Placing a Baby for Adoption in Idaho
Are You Pregnant and Considering Adoption
If you are a prospective adoptive parent hoping to adopt, please click here.
Adoption Life is a licensed adoption agency in Idaho, with local, caring and skilled professionals to help support you through this challenging time. We don’t just advertise our services to birth parents in Idaho; we live and work in Idaho as well. That makes a difference when you are navigating difficult situations like an unplanned pregnancy. We have roots in the local communities and are ready to work with you individually as you navigate this sometimes complicated process.
Facing an unplanned pregnancy can be overwhelming and confusing. Adoption Life has experienced, caring, and well-trained staff in Idaho who can work with you wherever you are. We are a licensed adoption agency through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, which means we are held to a strict standard of providing ethical care to Idaho birth moms and are subject to oversight from the state to ensure we are meeting the highest standards. Adoption Life always encourages expectant women to work with licensed and local agencies to best protect their rights and provide them with long term assistance. We will help you locate and access local resources, support you as you consider your options in your specific situation, and assist you in moving through the entire process should you choose adoption as the right pathway for you.
Idaho does have some specialized laws around placing a child for adoption, designed to protect expectant parents. It is important to work with professionals who understand how to navigate these processes and ensure you are supported throughout. Adoption Life specializes in Idaho placements, and we are ready to help you with your adoption plan.
Adoption Life also works with many families in Idaho who are licensed and approved to adopt a child. We only work with families that have gone through extensive background checks and preparation for an adoption. We support expectant parents who want an open adoption and feel that working with families who live in our area creates opportunities to build a close and authentic relationship for a lifetime.
At Adoption Life, we believe that women considering adoption deserve the very best support. While we know the common phrase is to “give a child up for adoption,” we never feel that a woman making an adoption plan is “giving up.” We know adoption is a choice made with love and care for a child. Our services are completely free to expectant parents, and we operate with no pressure or expectation. This is your decision, and we are here to support you in choosing what feels right for you and your baby. Working with Adoption Life gives you access to professionals who can meet with you personally, understand the resources and programs available in Idaho, and advocate for your needs.
What does Adoption look like in Idaho?
What is the time frame for placing a child in Idaho?
Idaho laws dictate that permission for an adoption must take place before a judge, after the child has been born and the birth mother is released from the hospital. Adoption Life has experience in working with attorneys and judges to accomplish this, and will walk you through it the whole way. We work with local attorneys at no cost to you, and will schedule a time that is convenient for you to appear, all while supporting you through the entire process so you feel comfortable, confident and secure in your decision.
Do I get to choose the family my child is placed with?
Yes! Birth parents can choose a family they would like to place their child with. Adoption Life works with families in Idaho and other states who have been screened through the home study process and meet the requirements to serve as an adoptive family; but you choose the family that feels right to you. Birth parents can choose to maintain an ongoing open relationship with the family (with adoptive parent consent before placement) or can choose to limit contact, depending on what your needs are. Adoption Life will assist you in preparing a written openness plan to ensure all parties are on the same page with post adoption contact.
What are the laws pertaining to birth fathers?
Potential birth fathers can register with the Idaho Putative Father Registry in order to assert their parental rights. The purpose of the Putative Father Registry is to protect the parental rights of fathers who affirmatively assume responsibility for children they may have fathered and to expedite permanent placements for children. It is important to work with an experienced agency to help navigate issues of birth father rights.
What if I am unsure?
Adoption is a loving and selfless choice for your unborn child. But the decision to place a child for adoption can feel overwhelming and difficult. You may experience pressure from family or friends to either place, or not place. Other people that are important to you may not understand your reasoning for making such a decision. It is important to talk through your feelings, thoughts, and questions with somebody you trust. This may be a therapist, a trusted family member or friend, a clergy member, or an adoption professional. Adoption Life is available and happy to answer all of your questions, discuss any options, and provide resources for both placing a child and/or parenting a child, free from pressure. If needed, we can provide you with potential outside support and appropriate resources to help you in making your decision.
Adoption Life would love to help you by first by providing you with free options counseling and caring helpful support. If you feel adoption is the right path for you and your baby, we are here to help you in making a successful adoption plan in Idaho. Please reach out today!