Giving Baby Up for Adoption in California
Giving a Baby Up for Adoption in CA
You’re not giving up. You’re choosing a better future.
If you’re considering giving your baby up for adoption in California, know that you’re not alone—and you’re not “giving up.” You’re making one of the most selfless and loving decisions a parent can make. When you choose adoption, you’re choosing a future filled with opportunity for your baby—and support and empowerment for yourself.
At American Adoptions, we’re here to guide you through every step of how to place a baby for adoption. With more than 30 years of experience, 24/7 support, and one of the nation’s largest networks of waiting families, we can help you create a personalized plan that honors your needs and hopes.
In this guide, you’ll learn how the adoption process works in California, how to make an adoption plan, what services are free to you, and how American Adoptions can help.
How to Give Your Baby Up for Adoption in California
Your adoption journey will look different based on the decisions you make but here’s a general outline of how adoption works, step-by-step:
Can I Still Choose Adoption if My Baby is Already Born?
Yes. Whether your baby is days, weeks, or even months old, adoption is still an option. You have the right to make this decision at any time, even if you’re still in the hospital, and the process will look similar to choosing adoption if you weren’t.
You will still be able to:
- Choose an adoptive family while lying in your hospital bed
- Talk with them on the phone while they are traveling to meet you and your baby
- Be confident in your choice, because each of our adoptive families is already pre-screened and excited to become parents
Free Adoption Services You May Not Know About in California
When you work with American Adoptions, you’ll never pay for adoption. In fact, you can receive free services.
You may also qualify for:
Your wellbeing matters. We’re here to take care of you so you can focus on what matters most.
Do You Get Paid for Giving Your Baby Up for Adoption in California?
No, you can’t be paid for adoption, that’s illegal—but you can receive help with pregnancy-related expenses. This support is legal, confidential, and designed to ease your financial stress.
California Family Code § 8612 requires all expenses to be documents and approved as “reasonable and necessary.”
Is it Wrong to Put My Baby Up for Adoption?
Absolutely not. Choosing adoption for your baby is an act of love and courage. You’re putting your baby’s needs first and ensuring they have a future full of opportunity and support.
- A brighter future for you and your baby
- Help with rent and bills
- A loving family for your baby
How to Choose an Adoptive Family in California
You have full control—every choice is yours.
Adoption at the Hospital: How Do You Make a Hospital Plan?
Whether you choose to give your baby up for adoption at the hospital or well before that, you are in control of the hospital stay.
A hospital plan helps you feel prepared and empowered. You’ll choose everything about your stay including:
- Who’s in the delivery room
- When the adoptive parents meet the baby
- How much time you spend with your child
Your adoption specialist will help plan every detail with your input.
What About the Birth Father?
California adoption law recognizes that every situation is unique.
Our professionals will walk you through how the birth father’s rights may impact putting a newborn up for adoption depending on whether you are married to the baby’s father or not and whether you know who the baby’s father is or not.
Make sure to talk to your adoption specialist about your relationship with the birth father as well as getting legal help from a licensed, California lawyer.
More California Adoption Laws You’ll Need to Know About
Consent to Adoption
A birth mother can only consent to giving a baby up for adoption in California after the baby is born. Consent must be signed in front of a licensed agency representative or a notary. For agency adoptions, consent is immediately permanent once accepted. For independent adoptions, consent is subject to court approval.
Revocation Period
- Agency adoptions: Consent is irrevocable once signed and accepted.
- Independent adoptions: You have 30 days to revoke, unless you sign a waiver or the court shortens that period.
Post-Adoption Contact Agreements (PACAs)
California allows legally binding contact agreements if:
- All parties agree and sign in writing
- The court approves it during finalization
PACAs can include updates, photos, and visits—based on what everyone agrees is in the child’s best interest.
Ongoing Support After Giving Baby Up for Adoption
You’re not alone after placement. You’ll continue working with your specialist if needed and can receive ongoing counseling, support, and connection as your adoption journey continues.
Is Giving My Baby Up for Adoption in California Right for Me?
When it comes to giving a baby up for adoption in California, “giving up” is a common phrase—but what you’re really doing is giving love, hope, and opportunity. You’re not alone in this decision, and we’ll be here to support you at every step.
Contact Us Now
What if this one decision could change everything?
Imagine your child growing up in a safe, loving home—with every opportunity you want for them. Imagine having support, guidance, and peace of mind during and after your pregnancy.
You don’t have to imagine it. You can start creating it today.
Fill out this form to talk to a specialist and choose a brighter future for you and your baby:
Disclaimer
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