Expectant Parent/Birth Mother
If you are expecting or currently parenting and are thinking about placing your child for adoption:
Click below to hear from a birth mother who placed her baby:
What do I do now?
Breathe… and know you are not alone.
If I choose adoption, who will adopt my baby?
You are entitled to obtain as much information (about the prospective adoptive parent) as you are allowed to personally choose who will adopt your baby.
Is there any cost?
There should be no cost to you. Under California law you can legally receive financial support for adoption related expenses throughout your pregnancy (i.e. rent, food, medical, clothing…)
Who can I talk to about placing my baby?
You may speak to an attorney confidentially and without cost, and be independently represented throughout the adoption process. As well, you may speak to the adoption agency about the adopting parent(s), their background and whether you desire to match with them. There are immediate answers to every question you may have.
My baby may be at risk of going into foster care.
You have a right to place your child for adoption and avoid the foster care system all together.
Will I have contact with the adoptive parents I choose?
You are able to meet the adoptive parent(s) before you choose them and may have contact with them before birth.
Will the child know about me as he/she grows up?
You may prepare information about yourself for the child to see as they grow. Adoptive parents will update you as the child grows, if you wish. The child will always know he/she is adopted and about you growing up, if you wish.
Can anyone stop me from placing my baby for adoption?
No one can legally stop you from placing your child for adoption.
If you are not married to the father, under California law, the “alleged father” generally cannot stop the adoption unless he demonstrates: He promptly came forward and demonstrated a full commitment to his parental responsibilities to mother and the unborn child, financially, emotionally and otherwise; he held himself out publicly as father, and; promptly filed necessary legal documents to become a legal father. In our experience, less than 5% of the alleged fathers legally object to an adoption.
When is my baby placed with the adoptive parents?
The child is typically placed at birth in the hospital with the adoptive parents. The hospital placement is planned and designed by you and the adoptive parents.
Do I have to attend court hearings?
You do not have to go to a social services office or to court to complete the adoption.
What if the adoptive parents have other kids?
Studies show adopted children do as well or better than other children when placed with other children.
Is there a background check for the adoptive parents?
Adoptive parents are home-studied, investigated and fingerprinted.
I would like to keep my pregnancy private from my family members and friends.
You have the right to keep your pregnancy private. Independent and Agency Adoptions are private and the cases are sealed from the public.
If I am scared and feeling depressed.
We believe strongly that you should be receiving as much emotional support throughout the adoption process and are entitled to receive it.
*Any information you share with FAMILYBUILDING is confidential until you authorize us to release it.