As an expectant parent, you might be wondering what happens to your baby after adoption and whether they'll be safe, loved and cared for. These concerns are completely natural. You want to know your child will have the life you're hoping to give them.

This guide walks you through exactly what happens after you place your baby for adoption in Texas. We'll cover the hospital discharge, legal steps, your options for staying in touch and the support available to you after placement.

Want more information? Fill out our form or call 1-800-ADOPTION to speak with an experienced adoption specialist.

What Happens to My Baby After Adoption in Texas?

Once you sign the legal paperwork, your baby will be placed with the adoptive family you chose. You won't have to worry about your child being placed in temporary care or moving between different homes.

The adoptive parents will take your child home, and they'll become the legal parents once the adoption is finalized in court. This typically happens within six months of placement, though timelines can vary. During this period, your baby lives with the adoptive family while the court reviews the case.

Your Baby Goes Directly to the Family You Chose

Your baby will go directly home with the adoptive family you chose. They won't enter foster care, and they won't be moved to different temporary homes.

This is one of the most important differences between adoption through an agency like American Adoptions and other child welfare situations. When you make an adoption plan, you're choosing the specific people who will raise your child.

The adoptive family has been preparing for this moment for months or even years. They're ready to provide the stable, loving environment you want for your baby.

Every Adoptive Family Completes a Thorough Screening Process

Every family in our network completes a rigorous home study process before they can adopt. This includes background checks, home visits and interviews to ensure they're ready for parenthood.

All of our families are financially, physically and emotionally ready for parenthood by the time they're approved to adopt. They've demonstrated stability in their lives, completed required training and shown they understand the unique aspects of adoptive parenting. You can feel confident knowing your baby will be placed with people who have been thoroughly vetted and prepared.

You can browse family profiles to learn more about the families waiting to adopt through American Adoptions.

Understanding Your Legal Rights and the Finalization Timeline

In Texas, you'll sign a document that ends your parental rights. This must be signed at least 48 hours after your baby's birth and witnessed by two people or notarized.

Whether you can change your mind depends on what your specific paperwork states. You'll receive a copy that clearly explains your rights. Some documents allow you to change your mind within a certain timeframe (typically 10 days), while others are final immediately upon signing.

Once your consent becomes final, the adoptive parents care for your baby while the court completes the legal process. The adoptive parents file paperwork to finalize the adoption in the county where they live or where the adoption agency is located. The court reviews the case to ensure all requirements are met.

A Texas court typically finalizes the adoption within six months of placement. At the finalization hearing, the judge issues a final order that legally establishes the adoptive parents as your child's parents, and they'll receive a new birth certificate.

Staying Connected Through Open Adoption

Open adoption allows you to maintain a relationship with your child and their adoptive family through pictures, letters, phone calls, video chats or even in-person visits. The level of openness is something you'll discuss and agree upon with the adoptive family before placement.

These arrangements are outlined in a written agreement. While not legally enforceable in Texas, adoptive families understand how important staying connected is for everyone, especially the child. We can help you find a family that shares your communication preferences.

Many birth parents find that staying in touch brings peace of mind. You'll see your child growing up happy and loved, and you can be part of their story.

Get Support That Continues After Placement

Our post-adoption counseling services are available whenever you need them. We're here to support you — emotionally, financially and practically — after placement, not just before. Here's how:

Your Adoption Journey With American Adoptions

American Adoptions is committed to your baby's safety and your peace of mind throughout the entire adoption process. Our support begins the moment you reach out and continues long after placement.

• Before Placement: We'll answer your questions about the adoption process, explain your rights under Texas adoption law and help you create an adoption plan that reflects your hopes for your child's future. We provide financial assistance to help with pregnancy-related expenses, and we connect you with counseling services to support your emotional wellbeing.

• During Placement: We handle the legal paperwork, work with the hospital staff and make sure everyone understands the plan for discharge. We'll be there to support you when you say goodbye to your baby and welcome the adoptive family.

• After Placement: We provide ongoing counseling, help facilitate communication with the adoptive family and check in to make sure you're getting the support you deserve. We understand that adoption doesn't end at placement — it's a lifelong journey, and we're committed to being there for you.

Our staff includes people who have personal experience with adoption as birth parents, adoptive parents and adoptees. We understand the emotional weight of this decision from multiple perspectives, and we bring that understanding to our work with you every single day.

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

Understanding what happens to your baby after adoption can help you feel more confident as you consider your options.

Every situation is unique, and you deserve personalized support as you make this important decision. Contact us today to speak with an adoption specialist who can answer your specific questions about adoption in Texas. We're here to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.

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