Making an Adoption Plan While in Jail Prison
It is important to understand that if you are pregnant and in jail or prison, you can still make an adoption plan. 3% to 4% of women entering jail or prison are pregnant. If you are pregnant in jail or prison, you can choose adoption and we can help!
Know Your Rights!
You have the right to make the decision that you feel is best for you and your baby. Studies have shown that when you are incarcerated, you have options to choose when you are making a plan for your baby after you deliver.
Placement Options While Incarcerated
Placement options for your baby when you deliver your baby and remain incarcerated afterward include:
- Placing your baby for adoption
- Placing your baby with a designated family member
- Placing your baby with a non-designated family member
- CPS/DCS taking your baby into state custody
- Prison/Jail Nursery (there are very few prison nurseries in the US)
Making a plan for your baby before you deliver is important because when you are incarcerated if you don’t have a plan, as the state may intervene. CPS/DCS may take custody of your baby and therefore you will have little to no control over where your baby goes or who he/she is with.
What Do We Need From You?
If you choose to make an adoption plan, make sure you reach out to us right away. To assist you in beginning an adoption plan, we will need the following:
- Your full name
- Your date of birth
- The name of your prison or jail
- Your Department of Corrections number
- If you have a DOC Officer: their name
What Happens After I Make the Decision to Place My Baby?
After you decide that placing your baby for adoption is the best choice for you, we will assist you in beginning your plan. You will get to make decisions for your adoption plan such as:
- Choosing an open, semi-open, or closed adoption plan (where you will choose how much contact you would like with the adoptive family and updates on your baby.) You can communicate with the adoptive family through letters and possibly phone calls.
- Choosing an adoptive family. Your adoption specialist will work closely together to find a family that matches any preferences you may have, such as what their family makeup is, where they reside, and more.
What Happens After I Deliver My Baby?
When you deliver your baby while you are incarcerated, in most cases you will be moved to a nearby hospital. Your hospital stay will be arranged by the hospital and your incarceration facility. After you are discharged from the hospital, you will return to jail or prison. Your case manager will continue to work with you for post-placement contact. Most likely you will sign the final adoption consent paperwork after you return to jail or prison. Rest assured, your adoption case manager will be there to walk you through the adoption paperwork.
After you’re released from prison, we will assist you in continuing contact with the adoptive family and with aftercare services.
If you or someone you know is in jail / prison and would like to make an adoption plan in Arizona, contact us by:
- Telephone (623) 695-4112 (we can accept calls from jail or prison)
- Email: [email protected]
As an Arizona Adoption Agency, we are here for you. We will be here when you are ready to learn more about adoption or to make an adoption plan.
