Are you facing an unplanned pregnancy in Washington? As you consider your options, you might ask, “What happens to my baby after adoption?” You want to know your child will be safe, loved and cared for.

This article will walk you through what happens after placement in Washington, how adoptive families are screened, your options for staying in touch and the support available to you after placement. If you'd like to talk with someone directly, fill out our form or call 1-800-ADOPTION.

What Happens to My Baby After Adoption in Washington?

After you give birth in a Washington hospital, you can spend as much time as you'd like with your baby before placement. When you're ready, the adoptive family you picked will come to the hospital to meet your baby.

You'll sign consent paperwork after birth, though it cannot legally be presented to a judge until at least 48 hours have passed. Once you've signed consent and your baby is discharged from the hospital, the adoptive family will take your baby home and begin caring for them full-time.

The adoption will be legally finalized in court, which typically happens within six months of placement in Washington. If you chose to have an open adoption, you can keep in touch with the adoptive family before and after finalization.

Your Baby's Journey to the Adoptive Family

One of the most important things to understand is that your baby will not enter foster care. Instead, your baby goes directly home with the adoptive family you chose.

From the day your baby leaves the hospital, the adoptive parents take on all parental responsibilities. They'll handle feedings, diaper changes, doctor's appointments and everything else that comes with raising a newborn. Your child will grow up in a stable, loving home with parents who are fully committed to their well-being.

The Vetting Process: How We Screen and Approve Adoptive Families

Every family we work with goes through a thorough evaluation before they can adopt. This includes background checks, home visits and interviews.

During this evaluation, a licensed social worker checks their financial stability, physical health, emotional readiness, home safety and relationships. Only families who pass this extensive evaluation are approved to adopt. By the time you're reviewing profiles, you can trust that each family is ready for parenthood.

Understanding Adoption Consent and Finalization in Washington

In Washington, you can sign your consent to adoption after giving birth. However, your consent doesn't become legally final right away. After you sign, the consent must be presented to a judge for approval, and it cannot be presented until at least 48 hours have passed since your baby was born.

Once a judge approves your consent, it becomes legally final. It can only be reversed within one year if you can prove fraud, duress or lack of mental competency. After approval, the adoptive parents have full legal rights.

The adoption will be finalized in court within about six months of placement. At finalization, a judge makes the adoption official, and a new birth certificate will be issued with the adoptive parents' names listed.

Stay Connected Through Open Adoption

If you want to stay in touch with your child after adoption, we can help you find an open adoption family that shares your contact preferences. You can stay in touch through:

• Letters and pictures

• Emails

• Text messages

• Social media

• Phones calls

• Video chats

• In-person visits

• And more

The level of contact is decided by you and the adoptive family together, and it's written down in a post-adoption contact agreement. While this agreement isn't legally enforceable in Washington, the families we work with understand the importance of maintaining a relationship.

Your Journey Continues: Post-Placement Support for Birth Parents

Placing your baby for adoption doesn't mean you're on your own afterward. Our counseling services are available whenever you need them. We're here to support you through the emotions that come after placement, not just before.

Many expectant parents experience grief, relief, doubt, peace — or all of these feelings at once. That's completely normal. Our counselors understand the complexity of your feelings and can help you process whatever comes up.

We're also here to support communication between you and the adoptive family as you navigate your new relationship. If questions or concerns come up about contact, we can help facilitate those conversations and ensure everyone feels heard.

The American Adoptions Difference

American Adoptions is by your side throughout your entire adoption journey in Washington.

American Adoptions has been facilitating adoptions for over 30 years. We've helped thousands of expectant parents create bright futures for themselves and their babies. Every member of our team understands the emotional weight of this decision, and we're committed to supporting you.

Take the Next Step: Connect With an Adoption Specialist

Still wondering what happens to your baby after adoption? Your child will be placed directly with the adoptive family you choose. They'll grow up in a safe, stable home. And if you choose open adoption, you can stay connected and watch them thrive.

If you'd like to talk through your options with someone who understands, we're here to listen without judgment. Fill out our form to get free information or call 1-800-ADOPTION to speak with an adoption specialist.

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