Adoption

Making a plan for adoption is rarely an easy decision. Counseling and support services are a key part of adoption and are available from a number of adoption agencies, both public and private. Further information and a list of adoption agencies can be found in the Minnesota Department of Health resource guide, If You are Pregnant: A directory of services available in Minnesota or, you could call the Minnesota Department of Human Services at 651-431-4656 or visit their web site at: www.dhs.state.mn.us and click on Children, then on Adoption.

There are several ways to consent to the adoption of a child. Open adoption allows identifying information to be communicated between adoptive and biological parents and, perhaps, interaction between kin and the adopted person. Closed adoption seals all identifying information, maintaining it as secret and preventing disclosure of the adoptive parents’, biological kins’, and adoptees’ identities. Nevertheless, closed adoption may allow the transmittal of non-identifying information such as medical history and religious and ethnic background.

Talking with a Minnesota Licensed Adoption Agency or an attorney familiar with adoption will help identify the method that will best serve the child and yourself. Birth parents decide whether they want to remain anonymous or participate in a more open adoption-including identifying adoptive parents and establishing a plan for communication over time (Source: Minnesota Woman’s Right To Know Act).

If you are not ready to be a parent, you can still give your baby the gift of life by choosing adoption. You can plan for your baby’s future by selecting a stable, loving family to care for your baby. After birth, you can see your baby, name your baby, and spend time with your baby. If you so choose, you may be able to get updates on your child’s progress and have ongoing visits throughout your child’s life while you continue your education or career goals. Finally, you can be proud that you chose life for your baby.

Yes! Most agencies have adoptive couples who come from a variety of backgrounds, and they have been screened and approved. There are additional options such as choosing a friend, or someone who has been recommended to you. Your agency will discuss these options with you.

You may have as much contact with your baby at the hospital as you desire. When planning your child’s adoption, you can choose an open adoption plan that allows ongoing visits with your child, or you can choose a less open adoption that keeps you informed about your child’s progress through letters and photos. Adoptive families respect your need to know that your child is loved and happy. If you prefer not to have any ongoing contact with your child and the adoptive family, confidential adoption plans are also possible.

The timing of your child’s placement depends on three factors:

• Your preference for the timing of placement.
• Legal aspects of the adoption, which may vary from state to state.
• The cooperation of the birthfather.

Many birthmothers want their baby placed with the adoptive family directly from the hospital. Some women prefer to place their baby in temporary care while they consider their adoption decision. Your agency can help with either option.

That depends on what type of option plan you choose: open, semi-open, or confidential. Your agency will encourage you to provide your complete medical and social history for your child, no matter what type of adoption plan you make, and in some states, that is required. You may choose to share your identity and where you live with the adoptive family. If you’ve made an open adoption plan, you may have ongoing, direct contact with your child and the adoptive family. The information your child will know about the birthfather depends on his relationship with you and your counselor. Most birthfathers give their complete medical and social history, recognizing how important it is for the child. In some cases, the only information available about the birthfather is what the birthmother provides.

Both you and the birthfather have rights. If you disagree about adoption or you no longer have a relationship with him, your agency will work with the birthfather and/or the courts to determine if his rights can be terminated. However, in Minnesota there is a Putative Father’s Adoption Registry that gives them the option to register and participate in decisions regarding the adoption from conception until 30 days after birth.

The law in your state determines when and how your child may access the information in the adoption file. Your caseworker will explain the current laws as they apply to your adoption plan.

Adoptive families approved by your agency must meet standards that are shared with you. Your agency will make every attempt to complete a thorough assessment of potential adoptive families. Prior to finalizing the adoption, a caseworker will make home visits to ensure the child’s well-being. In an open adoption, you will see for yourself how well your child is cared for and how much your child is loved.

You do not need an attorney and there are no costs to you. The adoption agency will handle all the legal details for you and the birthfather.

Assistance with medical and living expenses is available through many agencies. For details about how your agency can help you in your particular circumstances, contact your caseworker.