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Missouri Requirements for Placing Your Child for Adoption

The adoption process can seem challenging whether you’re an expectant mother thinking about placing your newborn or a birth mom with a young child wanting to make an adoption plan. Every person’s journey is unique, but women choosing adoption either before birth or after can face similar emotions. Make sure, as you work through the process, you have the support and encouragement you need.

You pay nothing

When making an adoption plan for your child, it’s essential to work with an adoption professional who can guide you every step of the way. You should never be asked to pay money for placing your child. The entire process should be completely free of charge for individuals or couples. In Missouri, it’s illegal to “pay” someone in exchange for their consent to an adoption.

Expectant Moms

After deciding adoption is the option you want to pursue for your unborn baby, your next step is to choose a family. Read How Do I Place My Baby For Adoption for more information. After your baby is born, Missouri requires you to wait at least 48 hours before giving consent to terminate your parental rights.  

Giving consent means you agree to the adoption plan and are willing to give up your rights to your child. It’s great if the father of your baby is involved. However, if he is unknown or unwilling to cooperate, the adoption process can still proceed. If both birth parents’ parental rights are correctly terminated, the adoption becomes final and cannot be changed.

If you’re currently pregnant and planning to choose adoption for your baby, it’s possible to arrange for the adoptive parents to pay for certain expenses. There are standards for what is considered reasonable and unreasonable expenses for private, domestic adoption in Missouri. Generally, the types of expenses commonly allowed by statute include: 

  • Maternity-related medical and hospital costs 
  • Temporary living expenses of the mother during pregnancy
  • Counseling services 
  • Reasonable legal fees 
  • Travel costs, meals, and lodging when necessary for court appearances or accessing services

Birth Moms

There are many reasons why women choose adoption later. It’s completely acceptable. Perhaps you’ve brought your baby home and now realize you are unable to care for your baby along with your other children. Or, you didn’t know the amount of responsibility required to parent. 

Whatever your reason, if you currently have a baby or older child at home and find parenting challenging, consider making an adoption plan. It’s never too late to choose this option if doing so will be better for you and your child. As a birth mom, you can sign the paperwork at any time, then choose the type of plan that’s best for both of you. 

The Adoption Option

Adoption creates a permanent, stable home for your child. By choosing the type of plan and participating in ongoing contact after placement, you can be assured your child is thriving, safe, and loved.  

A Gift of Hope Adoptions is a licensed Missouri adoption agency based in Columbia, Missouri. Not only do we serve the entire state, but we can also assist you if you are located outside of Missouri. If you are a woman or couple looking to make an adoption plan for your unborn baby or young child, we are here to serve you. Although adoption is an emotional and challenging journey, we promise to be alongside you every step of the way. Contact us today.

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testimonials

Elizabeth and A Gift of Hope have been a touchstone during our adoption process. Having had issues with a previous agency – Elizabeth was a breath of fresh air! Reassuring, supportive and empathetic. We are so in love with our daughter and thank A Gift of Hope everyday for her!

AGOHA is a great agency that has provided amazing support and guidance though the adoption process. Would highly recommend AGOHA!

Our family has used their services for adoption. It’s wonderful dealing with someone who is looking out for the whole child, not just placing kids.

A Gift of Hope Adoptions is a Godsend for so many expectant young mothers. I completely recommend this organization for anyone interested in providing a wonderful life for their soon-to-be baby. This organization is also a Godsend for those of us who cannot have our own biological children.

I have recommended A Gift of Hope Adoptions to several mother’s considering adoptions for their babies. They have been so happy to feel supported and empowered through their decision.
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“We adopted both of our sons through A Gift of Hope Adoptions. They helped us every step of the way and answered all the questions we had, and we had a lot! We would not be where we are today, with two busy boys in our family, if it wasn’t for A Gift of Hope.”

“We decided to use A Gift of Hope Adoptions because they are very personal and caring. The wait and uncertainty of adoption seemed daunting, but A Gift of Hope helped make the process go smoothly, and we couldn’t be happier with our beautiful child.”