After you place your baby for adoption in Utah, they go directly into the care of the adoptive family you chose—not into foster care or temporary placement.

Your baby will be loved, protected, and legally secure from day one, with American Adoptions ensuring every step is handled safely and professionally.

Below, we'll explain exactly what happens to your baby after adoption in Utah—from hospital discharge to legal finalization to the ongoing relationship you can maintain with your child's new family.

What Happens to My Baby After Adoption in Utah?

At the hospital:

• You'll spend time with your baby according to your hospital plan
• The adoptive family will be nearby (based on your preferences)
• When you're ready (after the 24-hour waiting period), you'll sign consent
• The adoptive family takes custody immediately after you sign

Immediately after signing consent:

• Your baby goes home with the adoptive family you selected
• They begin bonding as a family right away
• All care, feeding, and medical needs are handled by the adoptive parents
• You'll start receiving updates according to your open adoption agreement

What doesn't happen:

• Your baby does NOT go into foster care
• Your baby does NOT wait in temporary placement
• Your baby does NOT go to strangers—only to the family you personally chose

How do you know they're qualified to care for your baby? Every adoptive family has passed months of screening, background checks, and home studies before they're even approved to adopt.

Browse waiting families to see who's hoping to adopt.

Who Takes Care of My Baby After Adoption Consent?

Your baby will be cared for by the adoptive family as soon as you sign consent. Not temporary caregivers. The actual parents you chose.

By the time your baby is placed with them, they've already:

• Passed extensive FBI and state background checks
• Completed a comprehensive home study (up to 6-12 months)
• Been interviewed by social workers and references
• Proven their financial stability and readiness
• Been personally selected by you after reviewing their profile

Unlike foster care, where children can be moved between homes or returned to birth families, adoption provides permanent legal stability from the moment you sign consent in Utah.

Learn about Utah's adoption process.

How Adoptive Families Are Screened and Approved Before Adoption

Every family must complete one of the most thorough vetting processes before they can adopt through American Adoptions.

Home Study

• Multiple in-home visits by licensed social workers

• Individual and couple interviews about parenting philosophy
• Review of finances, employment, and stability
• Safety evaluation of living space
• Personal and professional reference checks

Background Screening:

• FBI fingerprint clearance
• State criminal background checks
• Child abuse registry searches in all states they've lived
• Driving records and medical examinations

Financial & Personal Verification:

• Proof of stable income and employment
• Review of debt, savings, and ability to provide
• Life and health insurance confirmation
• Support system evaluation (family, community, etc.)

Adoptive parents undergo more screening than biological parents ever do—because agencies like ours take your baby's safety seriously.

See the family screening process.

Adoption Finalization and Parental Rights in Utah

While your baby is with the adoptive family from the moment you sign consent, the legal process takes a few months to complete.

Step 1: Consent (24+ hours after birth)

• You sign legal documents terminating your parental rights
• In Utah, this consent is immediately irrevocable
• You cannot change your mind after signing

Step 2: Legal Custody Transfer (Immediately)

• The adoptive family gains full legal custody
• They can make all medical, educational, and care decisions
• Your baby is legally placed in their home

Step 3: Finalization (Typically 3-6 months later)

• A judge reviews the adoption case
• Confirms all legal requirements were met
• Signs the final adoption decree
• Issues a new birth certificate listing adoptive parents

Step 4: Permanent Status

• The adoption is complete and permanent
• Your child has full rights as their legal child
• All inheritance, insurance, and family benefits apply

Questions about the legal process? Talk to a specialist.

Want to Stay in Touch? How Open Adoption Works

Most modern adoptions include ongoing contact between birth parents and adoptive families—and you get to decide what that looks like.

Open adoption can include:

• Photos and updates (monthly, quarterly, annually)
• Phone calls or video chats
• Text messages or emails
• In-person visits
• Social media connection
• Birthday and holiday cards

During matching, you'll:

• Review profiles showing each family's openness preferences
• Have conversations about contact expectations
• Create a written agreement outlining your preferences
• Know exactly what to expect before making your choice

After placement, American Adoptions:

• Helps maintain your agreed-upon contact
• Offers help maintaining contact
• Offers counseling for you
• Stays involved in your journey long-term

You don't have to wonder what's happening in your child's life. With open adoption, you can watch them grow and know they're thriving.

Learn about open adoption options.

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

Your support doesn't end when placement happens—it's just beginning.

Financial Support: Assistance continues up to eight weeks after birth for pregnancy-related expenses.

Emotional Support:

• Counseling: Access to professional counseling when you need it
• 24/7 access: Call anytime if you need someone to talk to
• Support groups: Connect with other birth mothers
• Crisis intervention: Immediate help if you're struggling

Relationship Support:

• Communication help: Help if communication with adoptive family becomes difficult
• Maintaining agreements: Support honoring your open adoption plan
• Boundary guidance: Help navigating relationship changes as your child grows

Learn about post-adoption support.

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

Imagine knowing exactly where your baby is, seeing photos of them smiling, and receiving messages from grateful parents thanking you for the gift you gave them. That's what American Adoptions helps create.

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

You don't have to wonder what happens to your baby after adoption in Utah. You don't have to worry if they'll be safe, loved, and cared for properly.

Here's what you can do right now:

Call 1-800-ADOPTION to:

• Learn how adoptive families are screened
• See profiles of waiting families in Utah
• Understand the legal process and your rights
• Explore open adoption options
• Get answers to every question you have

Or fill out our online form to:

• Connect with a Utah adoption specialist
• Receive free information about your options
• Start exploring whether adoption is right for you

Your baby deserves safety and love. You deserve support and clarity. American Adoptions provides both.

Call 1-800-ADOPTION or get started online to learn exactly what happens to your baby after adoption in Utah—and how we ensure their safety, your peace of mind, and ongoing connection if you choose it.

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