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“A birthmother puts the needs of her child above the wants of her heart” – Skye Hardwick
Adoption is a brave and selfless decision. A child whose birth parent truly loves them deeply will place them for adoption to ensure a bright future. If you are living in Tennessee and facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be considering this path. Choosing adoption in Tennessee is an act of love.
As you consider adoption, you may have a million questions in your head. It can be overwhelming. Fear not, for you have come to the right place. Read on, as we cover frequently asked questions about adoption in Tennessee that you may be asking yourself.
What is the adoption process in Tennessee?
Adoption in Tennessee is much like adoption anywhere else. To get started, you will need to determine whether adoption is the right choice for you.
Once you have determined that you want to pursue adoption, you will want to contact an adoption agency. The best Tennessee adoption agencies will offer you guidance and support without any judgement, pressure, or criticism. Once you have found an agency that you can trust, you can begin to consider finding your child’s adoptive family.
The next step in placing your baby for adoption in Tennessee is to design an adoption plan that meets your needs and makes you feel most comfortable with – and confident in – the adoption decision. You may choose between an open, semi-open, or closed adoption. There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to choosing the perfect adoption plan for you and your child.
Your adoption agency will provide you with the supportive services you need throughout the adoption journey – including free counseling support and free legal services. Every step of the adoption process is free for expectant/birth parents. In fact, your adoption agency can offer you financial assistance to help alleviate the stress of an unplanned pregnancy. Your Tennessee adoption agency can also walk you through every step of the adoption process with ease, compassion, and love.
What are my rights as a birth mother in Tennessee?
It is important to know your rights as an expectant/birth mother. Adoption laws are complex and vary by state. In Tennessee, birth mothers must wait 72 hours after birth before signing legal documents terminating parental rights, consenting to adoption.
At Adoptions With Love, our team of Tennessee adoption attorneys will ensure your rights as a birth parent are protected, your adoption is handled legally and smoothly, and answer any questions you may have along the way.
Will my child know about me and why I chose adoption?
Adoption is a big decision. It can be hard for many reasons. One of those reasons is the common fear that many expectant/birth mothers fear: What will my child think? You can rest assured that your child is most likely going to have a happy childhood. They will be raised in a home full of love and opportunity. Thanks to open adoption – the most common type of adoption plan today – your child will also know how deeply you love them. Your child will grow up knowing they are adopted and that you chose to place them in a healthy, stable, and safe home. Most children in open adoptions today report being happy with their adoption. You will have opportunities to speak to your child directly and explain your personal reasons for choosing adoption. With an open – or semi-open adoption – your child will grow up knowing they are loved by two families, not just one.
Can I choose the adoptive parents in Tennessee?
Yes. You can browse the adoptive profiles of couples and individuals ready to adopt. These adoptive families are screened using a thorough process called the Home Study. This includes the review of important medical and financial records. It also includes background checks and multiple at-home interviews. The Home Study gives expectant/birth parents peace of mind, knowing their child is safe and loved. At Adoptions With Love, you can choose your child’s adoptive parent(s) and speak with – or meet – them before making your decision.
How does open adoption work in Tennessee?
Open adoption looks different for each adoptive family. Put simply, it means there is ongoing communication between birth and adoptive parents after the adoption is complete. This is called a post-adoption contact agreement (PACA). The terms of the agreement are determined by you, the expectant/birth parent. The form and frequency are up to you. You may decide you want to stay connected via email, text messages, phone calls, or in-person reunions. These updates can happen once a month, a few times a year, or just once a year. You can choose a mix of communication methods and frequencies. The choices are yours.
Once everyone agrees to the terms of the adoption agreement, the document is signed. It is a legally binding document, but it may be edited over the years to accommodate evolving relationships and the changing needs of a growing child.
Can I change my mind after placing my baby for adoption in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, there is a period when a birth parent may revoke their decision. Consent can be revoked within 10 days of the signing of the consent. When this happens, the birth parent looking to revoke the consent must return to the judge who approved the adoption forms. Adoptions With Love encourages birth parents to take all the time they need before consenting to their child’s adoption. It is important to remember: It is never too late to make an adoption plan.
What support is available for birth mothers in Tennessee?
If you are living in Tennessee and considering adoption for your baby, you should know that you do not have to face this situation alone. You can lean on the supportive resources available to you in your state. Adoptions With Love works with expectant/birth parents planning adoption, and offers the following services – at no cost:
- Financial assistance. This includes rent, utilities, phone bills, transportation, and even maternity clothes, as needed.
- Medical care. We can help you find a midwife or doctor with whom you feel comfortable, and cover any uninsured medical expenses related to pregnancy and birth.
- Counseling services. Our team of compassionate and experienced counselors are available 24/7 – before and after the adoption is complete.
- Legal support. Our Tennessee adoption attorneys can guide you through the adoption process, answer your questions, and ensure your adoption is handled legally.
- Adoption design services. Our staff can help you lovingly design an adoption plan for your child and help you find the perfect adoptive family, as well.
- Ongoing support. Adoption is a lifelong journey. We will stay connected for years to come.
Learn More About Adoption in Tennessee
If you would like to learn even more about placing a child for adoption in Tennessee, contact Adoptions With Love today. We can help you lovingly design a plan that meets your needs and gives you – and your child – a plan that can help put you on a path toward a brighter future. Call 800-722-7731, text (confidentially) 617-777-0072, or contact us online.