What Happens to My Baby after Adoption in Washington D.C.?

When you're facing an unplanned pregnancy in Washington D.C., one of your biggest questions might be: What happens to my baby after I place them for adoption?

The answer is simple: your child goes directly to a loving adoptive family you've chosen, not into foster care or the system. With adoption, you maintain control over your baby's future and can even stay connected through open adoption if that's what feels right for you.

At American Adoptions, we guide you through every step: from choosing the perfect family to understanding the legal process in D.C. and accessing the support you deserve before, during, and long after placement.

Fill out our contact form today to speak with an adoption specialist who can answer your questions and help you create the best possible future for your child.

Who Takes Care of My Baby After Adoption Consent?

Once you provide consent for adoption in Washington D.C., your baby goes directly to the adoptive family you've selected, not into foster care.

When you work with American Adoptions, the adoptive parents you choose are already approved, screened, and prepared to welcome your baby into their home. They've been waiting for this moment, and they're ready to provide the love, stability, and opportunities your child deserves.

In most cases, the transition happens at the hospital shortly after birth, though some birth mothers choose to spend time with their baby first. Whatever feels right for you is what matters most, and your adoption specialist will support your wishes every step of the way.

How Adoptive Families Are Screened and Approved Before Adoption

Every adoptive family you consider has already completed a thorough approval process designed to ensure your baby goes to a safe, stable, and loving home.

At American Adoptions, we take family screening seriously because we know how much this decision means to you.

Here's what every family goes through before they're approved:

A licensed social worker evaluates the family's home environment, parenting readiness, financial stability, and support systems. This process includes background checks, medical clearances, and multiple interviews.

All prospective adoptive parents undergo criminal background checks and child abuse registry screenings. This ensures they have no history that would disqualify them from adoption.

Families must demonstrate they can provide for a child's needs: education, healthcare, housing, and more. You can feel confident knowing your baby will grow up without financial stress.

Social workers speak with the family's references and conduct in-depth interviews. This helps them understand the family's motivations, values, and readiness to parent.

Adoptive parents complete training on topics like open adoption, birth parent perspectives, and trauma-informed parenting. This ensures they're prepared for every aspect of adoption.

By the time you're reviewing family profiles, these parents have already proven they're ready to give your child everything you hope for. You get to choose from families who have been carefully vetted and approved, families who are eager to love your baby unconditionally.

Adoption Finalization and Parental Rights in Washington D.C.

Understanding the legal side of adoption can help you feel more confident about what happens after you place your baby.

In Washington D.C., once you provide consent, the legal process moves forward to permanently transfer parental rights to the adoptive family.

Here's how it works:

Consent Timing: In D.C., birth mothers can sign consent to adoption any time after their baby is born. You don't have to rush this decision. Take the time you need to hold your baby, process your emotions, and make sure adoption is the right choice for you.

Revocation Period: Washington D.C. law allows birth parents 14 days after signing consent to revoke their decision. After those 14 days pass, your consent becomes irrevocable and the adoption moves toward finalization.

Finalization: Once the revocation period ends, the adoptive parents file a petition with the D.C. Superior Court to finalize the adoption. This typically happens several months after placement. Once finalized, the adoptive parents have full legal rights and responsibilities for your child.

Birth Certificate: After finalization, a new birth certificate is issued listing the adoptive parents as the legal parents. The original birth certificate is sealed and placed in confidential court records. Your child will receive a new birth certificate that reflects their adoptive family, ensuring their legal identity matches their forever family.

Throughout this process, your adoption specialist will keep you informed and answer any questions you have about the legal timeline.

Want to Stay in Touch? How Open Adoption Works

One of the most important things to understand is this: you don't have to say goodbye forever.

Through open adoption, you can stay connected with your child and their adoptive family, receiving photos, letters, video updates, and even in-person visits if that's what you want.

Open adoption has become the most common form of domestic infant adoption, and for good reason. It allows you to:

Know how your child is growing up and see the life you helped create for them
Maintain a relationship with the adoptive family so your child grows up knowing they were loved by two families
Share your medical history, family traditions, and personal story with your child as they grow
Experience the pride and peace that comes from watching your child thrive

You control the level of contact. Some birth mothers want regular visits. Others prefer photos and letters a few times a year. There's no right or wrong answer. It's about what feels best for you and what the adoptive family agrees to.

At American Adoptions, we help you find a family whose contact preferences match yours. Before you ever meet a family, you'll know exactly what kind of relationship they're open to.

Life after Adoption: What Support is Available for Birth Parents?

Placing your baby for adoption is one of the most selfless decisions you can make, and you deserve support long after placement day.

At American Adoptions, we don't disappear once your baby is in their adoptive family's arms. We're here for you throughout your entire journey and beyond.

Here's the support available to you in Washington D.C.:

Post-Adoption Counseling: You have access to free counseling services for as long as you need them. Whether you're processing grief, navigating life changes, or simply need someone to talk to, professional counselors who specialize in adoption are available to support you.
Financial Assistance after Placement: In Washington D.C., you can continue receiving living expense assistance for up to six weeks after placement. This gives you time to recover physically and emotionally without financial stress.
Contact Mediation: If you've chosen open adoption, your adoption specialist can help facilitate communication between you and the adoptive family. We ensure both sides honor the contact agreement and that your relationship remains positive and healthy.
Birth Parent Community: You're not alone. Many birth mothers find comfort in connecting with others who understand their experience. Online support groups on Facebook provide a safe space to share your story and find encouragement.
Lifelong Connection: Even years after placement, you can reach out to American Adoptions if you need support, have questions, or want help navigating your relationship with your child's adoptive family.

Your emotional wellbeing matters to us. You gave your child an incredible gift, and you deserve to be supported as you move forward with your own goals and dreams.

Fill out our contact form to learn more about the support services available to you.

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

At American Adoptions, we understand that choosing adoption is one of the hardest and most loving decisions you'll ever make.

That's why we're committed to providing personal, compassionate support from the moment you reach out to us, and for as long as you need us afterward.

Here's what makes us different:

From your first call, you'll be paired with a dedicated adoption specialist who will guide you through every step. This person is your advocate, your resource, and your support system. They'll answer your questions, help you choose a family, and make sure you feel safe and empowered throughout your journey.

You choose the family. You decide the level of contact. You create the adoption plan that feels right for you. We're here to support your decisions, not make them for you.

Every family you consider has been thoroughly screened through home studies, background checks, financial reviews, and interviews. You can feel confident knowing your baby will go to a loving, prepared home.

We cover your pregnancy-related expenses, including medical bills, living expenses, travel costs, and more. This ensures you can focus on your health and wellbeing without financial stress.

You'll have access to free counseling for as long as you need it. Our counselors specialize in adoption and understand the complex emotions you may experience.

If you choose open adoption, we help facilitate communication between you and the adoptive family. We mediate contact and ensure both sides honor the agreement.

Even years after placement, we're here for you. Whether you need support, have questions, or want help navigating your relationship with your child's family, American Adoptions is always available.

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

You don't have to have everything figured out right now. You just need to take the first step, and we'll be there to support you through everything that comes next.

Schedule a consultation with an adoption specialist today and get the support you deserve. You can also call 1-800-ADOPTION to speak with someone right now.

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