What Happens if I Don't Find an Adoptive Family? [It's Never too Late]
If you are worried that you won’t be able to find a family in time, please know that it is never too late. Every child placed through a licensed agency finds a loving, permanent home.
We are here to answer your questions about the best way to find adoptive parents, what happens if you haven’t chosen a family by the time you go into labor, and how American Adoptions of Texas provides the financial and emotional help to find adoptive parents that you deserve.
I Need Someone to Adopt My Baby-- What If I Don’t Find an Adoptive Family?
It is one of the most common fears for expectant mothers: What if I decide on adoption, but nobody chooses my baby? The reality is that there are many more families waiting to adopt than there are babies being placed.
When you work with a licensed agency, your baby will always have a home. You do not have to "apply" to families and hope they pick you; instead, you get to look through dozens—or even hundreds—of families who have already been pre-screened and are dreaming of the chance to become parents.
Because we are a national agency with a deep local presence in Texas, we can offer you a wider selection of families than almost anyone else, ensuring you find a match that feels right.
Can I Still Choose the Adoptive Family in Texas Late in My Pregnancy?
Many women wonder if it is too late to find adoptive parents, particularly if they are in their third trimester or even at the hospital. In Texas, you can choose an adoptive family at any point.
Even if you are currently in labor or recovering at a hospital, or have returned to your home in Dallas, Houston, or San Antonio, you still have the right to look at profiles and choose the parents for your child.
This is your adoption plan, and making the decision on your own timeline is okay. Choosing a family at birth or even afterwards simply means you took the time you needed to make a courageous decision.
What Happens If I Can’t Find a Family Before Birth?
If you are near delivery and haven’t picked a family, don't panic. Agencies like American Adoptions of Texas have a list of families who are ready for a baby within days or even hours. These are couples who have completed their home study and are prepared to travel to your Texas hospital at a moment’s notice.
If you haven't found a family by the time of birth, your adoption specialist can present you with a personalized list of families who are ready for an immediate placement. You will still get to see their photos and video profiles, and you will still be the one who makes the final choice.
Will My Baby Go Into Foster Care If I Don’t Choose a Family in Texas?
Many women worry that their child could go to foster care if they choose adoption, but when you work with a private, licensed adoption agency, your baby does not go into the state foster care system.
Foster care is typically for children who have been removed from their homes by the state due to safety concerns. In private adoption, you are proactively making a plan for your child’s future. Because we have hundreds of families waiting, we can ensure the baby goes from you straight to the adoptive family’s arms. They never enter the state system.
What Support Is Available in Texas If I’m Scared or Overwhelmed?
If you are feeling the weight of considering adoption, you shouldn't have to carry that burden alone. Under the Texas Family Code, you are entitled to specific supports when working with a licensed agency:
- Financial Assistance: We can help cover your rent, utilities, groceries, and medical bills during your pregnancy and for a period after birth.
- Legal Protection: We provide access to board-certified Texas adoption attorneys to ensure your rights are protected.
- 24/7 Counseling: Our specialists are here to listen to your fears and help you navigate the emotional landscape of unplanned pregnancy and adoption without judgment.
How a Licensed Agency Helps When Time Feels Short
Working with a licensed agency can give you peace and calm if you’re feeling rushed. We can narrow down adoptive parent profiles to just the ones that meet your specific criteria—whether that’s a family with other children, a certain religious background, or a couple living in a specific part of the country.
We handle the logistics, the travel, and the legal paperwork so that you can focus on your own well-being.
Who can help me find a family fast?
A national agency like American Adoptions is your best resource for the fastest placement with the best family possible. Because we work with families across the entire country, we have a much larger pool of "ready-now" parents than a small, local agency might, but we still have the local Texas presence that allows us to provide the best support possible.
I Need Someone to Adopt My Baby — Who Can Help?
If you are ready to take the first step, the best way to find adoptive parents is to reach out to a professional who can offer immediate help.
At American Adoptions of Texas, we have seen time and again that there is a great family for every child. You don't have to worry about "what if"—you just have to let us help you find "the one."
Begin viewing families who are ready to love and cherish your child.
Or call 1-800-ADOPTION to get help from a professional now.
Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.
