If you're considering adoption for your baby in Delaware, one of the most important questions on your mind is probably: "What happens to my baby after adoption?" It's natural to want to know that your child will be safe, loved, and cared for. This is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make, and you deserve clear, honest answers about what comes next.

The truth is that your baby's future after adoption is carefully planned and protected. From the moment you sign consent paperwork to the day the adoption is finalized, your baby will be in the loving care of pre-approved adoptive parents who have undergone extensive screening and preparation. Your baby won't go into foster care or be placed with strangers—instead, they'll go directly to the family you chose for them.

Get free information about what happens after adoption and how American Adoptions supports birth parents throughout this process.

Below, we'll walk you through exactly what happens to your baby after adoption in Delaware, from hospital discharge to finalization and beyond.

What Happens to My Baby after Adoption in Delaware?

When you choose adoption in Delaware, here's what happens to your baby after you give your consent:

First, at the hospital, you'll have time with your baby based on your hospital plan. This plan outlines how much time you want to spend with your baby, whether you want to hold them, feed them, or have the adoptive family present. Whatever you decide is completely up to you.

When it's time for discharge, your baby will leave the hospital with the adoptive family you selected. This is the family who will raise your child, love them unconditionally, and provide them with the life you envisioned for them. The hospital will release your baby into their care with your written consent.

From that moment forward, the adoptive parents will care for your baby as their own. They'll handle all the daily responsibilities—feeding, changing diapers, doctor's appointments, sleepless nights, and all the joy that comes with parenting a newborn. Your baby will be in a safe, loving home from day one.

The legal process will continue in the background as Delaware Family Court reviews the adoption petition and completes the necessary steps toward finalization. But throughout this time, your baby will be with their adoptive family—the people who will become their legal parents.

Who Takes Care of My Baby After Adoption Consent?

One of the biggest concerns birth parents have is whether their baby will go into foster care after adoption. The answer is no. When you choose adoption through American Adoptions, your baby will never enter the foster care system.

Instead, your baby goes directly from the hospital to the pre-approved adoptive family you selected. These are the people you've gotten to know through profiles, phone calls, emails, and possibly even in-person meetings. They are the family you handpicked to raise your child.

The adoptive family has already completed a rigorous home study process and has been approved to adopt. They've been waiting for this moment, and they're fully prepared to care for your baby from the very first day. They'll provide your baby with:

• A safe, stable home environment
• Love, attention, and emotional support
• All necessary medical care and checkups
• Food, clothing, and everything else your baby needs to thrive
• Opportunities for growth, education, and a bright future

Your baby won't be with strangers or temporary caretakers. They'll be with the permanent family you chose—the family who will love them for the rest of their lives.

How Adoptive Families Are Screened and Approved Before Adoption

Before any family can adopt through American Adoptions, they must complete an extensive screening and approval process. This ensures that every family who adopts is prepared, qualified, and capable of providing a safe and loving home for a child.

The home study process is the cornerstone of this screening. Here's what adoptive families must go through before they can be approved:

Background Checks and Clearances

Every adult in the household must undergo comprehensive criminal background checks at the federal, state, and local levels. Child abuse and neglect clearances are also required. These checks ensure that there's no history of behavior that could put a child at risk.

Home Inspections

A licensed social worker visits the family's home to ensure it's safe, clean, and appropriate for a child. They check for functioning smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, safe sleeping arrangements, and overall child-proofing. The goal isn't perfection—it's safety and readiness.

Interviews and References

The social worker conducts in-depth interviews with each prospective adoptive parent to learn about their background, parenting philosophy, marriage or relationship stability, and motivation for adopting. Personal and professional references are also contacted to verify the family's character and readiness.

Financial Stability

Adoptive families must demonstrate that they have the financial means to support a child. This doesn't mean they need to be wealthy—it means they have stable income, employment, and the ability to provide for a child's basic needs.

Health Evaluations

Medical exams are required for all household members to ensure they're in good health and don't have any conditions that would prevent them from caring for a child long-term.

Training and Education

Many adoptive families also complete adoption training and education programs to prepare them for the unique aspects of adoptive parenting, including how to talk to their child about adoption and how to support their child's connection to their birth family.

Only after completing all of these requirements and receiving approval from a licensed social worker can a family be matched with a prospective birth mother. By the time you choose a family, you can trust that they've been thoroughly vetted and are ready to provide your baby with everything they need.

Adoption Finalization and Parental Rights in Delaware

After your baby is placed with the adoptive family, the legal process continues toward finalization. Here's the timeline of what happens:

Consent and Revocation Period

As we discussed in previous articles, you can sign your consent to adoption any time after your baby is born in Delaware. Once you sign consent and the adoption petition is filed, you have 60 days to change your mind if you choose to. After that 60-day period ends, your consent becomes final and irrevocable.

Court Review

Once the revocation period ends, Delaware Family Court reviews the adoption petition and the required social study report. The court must make its decision within 60 days of receiving the report. During this time, the court ensures that:

• All consents were obtained properly
• The adoptive family is qualified to adopt
• The adoption is in the best interest of the child

Final Decree of Adoption

When the court approves the adoption, it issues a final decree of adoption. At this point:

• The adoption is complete and permanent
• The adoptive parents become your baby's legal parents with all rights and responsibilities
• Your parental rights are permanently terminated
• Your baby takes the adoptive family's last name
• A new birth certificate is issued with the adoptive parents listed

This entire process typically takes several months from placement to finalization. Throughout this time, your baby is living with and being cared for by the adoptive family.

Want to Stay in Touch? How Open Adoption Works

One of the most beautiful aspects of modern adoption is that you don't have to say goodbye forever. Open adoption allows you to maintain contact with your baby and the adoptive family after placement.

At American Adoptions, we believe in open adoption because research shows it benefits everyone involved—especially the child. Here's how it works:

Choosing Your Level of Contact

Before placement, you and the adoptive family will create a post-adoption contact agreement that outlines:

• How often you'll receive updates (monthly, quarterly, annually, etc.)
• What types of updates you'll receive (photos, letters, emails, phone calls, video chats)
• Whether you'll have in-person visits and how often
• Any other preferences for staying connected

The level of openness is entirely up to you and what feels comfortable. Some birth parents prefer just pictures and letters, while others want regular phone calls or visits. There's no right or wrong answer—just what works best for you, the adoptive family, and ultimately the child.

Finding a Family That Matches Your Preferences

When you browse adoptive family profiles with American Adoptions, you'll see each family's preferences for openness. This helps you find a family whose vision for post-adoption contact aligns with yours. We'll help you find a family that's excited to maintain the level of contact you're hoping for.

Support for Your Ongoing Relationship

After placement, American Adoptions continues to support your relationship with the adoptive family. If questions or concerns arise about contact, we can help mediate and ensure everyone's needs are being met. Your relationship with the adoptive family may evolve over time, and that's normal—we're here to support you through those changes.

Legal Enforceability

Delaware allows for post-adoption contact agreements, though enforceability may vary. Your adoption specialist can help you understand how these agreements work in Delaware and ensure your wishes are documented properly.

Life After Adoption: What Support Is Available for Birth Parents?

Placing your baby for adoption doesn't mean you're on your own afterward. American Adoptions provides comprehensive support for birth parents long after placement:

Post-Adoption Counseling

Free counseling services are available to you for as long as you need them. Our licensed counselors understand the complex emotions that come with adoption and can help you process grief, joy, relief, and everything in between. They can also help you navigate your ongoing relationship with the adoptive family.

Financial Assistance After Placement

In many states, including Delaware, birth mother financial assistance can continue for up to six weeks after placement. This support can help cover rent, utilities, groceries, and other basic needs as you transition to life after placement. Your adoption specialist can explain what assistance is available to you based on Delaware law.

Contact Mediation

If questions or challenges arise in your open adoption relationship, American Adoptions can help facilitate healthy communication between you and the adoptive family. We want your relationship to thrive, and we're here to support that.

Ongoing Connection to Other Birth Parents

Many birth parents find comfort in connecting with others who have been through similar experiences. American Adoptions can help connect you with birth parent support groups and resources where you can share your story and learn from others.

24/7 Availability

Even years after placement, you can still reach out to American Adoptions at 1-800-ADOPTION if you need support, have questions, or just need someone to talk to. We're here for the long haul.

How American Adoptions Supports You Before, During, and After Adoption

At American Adoptions, we understand that choosing adoption is one of the most difficult and courageous decisions you'll ever make. That's why we're committed to supporting you every step of the way—from your first phone call through placement and beyond.

Here's what makes American Adoptions different:

We Give You Control

You choose the adoptive family from hundreds of waiting families. You decide what your hospital experience looks like. You determine the level of openness you want. This is your adoption plan, and we're here to help you create it.

We Screen Families Thoroughly

Every family who works with American Adoptions completes a comprehensive home study and approval process. You can trust that your baby will go to a safe, loving, prepared family.

We Provide Financial Support

We can help with pregnancy-related expenses including rent, utilities, and groceries, and this support continues after placement based on state law.

We Offer 24/7 Counseling

Licensed, compassionate counselors are available any time, day or night, to answer your questions and support you emotionally.

We Facilitate Open Adoption

We help you create and maintain the relationship with the adoptive family that feels right for you, providing mediation and support as your relationship evolves.

We're Here for Life

Our support doesn't end at placement. We're here for you months and years down the road whenever you need us.

Ready to Learn More About Adoption? Connect with American Adoptions Today

If you're wondering what happens to your baby after adoption in Delaware, the best way to get answers is to talk with someone who can walk you through the process step by step.

American Adoptions offers free, confidential consultations where you can:

• Ask any questions you have about the adoption process
• Learn more about how adoptive families are screened
• Understand what happens legally after you sign consent
• Explore your options for open adoption and staying in touch
• Get information about the support and assistance available to you

There's no obligation, no pressure, and no judgment. We're simply here to provide honest information and support so you can make the decision that's right for you.

Reach out for information today, or call 1-800-ADOPTION to speak with a specialist 24/7.

Your baby's future after adoption can be filled with love, opportunity, and joy. And you can be part of that future in whatever way feels right for you. Let us show you how.

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