What kind of paperwork do I sign to make an adoption plan?

Again, this depends on what type of adoption plan you choose to make. What’s important to note is that nothing you sign prior to the child’s birth can legally obligate you to place your child for adoption with anyone!

The law requires that we give you sample adoption placement forms prior to the date you sign the formal adoption papers, and at our first meeting with you. This gives you time to review the forms and ask us any questions about the process. If you decide to make an adoption plan through FCCA, we will ask you to complete an application and agreement for us to provide services to you. You will also complete some required state forms that provide FCCA, and the adoptive family, with your medical and social history. These will probably include the Declaration of Mother (AD880), Information about Birth Mother (AD67) and Information About Birth Father (AD67A). If you have any Native American heritage, you will also complete form Parental Notification of Indian Status (ICWA 10(A)), which will be used to give notice to all possible tribes that may have an interest in the child.

After the child is born, and after you are discharged from the hospital, you sign formal consent paperwork for the adoption to move forward. In an independent adoption, that will be the Independent Adoption Placement Agreement (AD924), the Adoptions Information Act Statement (AD908), and the Statement of Understanding for Independent Adoptions (AD887 or a variation thereof). For an agency adoption, you will sign a Relinquishment (AD501 or a variation thereof), the Adoptions Information Act Statement (AD908) and the Statement of Understanding Agency Adoptions (AD885 or some variation thereof).

All of the mandatory state forms mentioned above can be viewed on the California Department of Social Services’ website, at: http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/cdssweb/PG164.htm#ad