For a range of reasons a parent may consider placing their child for adoption.
If you're considering having your child raised by another family, it's essential that you understand all your options. Adoption is permanent, so before deciding on adoption you need to consider other choices for the care of your child.
Before you decide to go ahead, you need information and support.
Adoption counselling
Some parents have made a clear decision about adoption. Others may need more information before they are confident to make a decision.
Options counselling is a good way of working through the information and feelings that might impact on your decision. If you are considering adoption, a counsellor will support you with information to help you make this decision.
Counselling can begin at any time, before or after the child is born. You cannot give consent to the adoption until 16 days after your child’s birth.
To get counselling and information, contact one of the agencies that provide options counselling.
Agencies providing options counselling
Alternatively, you can contact Adoption Information Services.
You can also talk to someone you trust, like a hospital case manager, who'll make enquiries for you. The adoption service will then contact you.
All contact is confidential.
What happens if I choose to proceed
Once you sign consent, there is also a period of time during which it can be withdrawn or extended.
If you do go ahead with the adoption, you will have the opportunity for ongoing contact with your child after adoption