RELINQUISHMENTS IN CALIFORNIA

What is relinquishment?

Relinquishment is the legal process by which birth parents voluntarily give up their legal rights in order to free their child for adoption.

What is the process?

During a minimum of two sessions, parents are assisted in processing their feelings regarding the relinquishment, its finality, and the possibility of having contact with their child when he or she becomes an adult. Birth parents are also assisted in providing medical and social background information. They are presented with the option of consenting to contact when their child becomes an adult, and are informed that they may change their mind about future contact. The importance of providing telephone numbers and current addresses is stressed.

What if I change my mind after the forms are signed?

The Statement of Understanding has a section where you may indicate whether you want the relinquishment form filed immediately, held for a specified number of days (up to 30 days), or until your child has been freed from any other parent. It takes 24-48 hours for the form to be filed in Sacramento. Once it is filed, the relinquishment is final.

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Who can relinquish a child?

Birth or adoptive parents may relinquish their child. The child must be considered adoptable and have no other parent who is able to care for him or her. Adoption must be in the child’s best interest.

What if I want to have contact with my child?

If both the child and birth parent agree, they may have contact when the child becomes an adult. For this reason, it is important to provide your current address and telephone number to the Agency. You will be given the option of future contact and may change your mind at any time about disclosing your address.

What information about me will my child be given?

Once your child is adopted, only non-identifying information can be released, unless the birth parent and adoptee have agreed to the release of identifying information. The agency will release any letters, photographs or other personal items to an adopted adult upon his or her request. Identifying information will be deleted.

Is it important to provide my medical and background information?

It is important that your child receives your complete medical history. Knowledge of your social history is also important for you child’s sense of identity.

Is open adoption an option?

Yes. The parent of a newborn is able to choose the type of home they would like for their child. The exchange of photos and letters may take place prior to the child’s age of majority.