Young woman wondering if her baby could end up in foster care if she places it up for adoption

Maybe you’re considering adoption, but you’re worried about the possibility of your baby being temporarily placed in foster care while an adoptive family is selected. 

You may be fearful of the unknowns of foster care and what that could mean for your child.

The good news is, if you make an adoption plan while you’re pregnant, your child will be placed with the adoptive family immediately after birth and never enter the foster care system. 

Continue reading to learn more about modern-day adoption and tips on selecting the right adoptive family. 

Types of Adoption

In modern-day adoption, the birth mother has the opportunity to be involved in the decision-making during the adoption process, allowing her to select the adoptive family and choose if she wants to remain in contact with her child. 

For many women, choosing the adoptive family and keeping in touch with their child allows them to make peace with their decision and be confident that their child is being cared for by a loving family. For other women, remaining in contact with their child may be too difficult for them. 

No matter what type of adoption you choose, prioritizing your child’s well-being and placing your child for adoption is an incredibly loving decision. 

The three types of modern adoption include: 

  • Open adoption: You can choose the family you want to adopt your baby and decide if you want to keep in contact with them. You can also choose how involved you want to be in the baby’s life.
  • Semi-open adoption: You can still have contact with the family and baby, but a professional adoption agency will help manage communication and keep your identifying information confidential.
  • Closed adoption: You won’t have contact with the baby, and the identities of all parties are kept confidential. The court keeps adoption records sealed.

Choosing An Adoptive Family

Below are some tips that may be helpful when choosing an adoptive family. 

1. Creating Preferences 

You may want to begin by considering what you value most in an adoptive family. 

  • Do I want the family to practice a specific faith or religion? 
  • Do I want my child raised in a two-parent household?
  • Do I want both parents to work or one to stay home?
  • Do I want there to be other children? 
  • Do I want my child to remain in the same state to make staying in contact easier? 

2. Considering Families 

You can review various family profiles provided by your adoption agency. Remember, if you don’t feel like any are the right fit, be honest with the agency you’re working with; they may be able to provide you with additional options.  

3. Meeting the Families 

After narrowing down the selection to a couple of families, it can be helpful to meet them in person and get to know them a little better. You may gain a better understanding of the family dynamic and their values.  

4. Maintaining Contact with the Families

You may consider sending the family ultrasound photos throughout the pregnancy, inviting them to a doctor’s appointment, or meeting with them for dinner. 

Get Help Today

At New Life Clinic, we want to support you as you navigate your pregnancy decision by providing free pregnancy services and adoption agency referrals. 

The adoption process can feel overwhelming, but finding the right adoption agency can make all the difference.

Working with an adoption agency to create a specific adoption plan during your pregnancy ensures that your child will be placed with a loving and permanent adoptive family. 
Contact us today for your confidential appointment.