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If you choose adoption for your baby, we at the Bethany Christian Services office in St. Louis will stand by you throughout the process.
In Missouri, the legal process is as follows:
- You and the birthfather will sign relinquishment papers 48 hours after the baby is born.
- If the birthfather refuses to relinquish his rights, he must appear in court along with an attorney. At that time, he must prove to the court that he has asserted his paternity and would be a suitable parent.
- After you surrender your parental rights and they have been accepted into court, you may not change your mind and revoke your decision.
- Only the mother and father of the baby have rights, even if you are a minor. Neither your parents nor extended relatives can contest your adoption plan.
- Most Missouri counties all for direct placement to the adoptive family from the hospital.
You have the right to:
- Be treated with dignity and respect, not judgment or criticism.
- Explore all of your options in a non-directive, non-coercive environment, including parenting and all levels of openness in adoption.
- Be fully informed about your legal rights during the decision-making stage.
- Choose the prospective adoptive family if this is what you want to do.
- Develop an adoption plan with your social worker and the adoptive family.
- Spend time in the hospital with your baby.
- Make the decision about adoption after the birth of the baby. Planning for adoption does not make it a definite decision and an adoption plan does not become definite until you sign legal papers releasing your rights.
- Sign relinquishment (consent or release) papers when you are ready.
- Have your questions answered honestly and completely, at any stage.
- Have your relationship with your child acknowledged and your grief and loss recognized.
- Change agencies or attorneys if you feel that your rights are not being respected.
- You have a right to post –placement support.
If you are pregnant and need immediate assistance, call our Toll-Free number at 1.800.BETHANY. We have caring and compassionate counselors available to help you.
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