What’s Different About the Adoption Process Today vs Back Then?

By RJ Jolibois

Although the concept of adoption has been around for centuries, the social reasons for it have changed with time. As a result, the adoption process has also been modified through the years. You might be interested in the history of adoption if your current searches are “placing my baby for adoption” now that you are faced with an unplanned pregnancy. We understand that as a birth mother, you may want to know the full story behind this option before you choose it. Continue reading to get a brief explanation of the history of adoption, what the adoption process is like today, and how Adoption Choices of Florida can help you make the best choice for your adoption plan.

A Short History of Adoption

In the past, adoption didn’t have such a positive connotation to it. It was often simply an exchange of children from parents who were unfit to raise them over to adults who wanted them. Due to this, the adoption process wasn’t very clearly defined and didn’t have a distinct process. It wasn’t until 1851 that the United States officially passed adoption law, called The Massachusetts Adoption of Children Act. Before laws were passed, adoption wasn’t very safe and certainly wasn’t regulated well. Once adoption became more widespread and recognized, it became clear that there was a need for a way to protect all the parties involved in the adoption process. Minnesota was the first state to pass a law that required adoptive parents to be investigated and adoption records to be confidential. Following this, other states then added standards like pre and post-placement checks and the confidentiality of adoption records.

Changes in the Adoption Process Over the Years

As adoption became a more popular option for women facing unexpected pregnancies, there were several shifts that happened as time passed. Around 1950 is when adoption trends shifted to include older children, babies born with disabilities, and other races of children. Nowadays, adoption has a more welcoming, inclusive, and positive connotation to it. Adoption agencies are geared towards helping babies find loving homes no matter what.

With that being said, there is also an increased need for adoption agencies focused on birth mothers. Adoption Choices of Florida is an adoption agency that places a lot of focus on supporting birth mothers through the adoption process. Throughout the years, adoption began to be viewed in a different social lens that included positive humanitarian reasons. Birth mothers are recognized and supported more for their brave decisions as society continues to work to remove the stigma surrounding adoption.

When you look into Florida adoption agencies, you’ll find that we’re one of the best options for adoption in Florida due to our thorough adoption process and the extensive nature of our birth mother support services.

Adoption Process in Today’s Time

In today’s society, when a birth mother begins looking for qualified adoption agencies, there is a lot she can reasonably expect. Due to the changes in the adoption process through the years, adoption agencies now have to follow regulations to be considered legitimate.

Birth mothers can now expect that they are able to be more involved in the adoption process. For example,  Adoption Choices of Florida offers adoption counselors for birth mothers from the beginning of the process. This allows birth mothers to have access to someone to talk to about their decision, and it allows for the discussion of birth mother preferences. This is very important in making sure birth mothers are comfortable with the choice to place their baby for adoption. It increases trust between mothers and adoption agencies. Additionally, birth mothers are allowed the freedom to search through as many adoptive families as there are available in order to find the one she is most comfortable with.

Another thing you can expect in the adoption process today is the different options for adoption types. Back then, most adoptions were very impersonal. The exchange often resulted in closed adoptions. These days, there are now three options for a birth mother to choose from. Options include open adoption, semi-open adoption, and closed adoption. Most notable is the introduction of open adoption. Open adoption allows for more communication between birth mothers and adoptive families. Birth mothers can now remain in contact with the adoptive family. This allows for increased connection and birth mothers are able to maintain a relationship with her child. This form of adoption has shown to be very healthy for all parties involved in the adoption process when agreed upon and done well.

How Can I Place My Baby for Adoption in Florida?

If you’re seeking options to place your baby for adoption in Florida, look no further than Adoption Choices of Florida. We are a fully licensed adoption agency that has an expansive list of services that will always be there for you. Whether you need counseling services, guidance on creating an adoption plan, or even financial help, we have you covered. Don’t hesitate to contact Adoption Choices of Florida today to get started on your brave journey in creating an adoption plan for you and your child.

Sources on the history of adoption:

Ellen Herman. Feb 24, 2012. “Adoption History in Brief.” The Adoption History Project.  https://pages.uoregon.edu/adoption/topics/adoptionhistbrief.htm#:~:text=In%20the%20United%20States%2C%20state,other%20western%20industrial%20nations%20lagged. Date accessed August 6, 2023.