What Happens if I Don't Find an Adoptive Family?
If you’re considering adoption, one of your biggest fears might be: “What if I can’t find an adoptive family?”
First, take a deep breath — because you’re not alone, and it’s never too late. Whether you’re in your first trimester, due soon, or already delivered, there is a loving family out there ready to give your baby the life you imagine. And we’re here to help you find them.
With American Adoptions, you can choose from hundreds of waiting families from across the country. You get to decide who they are, what kind of life your child will have, and how much contact you want after placement. And we’ll guide you through every step.
What Happens if I Don’t Find an Adoptive Family?
The good news is: you will.
There is no deadline for choosing adoption. Whether you're months pregnant or holding your baby in the hospital, you can still choose adoption and be matched with the perfect family — even in a short amount of time.
Here’s what won’t happen:
- Your baby won’t be placed in foster care through private adoption.
- You won’t be left without support. Our adoption specialists will help you no matter where you are in your journey.
- You won’t be forced to make a rushed decision. You stay in control every step of the way.
With a national agency like American Adoptions, you’ll have access to hundreds of hopeful families. So if you’re thinking, “I need someone to adopt my baby,” — we can help you find them.
Learn more about choosing a family here.
Get Help Finding an Adoptive Family
You don’t have to figure this out on your own.
When you contact an adoption specialist, they’ll ask about the kind of family you’re hoping for. You can share preferences like:
- Race and ethnicity
- Religious background
- Location (nearby or nationwide)
- Parenting style or lifestyle
- Whether they already have kids
- Openness to contact after the adoption
Based on your answers, your specialist will show you personalized adoptive family profiles — real people who are ready to love and care for your baby.
You can also browse families online at your own pace.
How to Find an Adoptive Family
Here’s how the process works:
- Reach out to an adoption professional. You can contact us anytime — we’re available 24/7.
- Outline your preferences. We’ll talk with you about the kind of life you want for your child.
- View adoption profiles. You'll receive family profiles that match your preferences.
- Choose your family. You’re in control — no one chooses for you.
Get to know them. If you’d like, you can talk or meet the family before placement.
And yes — this process can happen quickly, even after birth.
How Open Adoption Works
Most of the women we work with want to stay in touch with their baby after placement. That’s where open adoption comes in.
In open adoption, you can:
- Talk to the adoptive family before the adoption
- Get updates through photos, emails, or phone calls
- Visit your child (if you choose)
- Build a lifelong relationship
You can choose the level of contact you’re comfortable with — and the adoptive family’s openness will be part of their profile so you can choose someone who shares your preferences.
FAQs
What happens to kids who never get adopted?
In private domestic infant adoption, every baby is placed directly with an adoptive family. Unlike foster care, there are always approved families waiting — so your baby will not be left without a family.
How to find someone you gave up for adoption?
Reunions are possible, especially in open adoptions. You can talk to your adoption specialist about how to stay in contact, or how to reconnect later if you choose a semi-open or closed adoption.
Where do babies go if they don't get adopted?
In a private adoption, your baby won’t go into state care. You’ll work with an agency to choose a family before placement or shortly after birth.
How to find a family member that was adopted?
This depends on the level of openness. You can reach out through the agency, request updates, or explore reunion services if it was a closed adoption.
You Can Still Choose the Perfect Family
If you’re thinking, “I need someone to adopt my baby,” — we’re here to tell you:
The right family is out there. You just haven’t met them yet.
Whether you’re early in your pregnancy or already at the hospital, we’ll help you find adoptive parents who are ready, loving, and fully approved. You’re never too late, and you’re never alone.
Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.