Many people search for “giving a baby up for adoption,” but choosing adoption is not giving up. It means making an adoption plan for your child’s future.
If you’re wondering how to give a baby up for adoption in Texas, you may have questions about where to begin, whether adoption costs anything, how to choose a family and what happens after your baby is born.
Adoption Alliance is a licensed Texas adoption agency that provides free and confidential support to expectant parents considering adoption.
You do not have to make a final decision before contacting us. Our team can explain your options, answer your questions and help you create an adoption plan based on what you want for yourself and your child.
Call Adoption Alliance anytime. We are available 24/7.
Is Adoption the Right Choice for You?
Adoption is a personal decision, and you do not have to make it alone.
Before creating an adoption plan, you can take time to learn about your options and think about what matters most to you. You may have questions about parenting, adoption, financial support, the baby’s father or what kind of relationship you could have with your child after adoption.
Talking with an adoption professional does not commit you to placing your baby for adoption.
Adoption Alliance can explain how adoption works in Texas and help you understand the choices available to you. The decision about whether to move forward with adoption remains yours.
Step 1: Talk With a Licensed Texas Adoption Agency
You can begin simply by talking with an adoption professional. Adoption Alliance has guided expectant and birth parents through the adoption process since 1989. Our experienced team can answer your questions and help you understand each step.
A licensed adoption agency can explain the adoption process, answer your questions and help you understand what support may be available during your pregnancy.
If you decide to continue with adoption, Adoption Alliance can help you create an individual adoption plan.
Your plan can address topics such as:
- Choosing an adoptive family
- Open, semi-open or closed adoption
- Pregnancy-related support
- Your hospital preferences
- Communication with the adoptive family
- Support after placement
You remain involved in the decisions that affect your adoption plan.
Step 2: Choose the Type of Adoption You Want
One important part of your adoption plan is deciding what kind of relationship you would like with your child’s adoptive family.
Adoption Alliance can help you explore open, semi-open and closed adoption options.
Open Adoption
In an open adoption, birth parents and adoptive parents have direct contact with one another.
The amount of contact varies from family to family. It may include photos, updates, phone calls, video calls or in-person visits.
You and the adoptive family can discuss what type of relationship you would like to have after adoption.
Semi-Open Adoption
A semi-open adoption provides some ongoing communication while maintaining more privacy.
Communication may happen through Adoption Alliance or another agreed method. Depending on the plan, this can include letters, photos, updates or other contact.
Closed Adoption
In a closed adoption, there is generally little or no direct contact between the birth parents and adoptive family after placement.
Adoption Alliance can explain each option so you can decide what level of openness feels right for you.
Step 3: Choose the Adoptive Family for Your Baby
If you choose adoption, you can decide which adoptive family you would like to consider for your baby.
Adoption Alliance will provide profiles of approved waiting families. You can learn about their lives, relationships, homes, interests, values and hopes for becoming parents.
You may consider things such as:
- Where the family lives
- Whether they already have children
- Family traditions and lifestyle
- Religion or values, if those matter to you
- Pets and extended family
- Education and interests
- Their views about open adoption
If a family interests you, you may also be able to speak with or meet them before making your decision.
You do not have to choose the first family you review. You also do not have to select a family yourself if you would rather have Adoption Alliance help with that decision.
Can I Get Financial Help While I’m Pregnant?
Adoption services for expectant parents through Adoption Alliance are completely free.
Depending on your circumstances and applicable Texas law, assistance may also be available for certain pregnancy-related living and medical expenses. Texas’s official adoption information says birth mothers cannot be paid for an adoption but may receive help with essential living and medical expenses, including housing, medical care, mental-health services and legal fees.
This may include help with needs such as:
- Housing or rent
- Utilities
- Groceries
- Transportation
- Pregnancy-related medical care
- Counseling or other support services
The type and amount of assistance depend on your individual circumstances. Contact Adoption Alliance so our team can explain what may be available in your situation.
Call Adoption Alliance anytime. We are available 24/7.
Step 4: Create a Hospital and Birth Plan
Before your baby is born, Adoption Alliance can help you think through your preferences for the hospital.
Your hospital plan can include decisions such as:
- Who you would like with you during labor and delivery
- Whether you want the prospective adoptive family at the hospital
- How much time you want to spend with your baby
- Whether you would like the adoptive family to spend time with the baby
- How you would like communication handled during your hospital stay
Your medical decisions remain between you and your healthcare providers.
Your preferences may also change, and that is okay. Adoption Alliance can help communicate your wishes and support you during the hospital experience.
If your baby has already been born, it is not too late to reach out to Adoption Alliance. Whether you are still in the hospital or have already gone home, our team can help you understand your options and explain the next steps. You do not need to have an adoptive family chosen before you contact us.
We are available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide confidential support without pressure.
Step 5: Understand Consent and Relinquishment in Texas
Giving birth does not automatically complete an adoption.
In Texas, a parent generally cannot sign an Affidavit of Voluntary Relinquishment of Parental Rights until at least 48 hours after the baby’s birth.
The legal documents must also meet specific Texas requirements. The terms of a relinquishment, including whether and how it may be revoked, can depend on the documents and the circumstances of the adoption.
Before you sign anything, the appropriate adoption and legal professionals should explain the documents, your rights and what each step means.
Adoption Alliance can help coordinate this part of the process and make sure you know who to contact with legal questions.
Step 6: Receive Support After Placement
Adoption support does not have to end when placement occurs.
If you have an open or semi-open adoption plan, Adoption Alliance can help support communication with the adoptive family according to the plan you have created.
You may also experience many different emotions after placement. Grief, relief, sadness and uncertainty can exist at the same time.
Adoption Alliance can help you understand what post-placement support is available and connect you with additional resources when needed.
You can contact our team after placement if you have questions or need support.
Can I Choose Adoption After My Baby Is Born?
Yes. You can still contact Adoption Alliance if your baby has already been born.
You may be in the hospital, recently home with your baby or simply realizing that you need to explore another option.
Our team can explain the adoption options available in your situation, help you understand the next steps and answer your questions.
You do not need to have an adoptive family selected before you call us.
Call Adoption Alliance anytime, 24/7 for confidential help.
Why Work With Adoption Alliance?
Adoption Alliance is a licensed Texas adoption agency and 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has provided adoption services since 1989.
Our team works with expectant parents throughout Texas to provide information, adoption planning and support before and after birth.
If you are unsure whether adoption is right for you, you are still welcome to contact us. You can ask questions and learn about your options without committing to an adoption plan.
Pregnant in Texas and Considering Adoption? We’re Available 24/7.
You do not have to figure everything out today.
Whether you are early in your pregnancy, close to your due date or have already delivered, Adoption Alliance can help you understand your adoption options.
Our services for expectant parents are free and confidential.
Call Adoption Alliance anytime, 24/7 for confidential help.