If you are considering adoption it is very important that you
think about this carefully. You should speak to your GP, Midwife,
or hospital social worker, as they will be able to offer you advice
and information about adoption.
Formal consent to adoption cannot take place until at least 6
weeks after the baby is born so you will be have some time to
decide after the birth if you want. If you change your mind you
will not be pressured into giving the child up.
Although social workers arrange adoptions they are made legal by
a court of law. If you do decide to go ahead with having the baby
adopted you will be asked to sign a legal document. Once you have
signed this document and it is agreed in court, the person(s)
adopting will become the legal guardians of the child.
An adoption is usually made legal 3 months after the birth and
once an adoption has been legally agreed you cannot change your
mind.
You can find out as little or as much about the person(s)
adopting the child from the person organising the adoption and if
you want you can keep in touch via the adoption agency or social
worker.