Making the adoption decision is hard, but wondering what comes next can feel even harder. You might lie awake at night thinking about who will hold your baby, where they'll grow up and whether they'll be truly loved and cared for.

We're going to walk through what happens to your baby after adoption in Florida. You'll learn who cares for your child, how adoptive families are vetted, what your legal rights are and how you can stay connected, if that's what you want.

Would you like to talk through your questions and concerns with someone who understands? Fill out our short contact form, and one of our adoption specialists will be in touch shortly.

What Happens to My Baby After Adoption in Florida?

When your baby is born, you'll have time in the hospital to hold them, name them if you choose and say goodbye in whatever way feels right to you. If you’d like, the adoptive family you've chosen can be there, or you can have complete privacy.

After you're discharged from the hospital, your baby will go home with their adoptive family. In Florida, you can sign consent to adoption 48 hours after birth, though you can take more time if you need it. Once your consent is finalized, the adoptive parents become fully responsible for your child.

You won't have to go through this alone. Your adoption specialist will be right there with you during those first days. They’ll be ready to answer questions and help you through whatever you're feeling.

Who Takes Care of My Baby After Adoption Consent?

Your baby will not go into foster care. With private adoption, your child goes directly to the family you’ve chosen for them. Your baby’s adoptive parents have been preparing for this moment, and they'll provide round-the-clock care and love from day one.

This is different from foster care, where placements can be temporary and uncertain. With adoption, your baby gets permanent stability from the start. Your child's life begins with the people who will be there for every birthday, every milestone, every moment.

How Adoptive Families Are Screened and Approved Before Adoption

Every family in our network completes a rigorous home study process before they can adopt. This is an extensive evaluation to make sure they're truly ready for the responsibility of parenthood.

The home study starts with comprehensive background checks on both prospective adoptive parents. These checks dig into criminal history, child abuse registries and anything else that might affect their ability to provide a safe home.

Social workers also visit the home in person to assess the living environment. They're checking that the home is safe, clean and suitable for raising a child. They verify there's adequate space, that any pets in the home are well-behaved and that the neighborhood is good for a child to grow up in.

Prospective adoptive parents also participate in interviews where they talk about why they want to adopt, how they plan to parent, what their support systems look like and whether they're emotionally ready. They're asked about their marriage (if they're married), their extended family, their finances and how they'll talk with their child about adoption as they grow older.

All of our families are financially stable, physically healthy and emotionally prepared for parenthood. They've been educated about the unique aspects of adoption, including how to honor their child's biological family and maintain open communication if that's part of your adoption plan. When you browse waiting families, you can feel confident knowing each one has been thoroughly vetted.

Adoption Finalization and Parental Rights in Florida

Once you sign your consent in Florida, it becomes binding immediately. This permanence is designed to provide stability for everyone involved, especially your child.

Next, the adoptive parents will file paperwork in court to finalize the adoption. This typically happens within six months after placement, though the timing can vary. During this period, the adoptive parents have full custody of your baby, and they're legally responsible for their care.

The finalization hearing is the last legal step. A judge reviews the case, confirms that all legal requirements have been met and issues a final order making the adoption permanent. At this point, the adoptive parents' names are added to the birth certificate, and the adoption is complete.

Want to Stay in Touch? How Open Adoption Works

Today, most adoptions include some level of ongoing contact through what's known as open adoption.

Open adoption can look a lot of different ways:

• Photos and Letters: You might receive updates a few times a year showing your child's milestones, holidays and everyday moments.

• Video Calls: You may schedule occasional video chats, especially as the child gets older.

• In-Person Visits: Depending on what everyone's comfortable with, you might arrange to meet in person once or twice a year.

• Social Media Connection: Some families stay connected through social media or messaging apps.

The level of openness is something you'll discuss and agree on before placement. If you want to stay in touch with your child after adoption, we can help you find a family that shares your contact preferences.

It’s important to understand that while open adoption agreements in Florida can be included in the final adoption order, they are not automatically enforceable. The court may order contact if it serves the child’s best interests, but adoptive parents retain the right to modify or end the agreement. Still, most adoptive families honor the contact plan because they understand how important it is for their child to know their story and their biological family.

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

Placing a child for adoption doesn't mean you're left to navigate everything alone. Support continues well after you leave the hospital.

Our post-adoption counseling services are available whenever you need them. We're here to support you through the emotions that come after placement. Having a trained counselor who understands can make a real difference.

Financial assistance is also available to help you get back on your feet. In Florida, American Adoptions can provide financial support for pregnancy-related expenses, and this assistance continues for up to six weeks after placement. This can cover things like rent, utilities, groceries, maternity clothing and transportation.

Beyond counseling and financial help, we also offer educational materials and help navigating post-placement contact. You're not alone in this, even after the legal process is complete.

How American Adoptions Supports You Before, During and After Adoption

American Adoptions is committed to your baby's safety and your peace of mind throughout the entire adoption process. Here's how we support expectant parents in Florida:

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

You deserve to know exactly what happens to your baby after adoption in Florida, and you deserve to feel confident that your child will be loved, safe and supported.

If you're still exploring your options or if you have more questions about the process, we're here to provide the information you need. Connect with an adoption specialist today and take the first step toward choosing a bright future for you and your baby.

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