Frequently Asked Questions

How can adoption be good for my baby and me?
If you are not ready to parent, you can still give your baby the gift of life by choosing adoption.

Can I choose a family for my baby?
Yes! You can choose a family from profiles of adoptive couples who have been waiting to become parents.

Are there any costs to me?
There is no cost to you as the birthparent.

How much contact can I have with my baby?
You may have as much contact with your baby as is comfortable for you.

How soon after the birth can my baby go to the parents I choose?
Upon discharge from the hospital, the baby goes directly home with the adoptive couple. This allows you the opportunity to immediately regain control of your life.

How much will my child know about me?
We encourage you to pass your medical and social history on to your child. You may choose to share your identity and where you live with the adoptive parents. Or, you may choose to be completely anonymous.

Does the father have any rights?
In Alabama, the father has certain rights, however, they are not necessarily automatic and they depend on the legal status of the father. If the father is legally married to the mother his consent is required.

If the father is not legally married to the mother, the father has the burden of establishing his paternity. If he does not come forward and establish his paternity, within a specified time period, he waives his rights to the child.

Can my child find me if he or she wants to search someday?
In Alabama, when you sign your Consent For Adoption, you indicate whether or not you are willing to have the Alabama Department Of Vital Statistics provide information about you to your child, if the child decides to initiate a search when they obtain the legal of adulthood in Alabama.

Do I need an attorney?
You do not need an attorney, and there is no cost to you. The adoptive family, or the agency involved, will handle all the legal details on your behalf.

How can I be sure my child will not be neglected or abused?
Adoptive families must have a homestudy completed by a social worker, licensed to do adoption homestudies, that meet standards set by the state.