After you place your baby for adoption in Indiana, your child goes directly from the hospital into the care of the adoptive family you selected. The adoptive parents take your baby home, assume all parenting responsibilities, and begin bonding as a family while the legal process moves toward finalization.

Throughout this journey, you won't face it alone. When you work with American Adoptions, you get the personal care you deserve from your adoption specialist so that you feel safe every step of the way. You can choose a brighter future for your child while focusing on your goals and dreams, knowing your child will have all the opportunities in the world with a wonderful family.

Call 1-800-ADOPTION to speak with an adoption specialist about your circumstances or fill out our free online contact form.

Who Takes Care of My Baby after Adoption Consent?

After you sign consent in Indiana, your baby goes directly to the adoptive family you selected, not into foster care. This is one of the most important things to understand about giving your baby up for adoption in Indiana.

The transition typically happens this way:

• At the hospital: You spend as much time as you want with your baby after birth. You decide whether to have the adoptive family present or prefer private time with your baby.
• Before discharge: You sign consent documents (typically 24 hours after vaginal birth or 48 hours after C-section, per hospital policy). The court grants temporary custody to the adoptive parents.
• At discharge: Once the legal paperwork is complete, the adoptive family takes your baby home directly from the hospital. The baby never enters foster care.
• After placement: The adoptive parents assume all care responsibilities, including medical appointments, daily care, and parenting decisions. The adoption agency provides post-placement supervision through home visits until finalization is complete.

You get to choose the perfect family for your child from waiting families who have already completed extensive screening. Your baby never enters the foster care system when you work with a licensed adoption agency like American Adoptions.

Many birth mothers worry about what happens in those first days and weeks. Your adoption specialist can answer all your questions and help you create a hospital plan that feels right for you, whether you want to spend time with your baby after birth or prefer the adoptive family to be there right away.

How We Make Sure Your Baby Goes to a Safe, Loving Home

Every family you consider has already completed Indiana's rigorous approval process before you even see their profile. This screening protects your baby and gives you peace of mind about your decision.

Indiana requires adoptive families to complete:

Home Study Process

• Background checks on all household members
• Criminal record screening
• Child abuse and neglect clearances
• Financial stability verification
• Home safety inspection

Comprehensive Interviews

• Personal references from family and friends
• Employer references
• Interviews with a licensed social worker
• Evaluation of parenting readiness and motivation

Required Training

• Education about adoption and child development
• Cultural competency training
• Special needs awareness (when applicable)

American Adoptions goes beyond Indiana's minimum requirements. We personally meet with every family, verify all documentation, and confirm they can provide the stable, loving home you want for your child. According to Indiana adoption law, families must also demonstrate financial ability to care for a child without relying on adoption assistance.

You can review detailed profiles showing each family's home, lifestyle, values, and approach to parenting. When you find an adoptive family in Indiana, you're choosing from families who have already proven they're ready to be parents.

What to Expect: Indiana's Legal Process after Placement

Understanding the legal timeline helps you know what to expect after placement. Indiana has specific laws that protect your rights while moving the adoption process forward.

Under Indiana law, you can sign consent documents any time after your baby's birth. There is no mandatory waiting period under state law. Individual hospitals may have their own policies about when consent documents can be signed, so your adoption specialist will work with the hospital to coordinate timing. This gives you the flexibility to:

• Sign after the hospital waiting period if you're certain about your decision
• Take more time if you need it
• Spend time with your baby before signing
• Make your decision without pressure

The 15-Day Window in Indiana

After you sign consent in Indiana, you have up to 15 days to ask the court to change your mind. However, if you go before a judge during this time and confirm your decision, your consent becomes final immediately.

If you do ask to withdraw consent within the 15 days, the court will hold a hearing. You'll need to explain why changing your decision is best for your child. Both you and the adoptive parents will have a chance to speak with the judge.

Your consent becomes final and cannot be changed after:

• 15 days have passed since signing, or
• You go before a judge and confirm you understood what you were signing, signed freely, and believe adoption is best for your child (whichever happens first)

This protects everyone involved by providing certainty while still giving you time to be absolutely sure about your decision.

Throughout this process, American Adoptions handles all legal coordination. You can focus on your healing and future while we manage the paperwork and court requirements.

Staying Connected: Your Open Adoption Options in Indiana

One of the most common questions birth mothers ask is "Will I ever see my baby again after adoption?" The answer depends entirely on what you want. Open adoption in Indiana lets you maintain contact with your child and the adoptive family.

Contact Options Include:

• Photos and letters sent through your agency
• Video calls or FaceTime sessions
• In-person visits (frequency based on your agreement)
• Birthday cards and holiday updates
• Social media connections
• Text messages with the adoptive parents

This agreement is not legally enforceable in Indiana, but American Adoptions helps facilitate ongoing contact and can mediate if issues arise. Most adoptive families honor their commitments because they understand how important these connections are.

Why Open Adoption Benefits Everyone:

• You maintain a relationship with your child
• Your child knows their story and feels loved by both families
• The adoptive parents can answer questions as your child grows
• Everyone involved has peace of mind

You're expanding their family while staying part of their life in whatever way feels right. When you browse family profiles, you can learn about families who are open to the level of contact you're hoping for.

Finding Support after Placement in Indiana

Placing your baby for adoption doesn't mean you're alone afterward. American Adoptions provides ongoing support to help you through life after adoption and beyond.

Immediate Post-Placement Support:

• Counseling services for 6 weeks after placement (covered by American Adoptions)
• Financial assistance continues for 6 weeks postpartum in Indiana
• 24/7 access to your adoption specialist
• Help coordinating the first contact with the adoptive family

You don't have to navigate life after adoption alone. American Adoptions connects you with support communities that understand what you're going through. Your adoption specialist can help you find:

• Local and online birth mother support groups where you can share experiences with women who truly understand
• Professional counselors who specialize in adoption and post-placement emotions
• Birth mother communities through social media and organizations dedicated to supporting women like you
• Resources for telling your family about adoption and maintaining important relationships

We stay connected with you after placement and can provide referrals to the resources that fit your specific needs. Whether you prefer in-person meetings, online communities, or one-on-one counseling, we'll help you find the support that feels right for you.

How American Adoptions Supports You

As a national adoption agency with extensive experience in Indiana, American Adoptions provides comprehensive support throughout your entire journey:

• 24/7 support from your adoption specialist who understands what you're going through and can answer all your questions
• Financial assistance for living and medical expenses during pregnancy and up to 6 weeks postpartum
• Access to waiting families nationwide so you can find the perfect match for your child
• Complete hospital support including creating your hospital plan, liaison services, and emotional support during placement
• Full legal coordination to handle all paperwork, court requirements, and Indiana adoption laws

Unlike many agencies, we maintain relationships with birth parents long after finalization. We understand that adoption is a lifelong journey, not a one-time event. Our team includes adoption specialists who have personal experience with adoption and truly understand what you're going through.

We serve all of Indiana, including Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, and surrounding communities. Whether you live in a major city or rural area, you'll receive the same high-quality, personalized care.

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

You don't have to have everything figured out to reach out. Whether you're just starting to consider adoption or you're ready to move forward, we're here to provide the information and support you need.

Fill out our form to get connected with an adoption specialist and get the support you deserve. You're not alone in this decision — we're here to help you create the best possible future for both you and your baby.

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