How To Adopt A Newborn Baby In California

The Pros And Cons Of Adopting Through Foster Care

Over the years, FCCA has helped to create thousands of happy families through our California Waiting Child Program. For these parents, children and their extended family members, the advantages of foster care adoption are too numerous to count. A few of these benefits include:

Adopting a foster child can be a rewarding experience that benefits adoptive parents just as much as if not more than their children. However, foster care adoption is not right for everyone. Before beginning the fos-adopt process, here are some considerations to keep in mind:

While foster care and adoption can be difficult at times, the families who have been through this process firmly believe that the rewards far outweigh the challenges.

If you are interested in adopting an older child from foster care, please contact us or attend an upcoming information session to learn more about our California foster care adoption program. We would be happy to schedule a free and confidential initial consultation to discuss your adoption goals.

How Do I Place My Baby For Adoption In California

The first step towards putting your baby up for adoption is contacting an adoption agency in California, or an adoption organization, like Angel Adoption. If you choose to work with us, we will be your guide and support system throughout the entire adoption process. You will view profiles of families hoping to adopt and choose one for your baby. Well help you put together an adoption plan based on your wants and needs, such as whether it will be open or closed, who will be with you during delivery, and what youll do after the adoption.

Hear From Our Happy Families Success Stories

I just wanted to send a quickthank you to all of you who have helped Andrea and I start our family.

– Jim and Andrea

We loved ANLC. Everyone was very informative and friendly.

– Ryan and Tracie

It took a day and half of being up on the ANLC website before we were matched with our sensational Birthmother. We will never forget receiving the phone call from ANLC on Friday, August 5, 2005. We almost crashed and got pulled over by the Sheriffs Department on our way to Laguna Beach

– Jesse and Janet

happiness and sense of completeness that we felt when we held our newborn sonfor the first time cannot be put into words. It was the end of anadoption journey that began just over a year prior, but it was just thebeginning of our new life as a family.

– David and Ashley

We are the parents of three amazing sons, but the path tohave them was a roller coaster ride. Faith, patience and perseverance paid off with help from ANLC.

– Eric and Lisa

It has been so long since we last talked and I am sorry it has taken me this long to get a note out to you. Ron and I want so much to thank you and the Adoption Network Law Center for all the help you have been to us in starting our family. Who would have ever guessed that it would all happen so fast?

– Ron and Lisa

Everyone we have worked with at ANLC has been kind, supportive and advocates for building our family.

– Brian and Molly

– Charley and Maria Jacob

– Sal and Christian

– Tony and Joanne

Recommended Reading: How To Take Care Of Newborn Puppies Week By Week

Make A Hospital Plan And An Openness Agreement

Assuming your child isnt already born, like in our case, your adoption caseworker will guide you and the birth mother to make all the necessary decisions in preparation for the babys arrival. This includes a hospital plan.

An adoption hospital plan is a document that details exactly what you and the expectant mother, wants to happen during your hospital stay. This plan is typically created before going into labor, to help give the birthmother and you peace of mind. It also helps you to prepare mentally for the delivery and adoption process.

Also, in cases where you will have an open adoption, they will walk you through completing an openness plan. An open adoption agreement is a formal, post-adoption contract that outlines expectations and boundaries for ongoing contact between birth parents and an adoptive family. It explains how, and how much the birth parents, adoptive parents, and adopted child will stay in touch after the adoption takes place. It also describes what that contact will look like.

Recommended Reading: Does My Newborn Have A Milk Allergy

About Adoption From Foster Care

Thousands of children in foster care need permanent families

Adopting a child from foster care is a great way to help a child while growing your family. Today there are more than 117,000 children and teens in foster care who are waiting for the love and security that a permanent home provides.

You can learn more about foster care and adoption by clicking through our short, interactive modules about the children in care and the families they need.

Don’t Miss: Can Newborns Have Acid Reflux

What Does The Adoption Process Look Like

There are two stages in the adoption process: pre-placement and post-placement. The time frame, like the cost, varies with the type of child being adopted. With a completed homestudy in hand, the process to adopt a child with special needs can often proceed quickly and be completed within a few months.

Applying To Be A Permanent Carer

You can seek to be approved as a permanent carer first through any of the permanent care programs .

If you later apply to adopt, we will seek your consent to access all information about any assessment and training you have undertaken to be approved as a permanent carer. Generally, this will shorten the process for approving you to adopt.

Donât Miss: How To Bathe Newborn In Baby Tub

Recommended Reading: What To Do When Newborn Has Gas

How Can I Adopt A Baby For Free

The most common way to adopt for free is through foster care adoption. Most states dont demand an upfront cost for this type of adoption, though some may require advanced filing fees that are later reimbursed. This option is perfect for those who would like to adopt an older child or who dont mind a longer wait.

How Much Money Do You Get For Adopting A Child

While the adoption credit is no longer refundable, you may still be eligible for a credit of up to $12,970 if youve adopted or are planning to adopt a child this year. Yes, you read correctly, an income tax credit of over twelve thousand dollars related to adoption costs in addition to other benefits.

Read Also: How Much Vitamin D For A Newborn

The Newborn Baby Adoption Process

Adopting a baby is an exciting and emotional journey. We developed a newborn adoption process that will provide you with an experienced, supportive, and caring environment as we assist and guide you through every step of the way. Learn more on how to adopt a baby »

9

Giving A Baby Up For Adoption In Ca

If youre a woman considering adoption in California, youre most likely at a stressful time in your life. This is one of the biggest decisions youll ever make, and it may be hard to know what the right decision is. If this describes your situation, there are two things you need to know: First, you are not alone. Second, no one can tell you what to do with your unplanned pregnancy.

If you’re ready to begin your adoption journey, call 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our contact form.

You are the only one qualified to make this decision for yourself, but that doesnt mean you cant research your options. As an adoption agency, were passionate about making sure you have access to reliable information about giving a baby up for adoption in California. This article exists solely to educate you, never to persuade you adoption is not right for everyone. However, if youre wondering what happens if you give a baby up for adoption in California, were here to help.

You May Like: How Do You Get Rid Of Fleas On Newborn Puppies

Types Of Adoption In California

There are a few different types of adoption in California, as previously touched on in this article. Those include independent or private infant adoption in California, intercountry adoption, kinship adoption, step-parent adoption, and adoption from foster care. Here we explain a few of the differences for each of these respective adoptions. The one similarity is that they all require an adoption home study.

Private Infant Adoption

Private infant adoption is the type of adoption you will complete as an expectant parent if you choose to create an adoption plan for your child. The first step is to choose an adoption agency or adoption attorney with whom you will work to complete your adoption. As the expectant parents , you will work with your adoption service provider to choose an adoptive family for your child. The adoption agency will also likely be working with adoptive families that are hoping to adopt a baby. You will look through the books of profiles the adoption agency will provide you to choose an adoptive family. The adoption agency will work with you every step of the process and you can even interview the family.

Once you give birth, and if you decide to place your baby for adoption, the birth parent will sign an Independent Adoption Placement Agreement which is automatically irrevocable after thirty days according to the state law.

Foster Care Adoption in California

Intercountry Adoption in California

Home Study Process For Adoption In California

Once you meet the initial requirements to adopt a child in California, you will need to complete an adoption home study. If you are placing your baby for adoption, this is an important part of the process to give you peace of mind that the adoptive parents are safe and loving and can support your child. If the hopeful adoptive parents live in a state different from California, they will need to complete a home study in their respective home state even if they are adopting your baby and you live in California and will give birth in California.

California state regulations for adoption require that the prospective adoptive parents complete an adoption home study which includes the following:

Also Check: Why Does My Newborn Keep Throwing Up

Things To Consider When Adopting A Baby In California

You are considering adopting a baby in California. Now what? There is a lot of information out there for you to consider that will help guide you to the best fit for your family. In regard to domestic adoption, there are a handful of options to think about. In California, you can choose from adopting from foster care, independent adoption, or working with an adoption agency.

1. Adopting a Baby in California from Foster Care

The foster care system in California is similar to that of other states. Children placed into foster care from negligence, abuse, or exploitation. The states priority is the safety and well-being of the child/children. Children in foster care vary in age from infants to teenagers. Once children are placed into foster care, their parents work with the state to create a plan to be reunited with their children. Oftentimes, this plan involves therapy, rehabilitation, and parenting classes. Most children that are available for adoption in foster care are older, but there are times that infants are able to be adopted through foster care.

For those wanting to adopt an infant, foster care can be a challenge. The benefit of foster care is the financial support that is provided. The children receive a stipend while in care to meet their needs, free medical care, and counseling. Adopting from foster care is very inexpensive and usually comes down to just the costs of finalization. The challenge, though, is that nobody is guaranteed to adopt an infant.

You Can Choose The Types Of Adoption You Want

When you decide to place your baby for adoption, youll be able to choose from three types of adoption. Each option is unique, just like every adoption story! We will support you in whatever you choose. Here are the three types of adoption we help with.

Open Adoptions

Open adoptions have many benefits because it allows you to make the decisions every step of the way. Firstly, in an open adoption, the birth mother and the adoptive parents can get to know each other if the birth mother wants to. With this option, you can choose your babys adoptive parents and build a relationship with them during your pregnancy. After your baby is born, you have the opportunity to receive pictures and letters from the adoptive family throughout your childs life as well as visit your child if you wish.

Semi-Open Adoptions

Semi-open adoptions are similar to open adoptions. Youll have the option to choose your babys adoptive family and communicate with them prior to delivery. After delivery, you can receive pictures and letter updates. However, you wont be able to visit your child in person as they grow up, nor can you have direct contact with the family.

Closed Adoptions

You May Like: How To Stop Colic In Newborns

How To Adopt A Baby: The Infant Adoption Process

Once you have decided that adopting an infant is the right choice for your family, your next question is likely, How do I adopt a baby?

Adopting a newborn baby is an exciting and rewarding experience it is also a complex process that requires the services of experienced adoption professionals. Here is more information about how to adopt an infant with FCCA:

While the baby adoption process can be long and overwhelming at times, it will all be worth it when you hold your child for the first time. If you want to adopt a baby with FCCA, please contact us for additional information about our domestic adoption program, as well as your other options when looking to adopt a baby in California.

Questions To Ask The Adoptive Family

• 1. How long has the couple been married?
• 2. What led them to adoption?
• 3. Does the family have other children? Are they biological or adopted? Do they plan to have or adopt more?
• 4. Do they have family that lives nearby?
• 5. What kind of life do they lead at this time?
• 6. What are their values and/or spiritual beliefs?
• 7. What are their views on parenting and discipline?
• 8. What are their hobbies?
• 9. What type of family traditions do they have?
• 10. Where did they attend school?
• 11. What do they do for a living?
• 12. Do both parents work outside the home?
• 13. Do they plan to take time off work when their baby is born?
• 14. How much time would the child be spending with a nanny/babysitter or at daycare?
• 15. What experiences would they like to share with the child?

Recommended Reading: What Size For Newborn Diapers

How Are Adoptive Families Screened While Thinking About Giving My Baby Up For Adoption

Adoptive families are thoroughly evaluated through a home study course conducted by a licensed agency. The home study process includes assessments of the parents character, marital stability, financial situation, lifestyle, and medical history. The agency also runs background checks to verify there is no record of criminal activity or child abuse. In addition, a social worker will inspect the familys home to ensure it is a safe environment for a child.

Angel Adoption requires each family to be educated on adopting and parenting. After a baby has been placed with the adoptive family, a social worker will continue to monitor and supervise the family.

What Rights Do Birth Fathers Have In The Adoption Process In California

In California, parental rights are given to the presumed father of the child if:

• He and the childs mother are or were married to each other, and the child is born during the marriage or within 300 days after the marriage ended.
• Before the birth of the child, he and the childs mother attempted to marry, and the marriage is or could be declared invalid, and the child is born during the marriage or within 300 days after the marriage is terminated.
• He gave his consent to be listed as the father on the childs birth certificate.
• He has acknowledged his paternity in writing.
• He is obligated to support the child, either by voluntary agreement or court order.

The following reasons are grounds for termination of a Birth Father or Mothers parental rights:

• If the presumed father cannot be located for six months
• If he has failed to visit or contact the child for six months
• He has been convicted of a felony indicating parental unfitness

Recommended Reading: When Should I Start Bathing My Newborn

How Do I Adopt A Baby In California

How to Adopt a Baby: The Infant Adoption Process Complete an adoption home study. Create an adoption profile. Find an adoption opportunity. Get to know the expectant mother. Receive placement of the baby. Satisfy post-placement requirements. Finalize the adoption. Continue your post-placement relationship.

How Long Does It Take To Start The Adoption Process

How long will it take to adopt a child? In an agency adoption, depending on the workload of the agency selected, it will take anywhere from six months to a year to complete an adoption family assessment. Most adoptive placements occur one to several months after the family assessment has been approved.

You May Like: How To Put A Newborn Baby To Sleep