Whether you are looking to place your baby for adoption or are hoping to grow your family through adoption, this journey starts with courage and love. You are not alone and we’ll guide and support you through every step.
For Adoptive Families: Guide to Adopting a Newborn in California
Building your family through domestic adoption is a life changing and beautiful experience. This guide will better help you understand the process from start to finish.
Step 1: Choose an Adoption Expert
The first step to adopt a newborn in California is choosing a licensed adoption agency or a licensed adoption attorney. These experts will guide you through every procedural, emotional, and legal aspect of the adoption process. It is important to opt for a specialist who understands both the emotional and legal aspects of adopting. Partnering with an experienced adoption expert will help you to ensure that every adoption process is successful, customized according to your family needs, is ethical and will be legally recognized by the court.
Step 2: Complete a Home Study
A home study is an assessment conducted by a licensed social worker or an adoption agency who ensures that you are safe around children and that your home is a safe environment for the newborn. A home study is a license to adopt and typically involves:
- Home inspections
- Financial reviews
- Interviews
- Background checks
- References
- Employment verification
- Medical reports
It ensures your ability and readiness to become a parent.
Step 3: Match and Connect with the Birth Mother
Once you pass the home study assessment, the next step is to start with the matching process. At this stage, you will create your family's profile that the birth mothers can review to so she can learn about you, and see what kind of life the child will have The profile is the way to start a relationship with the birth mother, however, your relationship will become more substantive once she selects you so remember the profile you create is just the way you begin your relationship.
Step 4: Waiting for an Adoption Match
This step is the hardest part of adopting because you are waiting to be selected. At AdoptHelp we will guide you through every step and report to you monthly to update you on the specific birth mothers who have reviewed your profile and things that can be done to increase the likelihood of being chosen.
Step 5: Develop a Contact Agreement and Make Hospital Plan
As the newborn's due date advances, the adoption specialist will recommend a hospital plan for the expectant mother (adoptive parents can customize the hospital plan as well). This includes:
- The amount of time the birth mother wants to spend with the newborn
- Who holds the baby first
- Who will be present during delivery
You will make a plan with the birth mother for the amount of contact she wants during the pregnancy, at the birth, and after the placement. In California, most adoptions do not involve entering into a legally binding agreement but the parties can do so if they would like. These agreements are often referred to as PACA (Post-Adoption Contact Agreement). This agreement defines the frequency and nature of contact between adoptive families and birth parents after the adoption is concluded. Both sides can decide how the contact will be made, like having in-person visits, phone calls, letters, and sharing photos.
The adoption professional will guide both parents about how to create the agreement that complies with California Law and is according to everyone's desires. If a PACA is used and agreed to by all parties, it is submitted to the court to become an enforceable part of the adoption process and approval.
Step 6: Preparing for Placement
After the baby is born, the birth mother will provide a written consent for adoption after being discharged from the hospital. If the birth mother remains in the hospital longer than the newborn, she can still consent if her physician deems her competent to sign. California law allows the parties to sign consent documents and for the baby to be placed for adoption when the doctor signs the birth mother’s hospital discharge statement. Adoption consents are typically irrevocable from 1-10 business days later in California. Once consents are signed, the case is finalized in Court after 180 days. For Birth Mothers Considering Newborn Adoption in California.
Putting a newborn up for adoption is an emotional and brave decision. You have the right to make a conscious decision that lines up with your baby’s future and your needs. Your choices and rights include:
- You can change your mind up until the adoption becomes irrevocable which is after the birth and signing of consent documents
- You can receive financial and emotional support during pregnancy
- You can receive free counseling before and after the placement
- You can decide upon closed, semi-open, and open adoption
- You can choose the adoptive family
Learn more about how to put newborn up for adoption with complete guidance.
Types of Newborn Adoption in California
When it comes to newborn adoptions in California, there are several types available to adoptive families and birth parents. Below are the most common types:
1. Independent (Private) Adoption
An independent adoption, the birth parents directly give the newborn to the adoptive parents and both parties are represented by adoption attorneys. In independent adoptions, the birth parents choose the adoptive parents and everyone goes through the pregnancy and delivery together. Birth parents in independent adoption by law have to know all relevant facts about the family they choose such as criminal background, health, marriage, employment, age, the city in which they live, etc. Often birth parents and adoptive parents favor this method because the custody of the child passes directly from the birth parents to the adoptive parents and an adoption agency doesn’t take custody and doesn’t have to be involved in the placement. This also reduces the costs of the adoption.
2. Agency Adoption
A private or licensed adoption agency will manage the complete process. Birth parents sign a relinquishment placing the newborn into the custody of an adoption agency and the adoption places the baby into the home of the family the birth parents select. The adoption agency will conduct post-placement visits in the home and will file a report with the court recommending whether the adoption should proceed.
3. Semi-Open Adoption
In this adoption, contact is typically mediated and limited by the attorney or agency. Adoptive families and birth parents typically exchange pictures and letters one to four times a year either directly or through the attorney or agency. This results in a balance between connection and privacy while both parents maintain a boundary and stay connected.
4. Closed Adoption
Closed adoptions offer no contact between the adoptive family and birth parents No personal information is shared and identities of both parties are confidential. Only and adoption agency can make a closed adoption placement and they are not common
5. Open Adoption
In open adoption, contact between adoptive and birth families is encouraged via communication mediums like in-person visits, phone calls, photos, and letters. This leads to connection and transparency benefits all parties to the adoption, especially the child.
6. Stepparent Adoption
Stepparent adoption is the legal process by which a spouse or registered domestic partner of a child’s legal parent becomes the child’s second legal parent. It gives the stepparent full parental rights and responsibilities and permanently severs the legal rights of the other biological parent.The process begins by submitting an Adoption Request with the family law court in your county of residence. This filing includes information about you, your spouse, and the child, as well as the identity and status of the child’s other parent. Once the request is filed, California law requires an adoption investigation. This is typically handled by the local California Department of Social Services or a delegated county public adoption agency. The investigation involves background checks, document review (e.g., birth certificates, marriage certificates), and interviews with the family. Unlike traditional adoptions, there is no home visit. If the child’s other biological parent is living and still has legal parental rights, those rights must be legally terminated before the adoption can proceed. This may happen through:
- Voluntary Consent: The non-custodial parent signs a legal form giving up their rights.
- Involuntary Termination: If the parent refuses to consent the court may terminate their rights based on failure to assume parental responsibilities, failure to have a relationship with child, abandonment or unfitness.
After the investigation is completed and parental rights are terminated (if needed), a court hearing will be scheduled. The court will also issue an amended birth certificate listing the stepparent as the legal parent, and we also may request a name change for the child if desired.
Common Questions People Ask About Newborn Adoption in California
How long does it take for newborn adoption in California?
The average wait time for a newborn adoption in California is 6-18 months, but it can vary by preferences and family. Factors like requirements for gender, age, ethnicity, health, etc. can increase or decrease wait times.
How much does it cost for newborn adoption in California?
The newborn adoption in California can cost from $40,000 to $70,000. This cost varies depending on specific circumstances of the adoption. There also is a federal tax credit of over $17,000 and often employer contributions and grants that can help offset these costs.