A Guide to Adoption Agencies in Tennessee

Are you living in Tennessee and facing an unplanned pregnancy? You may be feeling overwhelmed. You deserve support during this challenging time. As you consider your options, you should know that there are resources available.

You may be considering adoption. Making an adoption plan is a positive, loving choice. There are Tennessee adoption agencies that can help you. Read on to learn how you can find the supportive services and care that you need right now.

The Role of Adoption Agencies in Tennessee

Making the decision to “put your baby up for adoption” is anything but “giving up.” This path is one that requires strength, love, and devotion. You are placing the needs of your child before your own. Making this decision is never easy, and it is not right for everyone, but it might just be the best path for you and your child. If you are not yet ready to parent, but you do not – or cannot – get an abortion – then adoption may be the right decision for your life.

When it comes to adoption, the best resource will be a reputable adoption agency. For private adoption in Tennessee, a fully licensed organization will play a crucial role in this process. The best Tennessee adoption agencies offer support to expectant/birth parents, adoptive families, and children involved in the adoption journey. Nonprofit adoption agencies in Tennessee, such as Adoptions With Love, offer birth parents the financial, legal, medical, and emotional support they need. Our team of skillful attorneys and compassionate counselors specializes in giving thoughtful guidance and loving support to women contemplating adoption. This ensures that children are placed in safe, stable, and loving homes.

Types of Adoption Agencies Servicing Tennessee

Before diving into the world of adoption, you will want to learn about the different types of adoption agencies in Tennessee.

• Private adoption agencies

This is the most common path for expectant/birth mothers choosing adoption. With a Tennessee private adoption agency – also known as domestic adoption agency – adoption is a voluntary choice made by the birth mother. Adoptions With Love has been working with Tennessee birth mothers since 1986.

• Foster care adoption

Tennessee foster care is a system to remove children from their homes – sometimes temporarily – for health and safety reasons. A child put in foster care is taken from their birth parent(s) involuntarily. This is done to protect the child from things like neglect and/or abuse. A parent’s death or illness may be another reason the state steps in to intervene and remove the child from the home.

• Same-sex adoption

Many Tennessee adoption agencies will offer families in the LGBTQ+ community to adopt. While the State of Tennessee allows same-sex adoption, it also allows foster and adoption agency groups to discriminate against queer families. Adoptions With Love believes that all responsible adults should have the right to raise a family. We offer adoption to all eligible families, regardless of sexual identity, sexual preference, race, religion, or ethnicity.  The family that is best for you is your choice.

• Open adoption vs. Closed adoption

Most adoptions today are considered “open adoptions.” This means there is ongoing communication between birth and adoptive families. An open adoption in Tennessee offers many benefits for birth mothers, adopted children, and adoptive parents, as well. Closed adoption is exactly how it sounds. There is no contact between birth and adoptive families, and limited, non-identifying background information is made available to the adoptive parents.

At Adoptions With Love, expectant/birth parents can choose between:

• Open adoption
• Semi-open adoption
• Closed adoption

No matter which type of adoption plan you choose, your decision will be respected, and your wishes will be met with compassion and understanding.

The adoption process in Tennessee

Adoption can be an overwhelming idea for expectant/birth parents. The good news is that your adoption agency can hold your hand through every step of the journey.  You are not alone.  It is important to lean on your support systems and take the adoption process one step at a time. Here is a basic overview of the steps to take when making an adoption plan in Tennessee.

1. Contact a Reputable Adoption Agency. This is the first step for any adoption plan. A Tennessee adoption agency, such as Adoptions With Love, can help answer all your questions – without any commitment from you. You are never obligated to carry through with your adoption decision until the consent forms are signed.
2. Understand the adoption laws in Tennessee. Adoption laws vary from state to state. It is important to have a reputable adoption agency working with you to ensure your adoption goes through smoothly, legally, and safely. The attorneys at Adoptions With Love are experienced and familiar with Tennessee adoption laws. In Tennessee, for example, no parent can sign legal adoption documents until 72 hours (about 3 days) after the baby is born. This gives birth mothers time to spend with their babies and consider their decision before making it final. At Adoptions With Love, we encourage birth mothers to take as much time as they need before signing the consent forms. It is never too late to make an adoption plan.
3. Choose an adoptive family for your baby. You can choose the adoptive parent(s) who will raise your child. You can also choose to speak with them – and meet them in person – before making your decision if you wish. Adoptions With Love offers comprehensive adoptive family profiles to expectant/birth mothers, which include photos, letters, and stories about the adoptive family.
4. Make an adoption plan. Once you have found the perfect adoptive family for your baby, you can start to make a plan that will best meet your needs and wishes. If you want to stay connected with the family through text messaging, phone calls, or in-person visits, that can be arranged. The form and frequency of communication is up to you. Your adoption specialist can help you create a plan that works for you and makes you feel comfortable with the adoption.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tennessee Adoption Agencies

• For expectant/birth parents, there is never any fee for placing a child for adoption.
• What are the laws and requirements for adopting a baby in Tennessee? Adoption laws can be complex and vary among the states. It is important to contact your adoption professional for detailed information regarding Tennessee adoption laws.
• Who must consent to an adoption in Tennessee? The birth mother must sign her consent for adoption but must wait 72 hours (about 3 days) after giving birth.