Placing You Baby for Adoption as an Incarcerated Birth Mother in Missouri
In life, we go through many challenges. Some greater than others, some that even make us stronger. Even through those tribulations, a child always deserves the chance at a good life and greater shots at success.
If you are an incarcerated birth mother who feels hopeless in the endeavor of giving their baby an adoptive family, know that all is not lost. Adoption Choices of Missouri is going to share with you what steps we will take in getting your child on the way to a healthy and happy life.
Choosing Adoption from Prison or Jail
Placing your baby for adoption as an incarcerated birth mother, there are few steps and processes we have to go through. Depending on your sentence or duration of your incarceration, these steps may seem far reaching. Yet, know that hope is not all lost and there is always a way.
One of the first things that needs to be done is for a discussion with your caseworker or a prison official who can give some information on what options lie before you when you have arrived at the decision to put your baby up for adoption.
These options can range from possibly putting your baby in the care of a close relative for the time being if you are serving a short sentence and would like them to be within family’s reach, to even coordinating with social services to see if foster care is an option. Another option, of course, would be to consider adoption. Communication and research is key to finding out what you can do to give your baby a better shot at life.
Keeping your options open may help take a bit of your stress away, and give you time to carefully research each one before making a final decision.
Contact an Adoption Agency in Missouri
Placing your baby for adoption as an incarcerated birth mother can have many variables that are dependent on the conditions of your sentence and the length in which you are serving. If you are not incarcerated, but due to circumstances will be in the future, it’s best to contact an adoption agency before you carry out your sentence.
For birth mothers who are already in prison, contacting a family member or a trusted friend who can work with your attorney to get an adoption agency and coordinate with them is how the process will first begin. If you are not able to get in contact with a family member or for some reason are denied by your attorney, don’t give up! Speak with your caseworker and have them do some research on whatever options are there for you and your baby.
When finally given an adoption agency, like Adoption Choices of Missouri, you will be assigned an adoption caseworker who will be with you every step of the way to help you set up your adoption plan. Their duties involve: answering any questions you may have, alleviating any fears or anxieties you possess, and providing every ounce of support they can give overall, so your baby can be on the road to a better life and you have a weight lifted off your shoulders.
Finalizing Adoption from Jail or Prison
You have gone through all the screenings, had conversations and meetings with many adoptive families who are hopeful in raising your child. Over the course of many tries, you find the adoptive family who fits best! What will happen now
The choices ahead of you, again, can be variable based on the situation of your sentence and what placement and parameters are implemented by prison regulation. Health and prenatal care will be given because it is crucial to a healthy delivery, and of course, your baby will be born in a hospital. After your baby is born, you can still be a bit uncertain on what exactly your life and connection with them will look like.
Keep in mind, throughout every phase, our adoption agency and your assigned adoption caseworker will make sure you know the terms of your adoption plan and what to expect for you and your child throughout your adoption journey.
If you’re serving a long and high-security level sentence, contact with your child and their adoptive family may be limited. If you want to stay in contact with them, this can be done with letters or maybe even short phone call sessions where you can speak with your child directly or the adoptive family. The amount of contact you have will be determined by prison regulation.
Placing You Baby for Adoption as an Incarcerated Birth Mother
Being an incarcerated pregnant woman considering adoption is a selfless, brave and loving act that will never be punished. Your adoption journey while in jail or prison may have its challenges, but it is certainly not impossible and will be one of the most rewarding decisions you ever make.
If you or a loved one are in this situation, contact us here and let’s get started on your adoption plan.
Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond, please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri call or text us at 1-816-527-9800
Meet the Author: My name is Alexander Charles Cooper, I come from a family of four that originates from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I, along with my younger brother Greyson were born in North Carolina, three years after my parents had wed and moved to the state. Alexander shares his birthday with Maya Angelou, which he takes great pride in.
Growing up, Alexander had the privilege of having both parents in his life and a stable upbringing in which he was surrounded by family and friends. He believes that much of his family foundation is built on faith which has given him a discipline and practice that has allowed him to discover and build his spiritual self. He is also interested in politics and worldly news that allows him to excel in American literature, philosophy/ethics, and higher learning.
From that, his passion in writing bloomed and he found his true calling: “I wished to create and write for a living and know it will be what makes me happiest. My only wish is for me to bring about positive change for others both near and far and leave a lasting legacy that contributes to the overall wellbeing and joy of others.”