How To Put A Baby Up For Adoption in New Jersey

If you’re pregnant and thinking about adoption in New Jersey, understand this: choosing adoption isn’t about “giving up” your baby. It’s about creating a loving plan for both of you. It means thinking about what’s best for your child, even when it’s a hard choice.

Though some of the details can seem overwhelming, A Baby Step Adoption is here for you at every stage to make sure that you are comfortable and happy with your process. 

The information below is a brief overview of the stages of adoption in New Jersey, but if you have any more questions, we are happy to walk you through your options.

1. Consider Your Options

When facing something like an unplanned pregnancy, it’s important to take all options into consideration. Think about whether parenting your baby, placing your baby for adoption, or abortion is the best decision for you at this time. A Baby Step Adoption will help you consider all of these options without judgment or prejudice to find the happiest path forward for you and your family.

If you decide to place your baby for adoption, make sure you choose an adoption agency that respects you and your decisions. Putting your wellbeing first and making you feel comfortable should be the top priority for any agency you choose.

2. Find Your Adoption Agency 

Choosing a local adoption agency for you in New Jersey is helpful because it gives you the opportunity to easily visit with them whenever you need, but an outside attorney that will match you with potential parents is also an option. Regardless of what path you choose, make sure you feel comfortable at every stage.

You can get in contact with adoption professionals at A Baby Step Adoption who can help you answer any questions you may have.

3. Create An Adoption Plan

Once you have chosen an agency, decide if an open adoption, semi-open adoption, or closed adoption is the best choice for you. The type of adoption plan you choose will determine the kind of contact you will have with the adoptive family and the baby throughout the adoption process as well as in the future. Ask yourself important questions about the kind of relationship you want with your baby, and the kind of home you would like it to occupy.

4. Select A Family

Once you have the answers to those questions, you can begin the process of selecting a family for your baby. This choice is entirely up to you, and should feel like an exciting part of the process! A Baby Step Adoption has many loving, waiting families you can search through to select the perfect match for you and your baby.

You’ll be able to have contact with the parents by phone, virtual meetings, or in-person meetings depending on their location and other circumstances. Use this opportunity to get to know the potential parents and what you may have in common, how you both see the future of your child’s life, and voice any concerns you may have.

5. Create A Hospital Plan

When those decisions have been made, and your medical information has been given both to your doctors and your adoption agency, your case worker can help you make a plan for your hospital stay. They will guide you through the process, and help you answer questions such as who you’d first like to hold the baby, and what kind of contact you’d like to have with the baby in the hospital, so you can plan accordingly.

6. Finalize Adoption

After giving birth, you will be allowed to leave the hospital typically within 72 hours. Around that time, an adoption professional will bring you the Consent to Adoption paperwork that will make the process final.  

Remember, you have not “given up” your baby for adoption — but made a brave and selfless choice to allow a family that otherwise couldn’t have a child to be able to celebrate what you brought into the world.

What is the adoption process like in NJ?

Adoption in New Jersey is a bit different than in other places. If you’re thinking about adoption, start by talking to an agency. They’ll help you make a plan.

Picking the right family for your baby is a big step. At ABSA, we have families ready and waiting. Most times, birth mothers pick a family for their baby before they are born. After your baby is born, the agency helps make sure your baby goes to their new family safely and supports you afterward.

Feeling unsure about adoption? Check out our blog about how adoption works in New Jersey for more information. If you’re thinking about adoption, call us at 610-906-8877 or send a text to 610-376-9742. We’re here to help every step of the way.