How to Place Your Baby Up for Adoption
(Without Judgement or Pressure)
If you’re considering adoption for an unplanned pregnancy in Texas, the process typically involves talking with an adoption specialist, learning about your options, creating an adoption plan if you choose to move forward, selecting an adoptive family (if you want to), and completing the legal steps after your baby’s birth. You are never required to choose adoption simply because you ask for information.
Adoption Advocates can guide you through each step of the process, without judgment or pressure. Please keep in mind that you won’t make a final decision about adoption until at least 48 hours after your baby is born.
1. Choose an adoption agency
Reaching out does not mean you are choosing adoption. It simply gives you a safe place to learn about your options. You are welcome to ask questions, take your time, and explore what feels best.
Adoption Advocates is a nonprofit adoption agency in Texas that provides personalized, caring support. We work with people of all faiths, races, ethnicities, and sexual orientations.
Our role is to give you clear information, practical resources, and emotional support—without pressure or judgment. We want you to feel informed, respected, and empowered to make the decision that feels right for you and your baby.
2. Meet with your adoption specialist
Your adoption specialist is your guide and support person throughout this journey. She will listen, help you sort through your feelings and needs, and make sure you understand every option available to you. Many expectant parents feel a sense of relief after their first meeting because they finally have someone in their corner.
Together, you can:
- Explore all your options, including creating a parenting plan if you’re still unsure
- Discuss what open adoption means and what choices you’ll have
- Find prenatal care
- Apply for Texas Pregnancy Medicaid (if needed)
- Discuss financial assistance for essentials like food, housing, and transportation
- Create your personal adoption plan
We offer private meeting spaces in Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas. If you’re somewhere else in Texas, we’ll come to you or schedule a virtual visit.
3. View adoptive parent profiles
Choosing a family can be an exciting step! You’ll look through profiles of approved adoptive parents and pick your favorite(s). You can talk with any family you’re interested in—by phone, video, or in person.
Once you choose a family, you’ll start building a relationship with them – if that’s what you want. Some expectant parents text or meet regularly, while others prefer limited or no contact. It’s up to you.
4. Create your hospital plan.
Your adoption specialist will help you plan what you want your hospital experience to look like. These are your choices, and Adoption Advocates will support whatever you think is best. This includes:
- Who you want with you during labor and delivery
- Whether you want the adoptive family present
- How much time you’d like with your baby
- Any comfort or support needs
Your adoption specialist will share your plan with hospital staff and adoptive family to make sure your wishes are honored.
5. Deliver your baby
If you need extra support (or want to keep things more private), your adoption specialist can stay with you during labor and delivery. We will be involved as much or as little as you want.
After delivery, your adoption specialist will meet with you to process your feelings and provide support. She can also bring you some food “from the outside.” Together, you will discuss your plans to move forward with your adoption plan or parenting.
6. Sign the relinquishment papers
If you decide to move forward with adoption, you’ll sign an affidavit of voluntary relinquishment of parental rights. In Texas, this document can only be signed 48 hours or more after your baby is born. Most of the time, this happens before you leave the hospital. If you’re discharged earlier, we can meet you somewhere that feels comfortable for you.
The adoptive family signs paperwork next and then can accept your child into their care.
7. Continue ongoing support
Your relationship with us doesn’t end after placement. We encourage you to continue counseling as you transition to the next stage in your life.
Adoption Advocates provides lifelong support for birth parents. You can return for counseling at any time, whether weeks, months, or years later. We’re also here to help you and the adoptive family navigate your ongoing contact or relationship in the way that feels right for you.
Ask your first question today. Call (512) 477-1122 or text (512) 270-8415.
Take Your First Step Now
Ready to begin making an adoption plan? Our adoption specialists are here to explain more about the process and answer your questions. Any information you provide will remain confidential, and there is no obligation to move forward with an adoption.
Get started by completing the online form and we’ll reach out as soon as possible. You’ll also receive an email with a downloadable copy of our informative Guide to Making an Adoption Plan.
If you need to speak to an adoption specialist now, call or text (512) 270-8415.
