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Adoption Resources

This page contains information for anyone considering adoption as a pregnancy option.

Notes

  • Many of the resources/websites about adoption use language such as "birth mother" and are not gender-inclusive.
  • Many adoption resources/websites assume the pregnant person is choosing to identify with the concept of “parent” as in “birth parent” or “first parent.”
  • Most generic adoption google searches are designed for people looking to adopt a child rather than those looking to find adoptive parents for a child. 

Types of Adoptions and Plans

There are two types of adoptions: 

  • an independent/private adoption
  • an agency adoption 

With either type of adoption, you get to decide what adoption plan you want. 

  • Closed (no contact between you and the child/adoptive family)
  • Open (regular contact between you and the child/adoptive family)
  • Semi-open (usually this means updates can be sent through a 3rd party but there is not direct contact between you and the child/adoptive family). 

Laws and Regulations

The adoption process is guided by laws and regulations from start to finish. There are state and federal laws that apply for adoptive families and the person who gave birth. All adoptions require an adoption attorney to complete the legal services.  

If you choose to work with an adoption agency rather than have an independent or private adoption, they can coordinate adoption attorney services for you, and you will not need to hire an adoption attorney separately. If you choose an independent or private adoption, you will need to hire an adoption attorney. Some attorneys offer the first session free, some are paid by the adoptive parent(s), and some you may need to pay. Use this site to find an adoption attorney in your state, and be sure to ask about their pricing before scheduling an appointment. 

Independent/Private Adoptions

If someone you know is interested in adopting the child, an independent or private adoption may make sense for you. An independent or private adoption is when the child is placed directly with adoptive parent(s) without a public adoption agency being involved. 

Because of the laws surrounding adoptions, if you choose an independent/private adoption, you will need to hire an adoption attorney. Independent adoption attorneys or private adoption agencies will deal with the legal side of the adoption but will not locate the potential adopting parents for you. So, again, this option might make sense if you already know who will adopt the child. 

Almost all U.S. states have laws governing the fees and expenses that adoptive parents are expected to pay when arranging a private or independent adoption. 

The Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA) is an organization of over 500 attorneys who work on these topics. You can use this attorney finder to locate one in your state.

Agency Adoptions

If you want support finding adoptive parents, using an adoption agency may be a good option. There are many types of adoption agencies: private and foster care agencies, local and national agencies, domestic and international agencies, as well as non-profit and for-profit agencies.  

Each type of adoption agency will offer a range of different services for people looking to adopt and for pregnant people considering adoption. 

At an adoption agency, you will be assigned a counselor that will work with you from start to finish. 

Services can include:  

  • counseling,
  • financial assistance,
  • medical care,
  • legal representation,
  • matching with an adoptive parent/s, adoption plans and
  • meetings with the adoptive parent/s. 

Find an Adoption Agency 

List of National and Local Boston Adoption Agencies and Attorneys

Something to Watch Out For

If a person from an adoption agency (or anyone else) wants to complete the transaction “under the table,” do not continue the adoption with them. This is illegal. There needs to be a paper trail of every transaction in the adoption process, whether financial, legal, or otherwise. 

It is always illegal to "exchange" a baby for money. This is considered human trafficking and is a federal crime that you could be prosecuted for.  

Closing Note

This is a lot of information! However you are feeling right now is okay.  

If you want to talk through your options and/or have someone walk through this information with you in person, you can make a confidential appointment with any CARE staff member.