Giving up a child for adoption is one of the most important decisions a mother can make. Sadly, expecting Floridian mothers are faced with a deluge of misinformation. Often, people don’t realize how much control the mother has over the adoption process.

According to childwelfare.gov, in Florida, the law is flexible, enabling you to create a personalized adoption plan. As the mother, you have the right to pick the adoptive parents yourself, and you can also choose the level of future contact you’re comfortable with.

Whatever option you choose, there’s no easy path, but knowing your options allows you to make a decision that feels right for you and your baby. Are you interested in learning more about how to begin the adoption process?

Read on for more information about this important topic.

How to Begin the Adoption Process: Understanding the Adoption Steps

At its core, adoption is a legal process, but it’s so much more than just cold bureaucracy. It’s an emotional journey for everyone involved, and it often stirs up complicated feelings. Before you start the adoption journey, it’s important to understand how the process works.

Know Your Options

Expectant mothers in Florida have three broad options:

• Open Adoption: Birth and adoptive parents share names and contact details and can keep in touch after placement.
• Semi-Open Adoption: Limited updates are shared through a mediator without revealing full identities.
• Closed Adoption: All records stay sealed, and no identifying information is exchanged.

According to the Florida Statutes, any changes here can only go ahead with the full consent of the adoptive parents.

Choose Wisely

You should think carefully about this decision as it’ll have a huge impact on how you can communicate with the child throughout the rest of their lives. The type of adoption you pick will have long-lasting legal and emotional consequences.

This isn’t like signing up for an insurance plan where you can easily change your coverage later on. Once the adoption deal is finalized, you won’t be able to alter the civil contract without the approval of the adoptive parents.

Remember, signing the adoption paperwork could have long-lasting emotional consequences for you on your child. Your choice affects:

• What you’ll know: Depending on your choice, you may not get any updates about your child’s well-being or development
• What your child knows: Your choice will also affect what your child will know about you
• Your relationship: Choosing closed adoption means that a relationship with your child probably won’t be possible

While you’re not 100% locked into the agreement you choose, you won’t be able to change the paperwork unilaterally. You can only change the agreement later on if all parties (including the adoptive parents) consent to the change.

If you’re unsure about your choices and how to begin the adoption process, you should consult with local adoption professionals who can advise you further.

Select an Adoption Professional

In the State of Florida, working with a licensed adoption professional is mandatory. An adoption professional guides you through the legal requirements and emotional challenges of adoption. It’s always worth finding a professional who takes time to explain every step and answer all of your questions without pressure.

Complete Required Counseling

Florida law requires that you attend counseling before proceeding with adoption. These sessions are designed to help you process any doubts or uncertainty. You’ll also receive some definitive information on your rights and the legal process involved.

If you have any remaining reservations, you should take the time to talk to your counselor. They’re a safe person whom you can talk to about any concerns you still have.

Your counselor will ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed choice, and they’ll also help you prepare emotionally for life after placement.

Create an Adoption Plan and Sign Consent Forms

Once you’ve established how you want to proceed, you’re ready to create a formal adoption plan. The plan clearly outlines:

• Type of adoption: You’ll decide whether you prefer an open, semi-open, or closed adoption and what level of contact feels right.
• The adoptive family: You’ll choose the family you feel will provide the best environment and values for your child.
• Your hopes for your child: You can share any wishes you have about your child’s upbringing, education, and future opportunities.

After reviewing each detail, you’ll sign legal consent documents to officially confirm your choice.

Wait for Placement

Once you’ve signed the consent forms, you’ll likely spend a brief period waiting for the official placement of the baby with the adoptive family. During this stage, your adoption counselor will coordinate the details.

Naturally, you might experience some complicated feelings at this stage. Your counselor will be available to help you cope with any difficult emotions.

Finalize the Adoption in Court

Finalizing the adoption requires a brief court appearance. During this time, the judge makes sure you’re voluntarily giving up custody and that you’re fully informed about the process. After the decree is signed, the adoption is complete under Florida law.

How do Adopted Children Feel?

Studies indicate that adoptees may have somewhat higher rates of diagnoses such as:

• Substance abuse
• Depression
• ADHD

However, this does not imply that the majority of adopted children experience significant issues. According to a Psychology Today article, these statistics often reflect the greater diligence of adoptive parents. They’re much more likely to seek professional help if they notice any struggles.

In other words, there are higher rates of diagnosis in adopted children because their caretakers are more proactive, not because their problems are necessarily worse.

The article also highlights how many adopted people go on to live happy, healthy lives.

Discover Adoption Rooted in Compassion and Respect

So, now you know how to begin the adoption process. Making an adoption plan is one of life’s biggest decisions, but you don’t have to do it alone. Florida adoption professionals can answer your questions and offer steady guidance. 

Your adoption story matters to us here at Heart of Adoptions, Inc. Since 2001, our experienced team has been guiding expectant parents and adoptive families. Our compassionate professionals are here for you. Contact us today to experience a caring, client-focused approach to adoption.