Adoption in Rhode Island is a legal process that brings together hopeful parents and birth mothers in a life-changing way. Whether you're thinking about placing a child for adoption, growing your family, or learning more about your own adoption story, understanding Rhode Island adoption laws is essential.

With the right guidance, this process can be empowering and fulfilling. Our guide helps you navigate every key legal step so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Schedule a consultation with an adoption specialist today to get the support you deserve.

For Birth Mothers: Your Legal Rights

Can I choose adoption for my baby?

Yes — adoption is always an option. In Rhode Island, a birth mother has the legal right to place her child for adoption. To do so, she must provide her consent through the court.

Under Rhode Island law, the court must approve a mother’s decision before an adoption becomes final. The law ensures that her decision is informed and voluntary. You have the right to choose this path — and the right to support throughout.

Relevant Law: R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-7-5

When can I give my baby up for adoption?

Rhode Island law requires that you wait 15 days after birth to formally consent to adoption and file a petition to terminate your parental rights.

This waiting period gives you time to make a decision after birth. Consent cannot be given before this period.

Relevant Law: R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-7-6

Can I get my baby back after adoption?

There is a six-month revocation period in Rhode Island. During that time, consent may be challenged — but only if you can prove it was given under legal duress, fraud, or coercion.

After six months, the adoption is legally final and cannot be undone.

Relevant Law: R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-7-21.1

Can you do adoption without the father's consent?

In some cases, yes. While both parents typically must consent, Rhode Island law allows adoption to proceed without the father’s consent if his parental rights are terminated.

Relevant Law: R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-7-5, R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-7-7

Do both birth parents have to sign adoption papers in Rhode Island?

Typically, yes — but there are exceptions. Both birth parents must consent unless one parent’s rights have been terminated or relinquished voluntarily.

Relevant Law: R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-7-5

Can I get paid for adoption?

You cannot be paid for placing a child — that is illegal. However, adoptive families may cover reasonable living, medical, legal, and counseling expenses during your pregnancy, with court oversight.

Relevant Law: No specific statute; regulated by court oversight.

Can you choose who adopts your baby?

Yes. You have full control over choosing your baby’s adoptive family. State law empowers you to make that decision through an agency or independent matching.

Relevant Law: Not specified in statute; allowed under general adoption provisions.

Can people from a different state adopt my baby?

Yes — through the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC). This ensures that interstate adoptions meet legal standards in both states.

Relevant Law: R.I. Gen. Laws § 40-15

Can I give my baby up for adoption without any agency?

Yes. Rhode Island law does not require you to use an agency, meaning independent adoptions are legal.

Relevant Law: Not specified in statute; independent adoption permitted.

Can my spouse adopt my child?

Yes — through stepparent adoption. State law allows your spouse to petition to adopt your child.

Relevant Law: R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-7-4

Can my family adopt my baby?

Yes. A relative, including a grandparent or sibling, may adopt your baby. Rhode Island law allows any person to petition the court, including family members.

Relevant Law: R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-7-4

Can you anonymously put a baby up for adoption?

Yes. Private adoption allows for varying degrees of confidentiality based on your wishes. Your identity can remain private.

Relevant Law: Private Adoption Guide

Can I have contact with my child after the adoption?

Yes — through a Post-Adoption Contact Agreement (PACA). If the agreement is voluntary, in the child’s best interest, and court-approved, it can be legally enforceable.

Relevant Law: R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-7-14.1

How does tribal adoption work for Native American children?

Tribal adoption is governed by the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), a federal law that ensures proper placement and notification for children of Native American heritage.

Relevant Law: 25 U.S.C. 1902

Can I drop my baby off at a fire station?

Yes. Rhode Island’s Safe Haven for Infants Act allows you to legally and anonymously leave a baby up to 30 days old at a hospital, police station, or fire station.

Relevant Law: R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-13.1-3

What rights do biological parents have after adoption?

After finalization, birth parents no longer have legal rights to the child.

Relevant Law: R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-7-7

For Adoptive Families: Starting Your Family with Confidence

Do you have to be married to adopt in Rhode Island?

No. You do not need to be married. Single individuals can also adopt.

Relevant Law: R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-7-4

How old do you have to be to adopt a baby?

Rhode Island does not specify a minimum age. However, adoptive parents must be older than the child and younger than 18.

Relevant Law: R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-7-4

Do you need a home study for a private or independent adoption?

Yes. All adoptions require a home study, including private and independent cases.

Relevant Law: R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-7-11

Can you adopt without an agency?

Yes. Rhode Island allows both agency and independent adoptions.

Relevant Law: Not specified in statute; independent adoption permitted.

What are the steps to adopt?

• Step 1: Decide the type of adoption you’re pursuing.
• Step 2: Complete a home study.
• Step 3: Obtain birth parent consent.
• Step 4: File the adoption petition.
• Step 5: Attend a family court hearing.
• Step 6: Finalize the adoption.

Can you adopt a child from another state?

Yes. The ICPC governs all out-of-state adoptions to ensure legal and ethical compliance.

Relevant Law: R.I. Gen. Laws § 40-15

Can we advertise for a birth mother?

There is no specific law prohibiting advertising. However, using a licensed agency ensures ethical and legal outreach.

Relevant Law: Not specified in statute.

Can a birth father stop an adoption?

Yes, but only if he has legally established parental rights.

Relevant Law: R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-7-5, R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-7-7

What if the birth parents don’t sign adoption papers?

The court may initiate involuntary termination if statutory grounds are met.

Relevant Law: R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-7-5, R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-7-7

When is an adoption finalized in Rhode Island?

Finalization occurs when the decree of adoption is issued by a family court.

Relevant Law: R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-7-14, R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-7-21.1

Can birth mothers change their mind?

They can revoke consent within six months, but only under specific legal circumstances.

Relevant Law: R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-7-21.1

Are adoptive parents on the birth certificate in Rhode Island?

Yes. A new birth certificate is issued naming the adoptive parents.

Relevant Law: R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-3-15

What rights do adoptive parents have after adoption?

Adoptive parents gain full legal rights and responsibilities.

Relevant Law: R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-7-17

Are open adoptions legally binding in Rhode Island?

Yes, if the Post-Adoption Contact Agreement is voluntary, in the child’s best interest, and court-approved.

Relevant Law: R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-7-14.1

Does ICWA apply to private adoptions in Rhode Island?

Yes. ICWA applies to all adoptions involving Native American children.

Relevant Law: RI ICWA Guidelines

What support is available after adoption?

Rhode Island’s DCYF and partner organizations provide post-adoption support including counseling, financial aid, and more.

Relevant Law: Post-Adoption Support

For Adoptees

If you were adopted through American Adoptions, we’re here to support your journey. Whether you're searching for background information or seeking reunification, we can help guide the next steps.

What’s Next?

Whether you’re considering placing your baby for adoption, preparing to adopt, or just need trustworthy information, understanding Rhode Island adoption laws is the first step.

Contact us online to get answers tailored to your situation — or fill out a form to connect with a specialist who can help you move forward confidently.

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