Making an adoptive plan for your child
The team at the Department of Family and Children’s Services' Adoption Program can help you if you're thinking about making an adoption plan for your child, also known as voluntary relinquishment. If you are under 18, parental permission is not required for you to engage our services.
Services provided by our program are confidential. If you would like more information, or to speak with an adoption social worker, please call us.
Our support services
Whether you're pregnant or already a parent, you can utilize our range of services to support you in your planning process, including:
| Free individual and family adoption counseling from culturally sensitive professional social workers to assist you in making the best choice for you and your child. |
| Referrals to health and social service agencies for medical and financial assistance whether you decide on a plan of adoption or choose to keep your child. |
| If you're unsure about your decision, you can receive counseling to help you with your decision. |
| If you wish, you may provide input into the selection of your child's adoptive family. You can share your input on families that our agency has already approved for adoption. |
Is adoption the right choice for you and your child?
Voluntary relinquishment is the legal process by which parents voluntarily and permanently give up their parental rights to a child for adoption by another.
Once relinquishment documents have been completed and filed with the California Department of Social Services, the relinquishing parent’s rights are permanently terminated.
We have experienced professional social workers on staff who can meet privately with you to discuss your options, including adoption planning.
Thank you for your support and assistance during a difficult time in our lives. We truly feel as though we made the best plan for our daughter.
I want to thank you for giving life to Nicholas and for your courage in allowing me to adopt him.
My (adoptive) parents were great.