The baby will be released from the hospital when the hospital staff determines the baby is medically ready. Since you are the only person with rights to your baby, you are the only person who can give the prospective adoptive family permission to take the baby home; this is called a direct placement.

If you need more time to consider whether adoption is the right choice for you, or if are there uncertainties regarding the birth father, you may choose to place the baby in transitional care. This placement is in a private licensed home and may be used until the TPR hearing. You may visit your child here as often as you wish, and, with your permission, adoptive parents may also visit. Transitional care services are paid for by the adoptive parents.

You may also decide to take the baby home with you, or place with a relative or friend.  Your social worker will discuss all of your options with you so that you can determine what is right for you.