Adoption in Des Moines [A Complete Guide]

Embarking on the adoption journey, whether as a birth mother or an adoptive family, can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Whether you're considering placing your baby for adoption or looking to expand your family through adoption, we are here to assist you every step of the way.

For more information about adoption in Des Moines, please contact us online at any time. You can also reach us at 1-800-ADOPTION. Our office is located at: 4620 E. 53rd St, Suite 200, Davenport, IA 52807

·How to Put a Baby Up for Adoption in Des Moines

If you’re thinking about putting your baby up for adoption in Des Moines, then we are here to support you through every stage of the process. Although every adoption journey is unique, the general steps are as follows:

1. Contact our agency: Reach out to us to begin the adoption process. As a full-service, national agency American Adoptions can be the perfect agency for you.

2. Create an adoption plan: Your adoption specialist will help you outline your adoption journey, considering your preferences and needs.

3. Choose an adoptive family: Review profiles of waiting adoptive families based on your preferences.

4. Make a hospital plan: Develop a plan for the hospital stay, outlining your wishes and preferences for when it’s time to give birth.

5. Give birth and adjust: Give birth and begin adjusting to your new life as a birth mother.

Adopting a child is a unique experience for every family, but most adoptive families will follow these general steps:

1. Contact our agency: Start by contacting us online. We will guide you through the entire process.

2. Complete the home study: A social worker will conduct a home study to ensure you are a safe family for a child.

3. Find the perfect match: Create a video profile to showcase why you would make great parents, including your hobbies and reasons for adopting.

4. Get to know the birth mother: If it’s an open adoption, then spend time getting to know the birth mother, with initial meetings mediated by your specialist if necessary.

5. Finalize the adoption: Finalize the adoption in court, where a judge will legally recognize it.

Several reputable adoption agencies in the greater Des Moines area can help, including:

• American Adoptions (private domestic adoption)
• Four Oaks (foster care adoption) 
• Holt International (international adoption)

• Infant adoption: Focuses on the placement and adoption of babies and newborns.
• Foster adoption: Involves adopting a child whose birth parents' rights have been terminated by a court.
• International adoption: Adopting a child from another country, following the Hague Convention guidelines.
• Step-parent adoption: When a step-parent adopts their spouse’s child and becomes legally responsible for the child.

• Financial assistance: Birth mothers may receive financial assistance for adoption-related costs as well as living expenses, which can cover things like rent, transportation and food.
• Birth fathers: Navigating birth father laws can be complex. Contact us for more information about putative father registries and consent requirements.
• Consent: Birth parents can consent to the adoption 72 hours after birth, requiring written and notarized consent.
• ICPC: The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children regulates interstate adoptions to ensure child safety.

While there are no specific requirements for birth mothers, adoptive families must meet certain guidelines. Convictions related to abuse or domestic violence can disqualify potential adoptive parents. Most requirements are addressed during the adoption process with the help of a specialist.

Adoption costs in Des Moines vary. Domestic adoption can be expensive, but our Risk-Sharing program ensures a full refund in case of adoption disruption. For foster care adoption, costs are relatively low, often under $300 for necessary services.

Prospective birth mothers can receive financial assistance for pregnancy and adoption-related expenses. This financial assistance ensures that all costs related to the adoption and pregnancy are covered for the pregnant mother. This is paid by the adoptive family and through the adoption agency.

Other Adoption Professionals in Des Moines