A quick internet search of “adoption in Phoenix” brings a plethora of information including contact information for over 10 adoption agencies within the city limits. While the availability of information is certainly promising, it can also be quite overwhelming to a mother contemplating placing her child for adoption. To narrow the search results and to become more informed about adoption in Phoenix, it is important to know how the process will work. It is helpful to know the laws within the state of Arizona as well as federal laws to which child placement in Phoenix will be subject. These facts about placing your child in Phoenix will place put you at ease as you pursue placement and in your effort to make the best choices for your child.
Gather Information
Placing a child for adoption in the city of Phoenix will be very similar to placing a child anywhere else in the United States as all states are subject to federal adoption laws. The first step in placing your child for adoption is to find an agency with whom you will place your child and use to facilitate the adoption process. It is vital to take time to gather information on agencies in Phoenix as you have plenty to choose from. A great place to begin your selection is to check on social media for reviews. You can join some birth mother groups (often closed privacy for discretion), or you can simply search the agency name to see if there are any posts about that particular agency. You can also find reviews and testimonials with a simple internet search. This may also yield many agency websites which tend to lay out the adoption process and their mission. Look for agencies that have language that shows the agency respects and values birth parents.
Contact An Agency
Once you have selected an adoption agency you feel comfortable with, you can reach out for a consultation. This is often initially done by phone, it is a great time to ask any initial questions you may have. Do not feel pressured to make a commitment at this point. While time is of the essence, if you feel discomfort with the agency, feel free to contact a few agencies before making your decision. Once you have decided to work with a select agency, they will lead you through what the process will entail and what will come next for you. If applicable, they may also connect you with resources to help pay for pregnancy-related and living expenses.
Choose A Family
When you have committed to an agency and have completed all the necessary steps with them, you can then typically select a family for your child. This process may vary from agency to agency. Many agencies will have adoptive family profiles to search through either online or in office. You can also search for adoptive families on sites like Adoption.com on the Profiles section. If you go this route, you would need to consult with your agency to proceed or work with the agency of the adoptive parent. You can take the opportunity to review, speak with, or even meet with various adoptive families to see if you have made the right choice. This process may take some time but is a really great took to feel assured that your hopes and wishes for your child may be met. It is here that you will also make decisions about how open or closed you would like the adoption. Finding a family that is willing to accept a certain level of openness is vital if that is your desire.
Placement and Finalization
After your child is born, or if you have chosen adoption after the birth of a child, you will consent to adoption at least 72 hours after the child has been born. Once you have given this consent, it is irrevocable. Your child will typically be placed with their adoptive family around 24-48 hours after birth or at a date determined by the agency for a child already born. You will also have the opportunity to seek and receive counseling after placement. The adoptive family will be visited by a social worker at least every three months until the adoption is finalized. You will continue to work through the agency for communication with the adoptive family and to ensure your wishes for openness are facilitated.
