Exploring the types of adoption agencies

If you’re pregnant and considering placing your baby for adoption, an important first step is to learn everything you can about the types of adoption agencies. Some are private, while others are public. Legacy Adoption Services is a Florida private adoption agency, specializing in finding wonderful, loving families through agency adoption.

What are the types of adoption agencies?

Generally speaking, adoption agencies take two forms: public and private. A public adoption agency serves children who are in state custody, as can sometimes happen with a DCF investigation. When a child goes into the state foster care system, and can’t be returned to their parents, a public adoption agency steps in to place the child into a stable and permanent home.

Public agencies also assist with children who are surrendered under Safe Haven laws, also called Baby Moses laws. In Florida, this law allows parents to anonymously leave an unharmed infant at a designated “safe haven” location up to seven days after birth. These locations include hospital emergency rooms, fire stations and emergency medical services stations. If you choose to surrender your baby to a safe haven location, you will not be prosecuted for abandoning the baby, as these laws are meant to keep the baby safe.

With public agency adoption, the baby’s mother and father are not involved in decisions about who adopts their baby, and there is no contact with the adoptive parents after the child is placed for adoption. This is why many parents prefer private agency adoption when there’s a chance that the state could intervene in child custody.

What is a private adoption agency?

A private adoption agency is licensed to work with pregnant women and fathers who are considering agency adoption for their baby. These types of adoption agencies have specially trained social workers on staff who can offer parents information and resources they need to navigate the adoption process. By law, these agencies’ staff members cannot pressure you to make an adoption plan for your baby. Their role is simply to give you the information and assistance you need to do what you feel is best for yourself and your child, whether that includes adoption or parenting.

While some people still have an outdated idea of adoption associated with “giving up a baby” through an anonymous process, today’s private adoption agencies operate very differently and much more openly. With modern private adoption, you get to choose your baby’s adoptive parents, meet them in person if you wish to, and create a plan that respects your preferences for ongoing contact.

Some parents prefer a bit more distance, requesting only occasional updates or photos so that they can know their child is doing well. Others wish to have a role in the child’s life, from phone calls or text exchanges to video calls or in-person visits. The amount of contact you want to have with your child is entirely up to you, and will be documented in the adoption agreement that is signed by all involved parties. Anonymous or closed adoption is also still an option, if your preference is to move forward with a no-contact adoption plan.

With a Legacy adoption, your child will always know they were not “given up,” but instead were very much loved. They will know that you made the loving decision to give them a lifetime of wonderful opportunities, with adoring parents whom you chose specifically for them. Knowing their birth story and where they came from gives these children great peace of mind as they grow older.

With private agency adoption, you will also be connected with resources you may need, such as medical care, housing assistance, or help with basic necessities such as maternity clothing and groceries. And, you’ll receive free legal and counseling services to help you through the process.

Let us help you explore your options

Our experienced team of adoption professionals is here to support you. We can provide additional information about the types of adoption agencies and options that are open to you, so that you can come to a decision that brings you peace of mind. Please contact us to get the assistance you need as you make the important decisions ahead. We are here for you.