How do I Put My Baby Up for Adoption if I am Active Duty Military
Because an unplanned pregnancy while in the military can be very challenging to navigate, you may be exploring your options for your pregnancy. During such a difficult and emotional time in your life, you can rest easy knowing that American Adoptions is here to help.
As one of the largest national domestic infant adoption agencies in the United States, one of the most common questions we hear from women that are active duty is, “Can you put your child up for adoption in Florida while in the military?”
The answer is yes, adoption is always an option.
Here, we explain the process for “giving your baby up” for adoption in the army or any other branch of the military and the benefits of doing so. You can always call 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out this online form to get answers to any questions you may have and to speak with an adoption specialist.
Until then, continue reading this guide on giving your baby up for adoption in the army in Florida or any other branch of the military.
Can You Put Your Child up for Adoption While in the Military in Florida?
We hear quite often from birth mothers unaware of what their options for an unplanned pregnancy may be, “Can you put your child up for adoption while in the military?”
The answer is yes, adoption is always an option for your pregnancy, even when you are in the military. We understand this can be a very emotional and challenging time, and we are here to help.
For over 30 years, American Adoptions has helped birth mothers and adoptive families all across the United States with their adoptions, from all different backgrounds — including Military members. Adoption is a brave and selfless decision, one in which you are putting your baby’s needs first. We are here to help you make sure your adoptive goals and dreams for your baby are met to the best ability.
If you are wondering, “How do I put my baby up for adoption if I'm active duty military?” The process is very similar to regular domestic adoption, but where you are stationed will play a role in your adoption process. Continue reading to learn more about placing a child while you are in the military. You can always call 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our online form to get more information and to speak with an adoption specialist.
How Do I Put My Baby up for Adoption If I’m on Active Duty in the Military?
Because the military generally involves moving, potentially being stationed overseas, changes in rank, and much more, it is likely you are curious about the process of placing a baby for adoption while in the military.
Keep in mind, adoption is always an option for you, even when you are in the military.
The process for giving your baby up for adoption in the army (or any other branch of the military) mirrors the domestic infant adoption process reasonably closely. The most significant change is if you plan on placing your baby for adoption while you are stationed overseas. In this situation, you are still able to create your adoption but to place your child with the adoptive family, you will have to deliver your baby in the United States.
Placing a child for adoption while in the military can be broken down into five steps. These steps include:
Step 1: Make the decision adoption is the best choice for your baby
Deciding adoption is best for your baby is the first step. You will begin working with American Adoptions and will be assigned your own adoption specialist to help guide you from the beginning and well after placement.
Step 2: Create your adoption plan
You are in control of your adoption, and the adoption plan ensures your preferences are being established and met. With the help of your specialist, you will determine the type of family you hope to find, the type of adoption you wish to pursue, and all of the details to help lead you towards a successful adoption. The adoption plan is essentially an outline of how your adoption will progress.
Step 3: Choose an adoptive family
Finding the adoptive family you want to place your child with will take plenty of time and research, as it is one of the most important decisions you will make. Through adoptive family profiles, you will get the opportunity to hear stories and learn some basic and personal information about hopeful adoptive families that match your preferences. These profiles will help you determine families you would like to learn more about to narrow down your options.
Step 4: Complete your hospital and placement plan
Your hospital plan includes details like the hospital you will deliver, how you want placement to occur and more. Having these details in place will help lessen the chance of added stressors or confusion when the time comes to deliver your baby.
During your hospital stay, you will sign all consent and adoption paperwork. In Florida, you have a 48-hour waiting period, or until the day you are discharged from the hospital, before you can sign any consent paperwork. Your specialist will educate you on the importance of understanding the significance of all consent paperwork and how it makes your adoption permanent.
Step 5: Continue building a relationship with the adoptive family and your baby
Through open adoption in Florida, you have the opportunity to remain involved in your baby’s life and build a relationship with the adoptive family. During the adoption planning, you will determine the level of communication you would prefer to have with the adoptive family after placement occurs. The adoptive family will discuss and be aware of your goals. As a prospective birth mother, you determine the level of openness you are comfortable with.
We need to make clear that the goal of adoption is to provide a loving, supportive, and permanent home for your baby. Adoption is not the best option if you are not sure about a permanent placement. You have the option of setting up a temporary guardianship, placing your child with a family member or friend, or other options, but if you are looking for a temporary situation, adoption does not offer that.
Contact American Adoptions
We understand this is a difficult time, but we are here to help you make sense of it all. If you are considering adoption for your baby, give us a call at 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our online form to get more information.
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