A Guide to Tennessee Adoption Agencies

Making the decision to “put your baby up for adoption in Tennessee” 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 want to – or cannot – get an abortion – then adoption may be the right decision for your life. This guide is designed to provide you with clear, compassionate information to help you make the best decision for yourself and your child.

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 expectant/birth parents the financial, legal, medical, and emotional support they need. Our team of skillful attorneys and compassionate counselors specialize in giving thoughtful guidance and loving support to women contemplating adoption. This ensures that children are placed in safe, stable, and loving homes.

Introduction to Adoption in Tennessee

Overview of Adoption Laws in Tennessee

It can be helpful to understand Tennessee adoption laws before starting the adoption process. Adoption laws can be complex and vary by state. In Tennessee, a birth mother must wait at least 72 hours (3 days) before signing consent forms. There is a ten-day revocation period, but this must be approved by the same judge that approved the adoption in court. It is important to work with an adoption agency that can offer legal services at no cost to you. This professional is important because they will understand Tennessee adoption laws. Adoptions With Love has been working with expectant/birth parents in Tennessee since 1986. They can walk you through the adoption process and answer any questions you may have along the way.

Types of Tennessee Adoptions Available

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 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.

Importance of Choosing the Right Adoption Agency

Choosing the right Tennessee adoption agency is important because this is the professional you will be working with throughout the adoption journey. This agency helps you design an adoption plan – which involves post–adoption contact with your child’s adoptive family.

Your Tennessee adoption agency will provide you with the supportive services you need. The best adoption agencies in Tennessee will also offer financial assistance, counseling services, medical care, and legal assistance – at no cost.

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Tennessee Adoption Process

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 rely 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 smoothly, legally, and safely. The attorneys working with 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.

Questions to Ask Potential Private TN Adoption Agencies

What are the laws and requirements for adopting a baby in Tennessee? Adoption laws are 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 the adoption in Tennessee? The birth mother must sign her consent for adoption but must wait 72 hours (about 3 days) after giving birth.

How much does it cost to place a baby for adoption? For expectant/birth parents, there is never any fee for placing a child for adoption.

Is the process confidential? Absolutely. Tennessee adoption agencies respect your privacy and handle your information with care. If you prefer confidentiality, your agency will ensure your identity remains protected throughout the process.

How do I know if adoption is the right choice for me? Adoption is a deeply personal decision, and only you can decide what is best for you and your child. Speaking with counselors, adoption professionals, and trusted loved ones can help you weigh your options and feel confident in your choice.

What happens if I change my mind during the process? You can decide to stop the adoption process at any time before signing the final paperwork. Your agency is there to support you, regardless of your decision.

Can I maintain contact with my child after the adoption? This depends on the type of adoption plan you choose. Open adoptions allow for ongoing communication and visits, while semi-open adoptions might include updates through letters or photos. Closed adoptions involve no contact. Your agency will work with you to create a plan that suits your preferences.

Why Work with an Adoption Agency in Tennessee?

Choosing to work with an adoption agency in Tennessee means having access to the financial assistance, legal support, and counseling services you need. Adoption is not a journey that anyone should face alone.

At Adoptions With Love, expectant/birth mothers who choose adoption have access to a professional counselor who is experienced, sensitive, and compassionate. Our attorneys are fully trained in Tennessee adoption laws. Everyone will take the time to be by your side, help you decide the best future for your child, and examine all your options.

You can receive support in the following areas:

• We can cover a deposit and several months of rent.
• Other living expenses, such as utilities, phone bills, food, transportation, and even maternity clothes, as needed.
• Medical Expenses. We can help you find a midwife or doctor with whom you feel comfortable, and we can cover all uninsured medical expenses related to pregnancy, birth, and recovery.
• Legal services. Our team of attorneys in Tennessee can meet you at the time and place that is most convenient for you, including the hospital or at your home.
• Counseling services. We offer counseling services before and after the adoption is complete.
• Adoption design support. You choose the family. We can help design an adoption plan that best meets your needs.

Benefits of Choosing Adoption for Your Baby

There are many benefits of choosing adoption in Tennessee. Many birth parents take comfort in the fact that their child is safe and well cared-for while they have the freedom to pursue their own personal and professional goals.

Another benefit is having the chance to see your child grow over the years. With open adoption in Tennessee, placing a child for adoption no longer means saying “goodbye forever.” You can still build a relationship with your child as they grow and form a deep, meaningful bond with your child’s adoptive family. With open adoption, your child grows up knowing they are loved by two families instead of one.