If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and wondering about your options, adoption is one path that allows you to make choices about your baby’s future. Adoption is not a one-size-fits-all process. Instead, you decide how involved you want to be, from choosing the adoptive family to setting the level of communication you’d like to maintain with the family and your child.
Adoption agencies or attorneys handle adoption services in Missouri. The process protects both you and your child and ensures your wishes are honored. Our network of providers includes adoption agencies that can help you create the best plan for you.
Here’s what you need to know about how adoption works.
The Three Types of Adoption Plans
Every adoption plan looks different, but there are three main types:
Open Adoption
You stay in contact with your child and the adoptive family. Communication can include letters, phone calls, video chats, or in-person visits. Open adoption allows you to maintain a relationship while your child experiences a loving, stable home.
Semi-Open Adoption
Communication is more limited and usually managed by an adoption agency or attorney. You might receive letters, photos, or updates about your child, but without direct contact.
Closed Adoption
Adoption records in a closed adoption are typically sealed, which means there is no contact or exchange of identifying information between you and the adoptive family. While less common today, some women prefer this option for personal reasons or privacy.
Your Role in the Adoption Process
In Missouri, you have a significant amount of control throughout the process. You can:
- Choose the adoptive family based on your preferences, such as lifestyle, values, or background.
- Decide on the type of adoption plan that works best for you.
- Access counseling and, in some cases, financial assistance for pregnancy-related expenses (as allowed by Missouri law).
It’s also important to know that Missouri law requires a waiting period after your baby is born before you can give final legal consent to adoption. This waiting period helps ensure you can make your decision without pressure. Your consent for adoption cannot be given until at least 48 hours after the birth of your child.
Finding Support
Making an adoption plan is a deeply personal decision, but you don’t have to make it alone. Licensed adoption agencies and attorneys in Missouri can walk with you through each step of the process, offering emotional support and resources along the way.
If you’re considering adoption, take the time to learn about your options and talk with trusted professionals who can guide you through the legal requirements and help you make the best plan for your situation.
