Can a Minor Place a Baby for Adoption? [Choosing Adoption Under 18]

If you’re a teenager considering putting a child up for adoption because of an accidental pregnancy, American Adoptions can give you the support you need.

As a teen, pregnancy probably isn’t in your current plans.  You might be wondering “Do you have to be a certain age to ‘give your baby up’ for adoption in Missouri?” The answer to this question is a resounding no.

No matter what your age is, adoption is always an option for you.

It’s your pregnancy, and how you choose to handle it will always be your choice. Nobody can make this decision for you. If you feel adoption is what’s best for you and your baby, American Adoptions of Missouri can help you get started. Call 1-800-ADOPTION at any time to speak with an adoption specialist, and keep reading to learn more about how adoption could be an option for you.

How to Put a Baby up for Adoption in Missouri if You are a Teen

You might be asking “How does a teenager ‘give a baby up’ for adoption?”

As a minor, you will follow the same adoption process as a legal adult would. Your age does not affect how much say you have in your adoption. When it comes to making your adoption plan, you will always be in control from start to finish. And, you won’t have to do it alone.  Our adoption specialists are available to you 24/7 to guide you on your adoption journey.

Step 1. Create an Adoption Plan

So, how does a teenager “give a baby up” for adoption in Missouri? If you’re a teenager considering putting a baby up for adoption, you will be completely in charge of the way it happens. With American Adoptions, all prospective birth mothers craft their own adoption plans.

During a time where you feel like you might not have a lot of control, being able to make your own choices during the adoption process can be encouraging. You will work with your own adoption specialist, who will help you make sure your wants and needs for your baby’s adoptions are met. She will guide you along each remaining step of the adoption process.

Step 2. Find the Perfect Family in Missouri

Since you are in complete control of your adoption plan, one of the decisions you get to make is the family that will raise your child. There are plenty of families looking to adopt a teenager’s baby. You will be able to fill out a template with the qualities you would like the prospective adoptive family to have. Your adoption specialist will find adoptive family profiles that match your preferences and present them to you to review. You can review as many profiles as you need until you find an amazing family for your child.

American Adoptions is a national adoption agency, which means we work with families from all over the country. This will enable you to find the perfect family in a shorter amount of time. When you work with us, you will find the perfect family for your baby in no time.

Step 3. Make a Hospital Plan

Part of your adoption plan when choosing adoption for your teenage pregnancy is your hospital plan. Your hospital plan is a blueprint for your hospital stay on the day of the delivery.  This plan will include things such as:

• Which hospital your baby will be born at

• Who will be in the delivery room with you

• Who will hold the baby first

• Whether or not you will nurse your baby

• And more

The hospital stay, labor and delivery can be scary to think about. But you can feel safe, confident and prepared because of your adoption plan and the constant support of your adoption specialist.

In Missouri, you cannot sign your adoption paperwork until 48 hours after the baby is born. It’s a lot to consider, but your adoption specialist will go over every detail of your stay to make it as comfortable as possible for you.

Your adoption specialist at American Adoptions will be able to provide personal support and guidance in a way that many other social workers cannot because our staff is comprised of adoptees, birth parents and adoptive parents. The hospital stay is one of the most emotional parts of putting an infant up for adoption in Missouri, and we personally understand what that is like because we have been there ourselves. Don’t be afraid to lean on your adoption specialist for the support you need during this time.

Step 4.  Stay in Touch with Your Child and their Adoptive Family

Adoption doesn’t have to be goodbye forever when you choose adoption for teenage pregnancy. If you’re putting your baby up for adoption in Missouri, you will always be a vital part of your baby’s story, and we do recommend that you maintain contact. As long as the adoptive family agrees with your communication preferences, you can witness or take part in your child’s life as much as you wish to.

Does A Minor Need Parents Permission To Give Baby Up For Adoption in Missouri?

No, you do not need your parent’s permission to place your baby for adoption in Missouri in most cases.

However, if you are still living with your parents it is important that you discuss your adoption decision with them. They can be an integral part of your support system. By involving them in your adoption plan, they will be able to help you emotionally and financially. If your parents do not support your decision, you can most likely still place your baby for adoption. If you pursue adoption without your parents’ support, you will need to plan accordingly.

Can a Minor Give a Child up for Adoption in Missouri?

Yes, if you’re a minor facing an unplanned pregnancy, then adoption is always an option for you.

The adoption process for minors is generally the same as it is for expectant mothers over the age of 18, but depending on your individual circumstances and state laws, your parents may need to be somewhat involved in the process.  In Missouri, you do not need your parents’ permission to choose adoption in most cases. If you feel adoption is what’s best for you and your baby, then it is well within your rights to make this decision. If you feel adoption is in the best interest of you and your baby, we can help. We’ve helped many minors in your situation and would be more than happy to help you find a loving family for your baby.

Why Would a Teen Mom Put a Baby up for Adoption in Missouri?

There are many reasons why you might be choosing adoption as a teenager. First and foremost, you are likely not at a point in your life where having a child is realistic or ideal. You might not feel mentally and emotionally ready to take on the responsibility of raising a child. You are still being taken care of yourself, and are most likely not financially equipped to provide for a child on your own.

You’re still planning your own future. You likely want to focus on getting through high school and maybe even go to college. Whatever your reasoning is, you are valid in choosing adoption and it’s always an option for you. If you choose adoption and then change your mind down the road and decide you want to parent, you can do this at any point in the adoption process.

When you contact American Adoptions, our specialists will help you create an adoption plan that meets your needs.  We can offer you resources and support no matter where you’re at in your pregnancy, and even after the baby has been born. Just a few of the benefits you will receive when you work with us are:

• Financial Assistance. As an expectant mother, placing your baby for adoption will come at no cost to you. Adoption is always free for birth parents. Depending on your circumstances, our adoption specialists can help you get the financial assistance you need to cover your pregnancy costs and living expenses.

• 24/7 Counseling. Even if you know that adoption is what’s best for you and your baby, it can come with some difficult emotions. We’re here for you. Our adoption specialists will be there to listen and help you cope with these feelings around the clock.

• The ability to choose the adoptive parents. You’ll be in charge of every part of your adoption plan. One of the many decisions you get to make is choosing the family that will raise your baby. Your adoption specialist will sit down with you to discuss your adoptive family preferences and will compile adoptive family profiles that match what you’re looking for.  You will then be able to review these profiles until you find the perfect match for your baby.

• And more.

Our staff is made up of many specialists who have firsthand adoption experience as birth parents, adoptive parents and adoptees. We use this insight to give you the support and assistance you need. We will help you give your baby the best life possible.

Start Your Adoption for Teenage Pregnancy in Missouri

No matter how old you are you can choose to give your child the life possible with a loving family. We will be by your side every step of the way to lend you the support and resources you deserve. To get more information about how to “give a baby up” for adoption underage, contact us online today.

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