How to Place Your Baby Up for Adoption

Adoption agencies come in all shapes and sizes, and finding the right fit is an important first step. Think about what best suits your needs. Is that a small, local organization, or a large, national agency? Would a faith-based organization align best with your beliefs? What kind of support do they offer?

(In case you’re wondering, Adoption Advocates is a small, nonprofit adoption agency. We are not a religious organization and we work with people of all faiths, races, ethnicities, and sexual orientations. We are committed to honesty, respect, and support throughout the adoption process so you feel empowered to do what is best for you.)

Reaching out to an adoption agency does not mean that you have to give your baby up for adoption— you are only gathering information so you can start thinking your options. No agency should make you feel pressured to commit or move faster than you’re comfortable with.

Call us now at (512) 477-1122 to ask your first question. You can also text us at (512) 270-8415.

Your adoption specialist will help you complete initial paperwork and assist you with establishing prenatal care and Medicaid, if needed. You’ll also discuss what financial assistance for housing, food and other necessities the agency may be able to provide during your pregnancy.

You’ll continue meeting with your specialist throughout the adoption process. In addition to guidance, she will provide emotional support and grief preparation counseling. Together, you’ll work to prepare your adoption plan. If you’re still not sure about adoption, you’ll also work together to develop a PARENTING PLAN, so you can be better prepared to make a decision.

Our adoption agency has offices in Austin, San Antonio, Houston and Dallas that provide a safe, confidential space to meet. However, our specialists work with expectant parents all over Texas. We’re happy to come to where you are or schedule virtual meetings.

After reviewing profile books of approved adoptive families, you’ll be able to speak with them on the phone or in person before you make a decision. Once you are matched, you’ll start building a relationship. This often looks like getting together for dinner, texting and talking on the phone.

Want to see who is adopting? View online profiles of waiting families now.

As with any other labor and delivery, you will create a birth plan and make choices for yourself. During your hospital stay, you’ll also control how much time to spend with your baby, if you want the adoptive family present, and what name goes on the original birth certificate.

Learn more about what to expect at the hospital

After delivery, your adoption specialist will meet with you again to help you process your feelings so you can determine if placing your newborn with an adoptive family is still the right decision for you.

This can be done no sooner than 48 hours after delivery, per Texas law. Placement with the adoptive family is done immediately following relinquishment.

Your adoption specialist will continue to provide support to help you process your feelings of grief and loss. While this step is optional, we encourage parents to keep meeting with us for additional support as they transition to the next stage in their lives.

Adoption Advocates is committed to providing lifelong support to our birth parents. Post-placement counseling is available for as long as you need, and you can return for additional counseling at any time. These is no charge for post-placement counseling, and additional support may be available through our Vision of Hope Fund.