What is Private Adoption?

Private infant adoption in Arkansas allows you to adopt a newborn directly from birth parents who have voluntarily chosen an adoption plan.

As a licensed private adoption agency in Arkansas, we guide families through every step of this process. We understand that the terminology can be confusing, and we are here to clarify what private adoption means for you.

This guide answers your core questions, compares your options, and explains why working with a licensed agency is the safest way to build your family.

Get free adoption information today to speak with an adoption specialist about your goals.

What Is Private Infant Adoption?

Private infant adoption (also known as domestic infant adoption) is the voluntary placement of a baby for adoption by their birth parents. In this process, an expectant mother creates an adoption plan for her child because she believes it is in their best interest.

Unlike foster care, where the state removes children from their homes, private adoption is driven by the birth mother's decision. She selects the adoptive family, decides the level of contact she wants, and voluntarily signs her consent to the adoption. This path is primarily for families who wish to adopt a newborn and be present for the child's life from the very beginning.

Private vs. Public Adoption: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the difference between private (domestic) adoption and public (foster care) adoption is essential for setting realistic expectations.

• Age of Child: Private adoption almost exclusively involves newborns and infants, whereas public adoption typically involves older children, with the average age being 8 or older.
• Primary Goal: The goal of private adoption is immediate permanency with an adoptive family. The goal of public adoption is usually reunification with biological parents.
• Wait Times: Private adoption wait times average around 12 months with a national agency. Public adoption waits can be unpredictable and long if you are waiting for a young child who is legally free for adoption.
• Agency Support: Private agencies provide extensive support to both birth and adoptive parents, including counseling and matching services. Public agencies focus on child welfare and case management for the state.

How the Private Adoption Process Works in Arkansas

The private infant adoption process is structured to ensure safety, legality, and ethical standards are met for everyone involved.

• Application and Home Study: Every prospective adoptive family must complete a comprehensive evaluation required by Arkansas Code 9-9-212. This includes background checks, home visits, and interviews to ensure your home is safe for a child. You can review our home study checklist to see exactly what is required.
• Creating a Profile and Matching: You will create a profile that introduces your family to expectant mothers. When a birth mother connects with your story, she selects you, and you are "matched."
• Placement and Consent: When the baby is born, you travel to the hospital. In Arkansas, a birth mother can sign her consent to adoption any time after the birth. Once consent is signed, the baby is placed in your care.
• Finalization: After a period of post-placement supervision—usually about six months—your adoption will be finalized in an Arkansas court, making you the permanent legal parents.

You can see a detailed breakdown in our step-by-step domestic adoption guide.

How Much Does Private Adoption Cost?

You need to know exactly where your money goes. Private adoption costs reflect the professional services required to complete an adoption safely and legally.

Your investment typically covers:

• Agency Fees: Case management, advertising to find birth mothers, and 24/7 counseling support.
• Legal Fees: Attorney services to terminate parental rights and finalize the adoption.
• Medical Expenses: Care for the birth mother and baby that is not covered by insurance.
• Birth Parent Support: Arkansas law allows adoptive families to pay for reasonable pregnancy-related living expenses, such as rent and food, to ensure the birth mother's stability.

While costs can range widely, American Adoptions offers a transparent fee structure. You can learn more about why American Adoptions costs more than some facilitators because of the financial protection we provide.

Can You Do a Private Adoption Without an Agency?

Yes, Arkansas allows for independent adoption, often referred to as private adoption without an agency. In this scenario, an attorney handles the legal paperwork, but you are responsible for finding a birth mother and managing the relationship yourself.

However, this path carries significant risks:

• Lack of Support: You do not have a social worker to screen birth mothers or provide them with counseling, which increases the risk of the adoption failing.
• Financial Risk: If a birth mother decides to parent, you typically lose any money you have already spent on her expenses.
• Logistical Burden: You become the project manager for your own adoption, coordinating medical bills, legal steps, and emotional support.

Why Choose a Licensed Adoption Agency?

Working with a licensed adoption agency like American Adoptions of Arkansas offers safety and peace of mind that independent adoption cannot match.

• Vetting and Safety: We rigorously screen birth mothers to ensure they are committed to adoption, protecting you from fraud.
• Financial Protection: We offer a Risk-Sharing Program that provides financial protection if an adoption disrupts, refunding your money so you can pursue another match.
• Counseling: We provide counseling to birth mothers to help them process their emotions, which is critical for a successful placement.

What Makes Private Adoption Right for You?

Deciding if private infant adoption is the right path involves honest self-reflection. Consider these questions:

• Do you want to adopt a newborn? If experiencing the "firsts" of infancy is important to you, private adoption is the best route.
• Are you open to a relationship with birth parents? Most private adoptions today are open, meaning you will share photos and updates with the birth family.
• Are you ready for the financial investment? Understanding the costs and exploring financial aid options is an important step.

You can also review the 4 keys to a successful adoption to see if you are truly ready to begin this process.

Private Adoption in Arkansas: What You Should Know

Every state has unique laws. In Arkansas, you should be aware of the following:

• Revocation Period: Under Arkansas Code 9-9-209, a birth mother typically has 10 days after signing consent to revoke her decision.
• Home Study Requirement: You must have a completed Arkansas home study before a child can be placed in your home.
• Wait Times: Families working with our agency in Arkansas benefit from our national reach, leading to an average wait time of 12 months. You can view current adoption wait times to set realistic expectations.

Ready to Explore Private Adoption in Arkansas?

Private infant adoption is a wonderful way to build a family. If you are ready to take the next step, we are here to help you navigate the process with confidence and care.

Get free adoption information today to connect with an adoption specialist and start your process.

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