. We also keep letters and photos on-file, in case a birth mother selects a closed adoption plan but wants to check-in on her growing child down the road.

If you choose to make an adoption plan, we encourage you to attend counseling after your baby is placed. Adoption is a lifelong and an  emotional journey, which is why Adoptions With Love offers ongoing, confidential counseling services. These services are always free of charge. We want to help you navigate your feelings and work through any adoption relationships before and after your baby is placed. We will always be here for you, as a shoulder upon which you can lean.

Whether you just found out you are pregnant, are in your final trimester, or have already given birth to your baby, it is never too late to make an adoption plan. Contact Adoptions With Love toll-free at 1-800-722-7731 or text us confidentially at 617-777-0072 for more information on adoption in Missouri.