Adoption in Iowa
Hillcrest Family Services has always been looking for ways to make this process easier for you. With adoption comes many commonly asked questions and we are here to answer them for you, to make this process easier and a little less stressful.
Q: When can the mother of the baby start the adoption process?
A: Birth mothers can begin the planning process at any time during her pregnancy, but the legal process cannot begin until after the baby’s birth.
Q: Can the birth mother choose the adoptive parents?
A: Yes.
Q: Can the birth mother see and hold the baby after the birth?
A: Yes.
Q: Does the father of the baby have to be notified of the birth and the mother’s adoption plan?
A: Contact with the father is ideal but not necessary. …Notice of the specifics of the adoption plan is not required, but the birth father must be given notice of the hearing on the petition for termination of parental rights (TPR).
Q: How will I know how my baby is doing after the adoption?
A: You will be able to see your baby grow throughout the entire process. Whether you are the adoptive family, or the mother of an adopted child, you can receive letters and pictures and work together throughout your child’s life. Not only will you be able to see your child grow and learn, but you will be able to see the life you gave them with their loving adoptive parents. With adoption there are many different ways in which you can stay in contact and you can further discuss these ways with your adoption counselor.
Hillcrest Family Services Adoption program set you up with great counselors to help you with any further questions you may have. We are here to answer any and all questions, worries or fears you may have to make this process as easy and as comfortable as we can.
For more information please e-mail us at jody.kirby@hillcrest-fs.org or robin.shelby@hillcrest-fs.org and we will respond as soon as we can.
