Types of Adoption in Georgia

Finding out that you’re pregnant can be scary and overwhelming. You’re suddenly faced with a lot of decisions and it is hard to weigh each option while making sure you and your baby both get the care you need.
No matter where you are in Georgia, one of our friendly counselors will travel to you and meet wherever you are most comfortable. If you choose adoption, your counselor can help you design an adoption plan that fits your needs. Adoption through Covenant Care is a free service for you!

1. Open Adoption
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What it is: The birth mother and adoptive family maintain some level of ongoing contact. This can include letters, phone calls, emails, photos, or even in-person visits.
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How it works: The degree of contact is agreed upon by both parties before the adoption is finalized. Open adoption helps birth mothers feel connected and reassured about the child’s well-being.
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Covenant Care’s Role: Counselors help birth mothers choose the right family, explain what open adoption can look like, and facilitate a communication plan that respects her comfort and wishes.
2. Semi-Open Adoption
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What it is: Limited, indirect contact occurs, often through a mediator or the adoption agency. Birth mothers might receive updates or photos without direct personal interaction.
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How it works: The adoptive family sends updates (photos, letters, reports) through the agency on a schedule both parties agree upon.
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Covenant Care’s Role: Guides the birth mother in establishing boundaries, ensures she receives regular updates, and helps maintain a positive relationship with the adoptive family even at a distance.
3. Closed Adoption
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What it is: There is no contact or identifying information exchanged between the birth mother and adoptive family. The records are sealed.
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How it works: Once the adoption is finalized, the birth mother does not have access to the child’s whereabouts or the family’s contact information.
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Covenant Care’s Role: Provides counseling so birth mothers fully understand the implications of a closed adoption and ensures her choice is informed and voluntary. Post-adoption support is still offered for emotional processing.
How Covenant Care Supports Birth Mothers in Any Adoption
1. Education & Counseling
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Explains all adoption types and options in clear, nonjudgmental language.
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Answers questions about legal rights, parental consent, and timelines.
2. Personalized Family Matching
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Helps birth mothers review adoptive family profiles based on values, lifestyle, and preferences.
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Supports the selection process for the family that best fits her hopes for the child.
3. Legal & Logistical Guidance
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Provides assistance with all required paperwork, ensuring Georgia law is followed.
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Explains timelines and critical legal windows (e.g., the 24-hour minimum and four-day decision window after birth).
4. Material & Emotional Support
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Offers free counseling, housing, and living expense assistance when needed.
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Continues support before, during, and after placement—whether the adoption is open, semi-open, or closed.
5. Post-Adoption Care
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Keeps birth mothers connected to support groups, mentoring, and counseling resources.
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Helps birth mothers navigate emotions and healing after placement.
We put you and your needs first here. No pressure. No coercion. No lofty unkept promises. No matter what you decide, you will be heard, respected, and supported.