How to Give a Baby Up for Adoption in Alaska

If you’re thinking about giving a baby up for adoption in Alaska, that means you care deeply about your baby’s future. And the truth is, adoption can offer that future — one filled with stability, love and opportunity.

“Honestly, just sit down and think about the best interest of your child,” said Julia, a birth mother. “You’re going to contemplate the decision a hundred times but, at the end of the day, you’re going to know what’s right for you and what’s right for your child.”

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to give a baby up for adoption, what support is available to you and how a licensed adoption agency can walk with you through this journey. When you’re ready, you can fill out our form for more information.

Adoption Agencies in Alaska: Why Work With One?

Licensed adoption agencies aren’t just facilitators. They’re your advocates when it comes to adoption and pregnancy. In Alaska, working with a licensed agency means you’ll be protected by strict state standards and supported by professionals who know how to walk you through every step.

A good agency will never pressure you. Instead, they’ll empower you to make the best decision for you and your baby — even if that decision changes.

Here’s what licensed agencies provide for expectant parents:

Want to know more about how these agencies work? Here’s what adoption agencies do.

Private Adoption Agencies Near Me in Alaska

When you work with a private adoption agency, you get to stay in control.

Here are a couple of private adoption agencies serving Alaska:

• American Adoptions
• Alaska Adoption Services (Anchorage)

Free Adoption Services for Pregnant Women in Alaska: How Agencies Can Help

Does putting your baby up for adoption cost anything? No. Choosing adoption for your baby is always free.

You shouldn’t have to worry about making ends meet while navigating an expected pregnancy. In Alaska, adoption agencies offer a full range of no-cost services so that you can focus on making the best decision for you and your baby.

Here are some of the services you can receive:

These services are available before, during and after your adoption. No matter what’s going on in your journey, support is available.

How to Give a Baby Up for Adoption in Alaska: 5 Steps

Every adoption is unique, but there are a few key steps that most follow.

Here’s what the process of putting a newborn up for adoption typically looks like:

Step 1. Find a Licensed Adoption Agency

This first step is the most important. A licensed agency will ensure that every part of your experience is safe, legal and supportive. They will explain your options, answer your questions and walk you through the process.

You can always change your mind or explore different paths at any point. You are never locked in.

Ready to talk to someone? Reach out to an adoption professional now.

Step 2. Create Your Personalized Adoption Plan

An adoption plan is your blueprint. It details your preferences, including:

• The type of family you’d like for your baby
• The kind of support you need
• Your level of contact before and after placement
• Your hospital delivery experience

You remain in control throughout the adoption process, and your adoption professional will support every choice you make.

Step 3. Choose an Adoptive Family

You are the one who chooses the family that will raise your baby. Whether you want a couple from Alaska or an adoptive family from across the country, you can review profiles online.

It’s okay to take your time; there’s no deadline. When you find the right family, you’ll know.

Step 4. Prepare for Delivery

You get to decide exactly how you want your hospital stay to go. Your agency will make sure everyone is aware of your wishes, including hospital staff and the adoptive family. Only you decide if and when you’re ready to sign the adoption paperwork.

Step 5. Receive Post-Placement Support

Healing after placement takes time, and you deserve to have support. Licensed agencies offer free counseling to help you move forward. They also provide guidance with open adoption so you can stay connected with your child and their adoptive family.

Adoption doesn’t have to be goodbye. Learn how open adoption works in Alaska.

Can I Give My Baby Up for Adoption After Birth in Alaska?

Yes. Giving your baby up for adoption at the hospital is an option. You can even choose adoption after taking your baby home.

Whether your baby is one day or a few months old, it’s never too late to make an adoption plan. Agencies are equipped to handle last-minute and post-birth adoptions quickly.

Contact us today if you need immediate adoption assistance.

Are There Adoption Agencies That Pay Birth Mothers in Alaska?

No. It is illegal for anyone to pay you for giving a baby up for adoption at birth in Alaska.

However, you can receive financial help during your pregnancy. Alaska law allows the adoptive family to cover your:

• Medical and hospital expenses related to the birth
• Prenatal care
• Legal adoption-related services

Your adoption agency will ensure that you receive all the financial assistance you’re eligible for in the state of Alaska.

For more information about what you could get, fill out our contact form.

How Adoption Opens the Door to the Best Life for Your Baby

Is giving my baby up for adoption right for me? Only you can answer that question. But adoption can offer your baby a life full of opportunity, love and stability.

Adoptive families are prepared to parent a child. They’re emotionally and financially ready to give your baby everything you envision for them. When you choose adoption, you’re giving your baby a future you can be proud of.

Adoption isn’t giving up. It’s a selfless choice that shows how much you love your baby.

Finding the Right Adoptive Family in Alaska

When you place a baby for adoption, you get to choose the family who will parent them. Your agency will help you look through adoption profiles that match your preferences.

You might choose a family based on:

• Race or cultural background
• Location
• Religion or values
• Parenting styles
• Openness to communication after placement
• Whether they already have children

You can browse adoptive family profiles online. You can also view videos to learn more about the families’ personalities and lifestyles. National agencies work with hundreds of families across the U.S., so you have lots of choices.

Do I Have to Work With the Baby’s Father?

Yes, you may have to work with the baby’s father. Alaska law outlines when the baby’s father must consent to adoption.

• If he was married to you at conception or later, his consent is required.
• If he has legally established paternity, his consent is required.
• If he has abandoned the child or failed to support you during pregnancy, his consent may not be needed.

Your agency can help you understand your specific situation and what legal steps may be necessary.

Adoption Hospital Plans: What to Expect During Delivery

Your hospital plan outlines how you want your delivery to go. It covers where you give birth, who’s in the room and when the adoptive family meets your baby.

Your adoption professional will work with you and the hospital to make sure everyone understands your preferences. You won’t be rushed or pressured. Your peace of mind comes first.

What Happens After Adoption?

After placement, you can stay in touch with your baby and their adoptive family through open adoption. You can communicate through letters, photos, emails, texts, social media, phone calls, video calls or even in-person visits.

Agencies also offer ongoing counseling and support to help you adjust and move forward. It can take time to heal physically and emotionally after giving birth and choosing adoption, but you’re not alone.

You Aren’t Giving Up — You Are Choosing Love

Adoption isn’t giving up. It’s choosing love, opportunity and a better future for your baby.

It can be hard to choose adoption, but you don’t have to go through the process by yourself. We’re here to help you as you decide what to do next.