If you're considering adoption and wondering what happens to my baby after adoption, you're asking one of the most important questions. Understanding what comes next can help you feel more confident in your decision.

Your baby's future after adoption is filled with love, security, and opportunity. We're here to walk you through exactly what happens after you place your baby for adoption, from hospital discharge to finalization and beyond.

What Happens to My Baby after Adoption in Tennessee?

After you provide consent to adoption in Tennessee, your baby goes directly to the pre-approved adoptive family you chose. Here's what the process looks like:

• Hospital Discharge: The adoptive family takes your baby home from the hospital according to your birth plan. You decide how much time you want to spend with your baby before they leave.
• Legal Steps: After you sign the consent (at least 72 hours after birth), the adoptive family gains legal guardianship of your baby. Tennessee law requires a waiting period before finalization.
• First Handoff: This moment happens according to your wishes. Some birth mothers hand the baby directly to the adoptive parents. Others prefer hospital staff to facilitate the transition. We support whatever feels right for you.

Your baby never goes into foster care. They go directly from the hospital to the loving home you selected.

Who Takes Care of My Baby After Adoption Consent?

This is a common concern, and we want to reassure you: your baby goes straight to the adoptive family you chose, not to foster care or a temporary placement. Here's what happens:

• Immediate Placement: From the moment you sign the consent, the adoptive parents become your baby's legal guardians and take your baby home.
• Direct Care: The adoptive family you selected provides all your baby's needs from day one.
• Carefully Screened: Every family has been extensively vetted, approved, and prepared to welcome your baby.

Your baby never enters the foster care system. They go directly to the loving, permanent home you chose for them.

How Adoptive Families Are Screened and Approved Before Adoption

Every adoptive family in our network goes through extensive screening before they can adopt. This ensures your baby goes to a safe, stable, loving home. Here's what every family must complete:

• Home Study: A licensed social worker visits the family's home multiple times, interviews all household members, and evaluates their finances, relationships, parenting philosophy, and living environment.
• Background Checks: Every adult undergoes criminal background checks, child abuse registry checks, and reference checks. Any concerning history disqualifies them.
• Medical and Financial Review: Families must prove they're physically and financially capable of raising a child.
• Training and Education: Families complete adoption education courses covering attachment, trauma-informed parenting, and supporting birth parent relationships.
• Personal Interviews: Our specialists conduct in-depth interviews to understand each family's values, lifestyle, and commitment to open adoption.

Only families who pass all these requirements can adopt through our agency.

Adoption Finalization and Parental Rights in Tennessee

After you sign consent, there's a legal process before the adoption is fully finalized. Here's the timeline:

• Consent to Adoption: You can sign consent at least 72 hours (3 days) after your baby is born. This must be done in court before a judge. You have a 10-day revocation period if you change your mind.
• Legal Guardianship: Once the revocation period passes, the adoptive parents have legal custody of your baby, but the adoption isn't yet final.
• Court Review Period: Tennessee courts require a waiting period during which a social worker visits the adoptive home to ensure everything is going well.
• Final Adoption Decree: After the court review, a judge signs the final adoption decree. At this point, the adoption is permanent and the adoptive parents become your child's legal parents.

Throughout this process, your baby is safe, loved, and cared for by the family you chose.

Want to Stay in Touch? How Open Adoption Works

You don't have to say goodbye forever. Through open adoption, you can maintain a relationship with your child and their adoptive family. Open adoption allows you to:

• Choose Your Level of Contact: You decide how much contact feels right, whether it's photos and letters, video calls, text messages, or in-person visits.
• Build a Relationship with the Adoptive Family: Many birth mothers develop meaningful friendships with their child's adoptive parents, sharing updates and staying connected.
• Watch Your Child Grow: Through regular updates, you can see your child thrive, celebrate their milestones, and know they're loved and happy.

We help you find an adoptive family that matches your contact preferences. Whether you want frequent communication or occasional updates, we'll match you with a family who shares your vision.

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

Your relationship with us doesn't end when you sign consent. We provide ongoing support for as long as you need it:

• Post-Adoption Counseling: Free counseling services help you process emotions, navigate grief, and find healing. You can call us anytime.
• Financial Assistance: Tennessee law allows help with living expenses for up to 90 days before birth and 45 days after placement, including rent, utilities, food, and transportation.
• Contact Mediation: If you're having difficulty with post-adoption communication, we can help mediate between you and the adoptive family.
• Support Groups: We connect you with other birth mothers who understand what you're going through.

You're never alone in this journey. We're here to support you every step of the way.

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

When you work with American Adoptions in Tennessee, you receive comprehensive support throughout your entire adoption journey:

• Before Adoption: We provide free counseling, help you create your adoption plan, and guide you through choosing the perfect family. We explain all your options and answer every question.
• During Adoption: We coordinate everything at the hospital, ensure your birth plan is followed, and provide 24/7 emotional support. We handle all legal requirements and connect you with independent legal counsel.
• After Adoption: We continue providing free counseling, help maintain your relationship with the adoptive family, and offer support for as long as you need it.

We've walked alongside thousands of birth mothers through this journey. We understand the emotional complexity of adoption, and we're committed to ensuring you feel supported, respected, and confident.

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

If you're wondering what happens to my baby after adoption in Tennessee or have questions about the adoption process, we're here to help.

Our Tennessee adoption specialists are available 24/7 to answer your questions, provide counseling, and guide you through every step of your adoption journey.

Call us at 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our confidential contact form to speak with a compassionate adoption specialist today.

Every conversation is free, confidential, and completely pressure-free. You don't have to make this decision alone. We're here to help you understand what comes next and ensure your baby has the bright future you envision for them.

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