How to Put Your Baby Up for Adoption in NJ
If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy in New Jersey, you may be considering giving your baby up for adoption. The most common misconceptions about adoption come from the phrase “giving your baby up.” In reality, adoption is one of the most selfless options for pregnant women. It means you’re placing your baby’s needs before your own.
You have options if you’re expecting a baby, but if you’re wondering how to put a baby up for adoption in New Jersey, we can help. Many women have been in your position before and we’ve helped guide them through the adoption process. Here’s everything you need to know about adoption in New York and New Jersey.
How Does Adoption Work?
Adoption can look different for every woman, but you can start the adoption process by reaching out to an adoption agency. Once you pick an agency to work with, you’ll develop an adoption plan. Adoption plans cover everything from what kind of adoption you want to the birth plan.
Adoption agencies can help support you through the adoption process, making every step of the way clear. It helps to have an experienced person to lean on throughout the adoption process. If you’re curious about how to get started with adoption, you can read more about it on our blog.
How to Start an Adoption in New York or New Jersey
1. Know Your Options
When it comes to an unplanned pregnancy, you have three options. You can raise the baby, go through the adoption process, or choose abortion. The best thing you can do is research your options and talk through your situation with someone you trust. Many times your family and friends can support you, or you can find adoption agencies in NJ and discuss your options with a case worker. No matter what, you should learn about your options and talk through them with a trusted group.
If you know that adoption is right for you, you can start looking for an adoption agency that you want to work with.
2. Look for an Adoption Agency
Choosing the right adoption agency for you is one of the most important steps in the adoption process. For adoptions in New Jersey and New York, it can help to choose a local adoption agency but it’s not necessary. While both states have some unique laws, any regional agency will be able to help you. Ask potential agencies if they have worked with adoptions in New Jersey or New York to make sure that you’re getting the expertise you need.
Most importantly, you want to pick an agency that you’re comfortable with. A good adoption agency will guide and support you throughout the process, no matter what you need. Finding a good match will make your adoption experience better.
3. Creating Your Adoption Plan
After you choose an adoption agency to work with, they will help you create an adoption plan. Adoption plans cover the entire adoption process, start to finish. The adoption agency will guide you so make decisions that are best for you and your baby. The benefit of working with an agency is that you can learn about the adoption process in NY and NJ, then make the best decisions for you.
4. Picking a Family
Deciding which family will adopt your baby is a big part of the adoption process. Some agencies have lists of waiting families for you to look at while others can match you with a specific family. The family you choose all comes down to what you think is best for you and your baby. Of course, the adoption agency can help guide you through the process so you make the best decision.
5. Making a Hospital Plan
Part of your adoption plan will include a hospital plan. There’s no need to worry about what will happen at the hospital or during delivery when you work with an agency’s specialist. Together you can decide what’s best for you and how you want your delivery to go.
6. Placing Your Baby with a Loving Family
After the birth, your adoption specialist can help you complete all the legal documents. Once the adoption is finalized, your baby will go home with their new family. They can also help you with the transition out of the hospital and post-adoption so you feel ready for your next steps.
7. Support After the Adoption
Once the adoption is complete, your adoption journey is not over. Adoption is a huge decision and a big step in life, so agencies can help you find your next steps. An adoption specialist can help you navigate your relationship with the adopting family, or just help you feel settled in your new life.
How Can ABSA Help?
As a full legal service and adoption agency, ABSA can help you navigate adoption in New Jersey and New York. ABSA has over 30 years of local and national adoption experience. We help birth mothers from all backgrounds find loving homes for their babies. We are committed to providing the support you need before, during, and after the adoption to help you with these big decisions.