• Home
  • Pregnancy Support
  • Hoping To Adopt
  • Home Study
  • Contact us
  • About us
  • Donate
  • More
    • Home
    • Pregnancy Support
    • Hoping To Adopt
    • Home Study
    • Contact us
    • About us
    • Donate
  • Home
  • Pregnancy Support
  • Hoping To Adopt
  • Home Study
  • Contact us
  • About us
  • Donate

Tennessee Adoption Agency for Pregnant Women Considering Adoption

 

Destiny Adoption is a licensed Tennessee adoption agency providing free, confidential support to pregnant women considering placing a baby for adoption. Whether you are just beginning to explore giving your baby up for adoption in Tennessee or are ready to create an adoption plan, our adoption specialists are available 24 hours a day to explain your options, help you choose an adoptive family, and connect you with emotional, practical, and financial support when permitted by Tennessee law. Contacting us does not commit you to adoption, and you remain in control of every decision.

Facing an unplanned pregnancy in TN?

Call or text our 24 hour support line
Call NowText now

On this page:

⦿Tennessee adoption agencies for birth mothers

⦿Understanding the adoption process in Tennessee

⦿Legal requirements for giving up a baby for adoption in TN

⦿Parental rights and responsibilities in a TN  adoption 

⦿  Counseling and emotional support for birth mothers in TN

⦿Financial assistance for birth mothers in Tennessee

⦿  Making the decision to give up a baby for adoption in TN

⦿Choosing an adoptive family in Tennessee

⦿ Open vs. closed adoption in Tennessee

⦿The role of adoption agencies in Tennessee



Tennessee adoption agencies for birth mothers

Choosing a Tennessee adoption agency is about finding licensed professionals who will protect your rights, respect your decisions, and support you without judgment or pressure. A trustworthy agency should explain every option clearly, answer your questions honestly, and allow you to explore adoption without requiring you to make an immediate commitment.


Destiny Adoption is a licensed Tennessee adoption agency offering free and confidential support to pregnant women and birth mothers throughout the state. Our adoption specialists are available 24 hours a day to help you understand the adoption process, create a personalized adoption plan, review waiting-family profiles, and choose the adoptive family you believe is right for your baby. You can also decide how much contact you would like to have with the adoptive family before and after placement.


Depending on your needs and what Tennessee law permits, support may include counseling, transportation, help with pregnancy-related living expenses, assistance creating a hospital plan, and continued emotional support after placement. You remain in control of your decisions throughout the process, and contacting Destiny Adoption does not obligate you to place your baby for adoption.

Understanding the adoption process in Tennessee

The adoption process in Tennessee allows a pregnant woman to explore her options, choose an adoptive family, create an adoption and hospital plan, and receive support before and after her baby is born. Contacting an adoption agency does not commit you to adoption, and you remain in control of your decision throughout the process.

The process generally includes these steps:


  1. Speak with an adoption specialist. You can ask questions, discuss your circumstances, and learn about adoption without pressure or obligation.
  2. Create a personalized adoption plan. Your plan can reflect your preferences for the adoptive family, communication, hospital experience, and future relationship with your child.
  3. Review and choose an adoptive family. Waiting families must complete a home study that includes background checks, interviews, references, and an evaluation of their home. You can review family profiles and choose the family you believe is right for your baby.
  4. Decide how open you want the adoption to be. You may choose an open, semi-open, or more private adoption based on the type of relationship and communication you want after placement.
  5. Receive support during your pregnancy. Depending on your circumstances and what Tennessee law permits, assistance may be available for counseling, transportation, medical needs, and certain pregnancy-related living expenses.
  6. Prepare for the hospital and legal process. Your adoption specialist will help you create a hospital plan and explain what to expect after your baby is born. Adoption consent is not completed until after the birth, and the required legal steps will be explained to you before you make a final decision.
  7. Continue receiving support after placement. Emotional support, counseling, and help maintaining agreed-upon contact with the adoptive family may continue after the adoption placement.


Every adoption situation is different. Destiny Adoption will explain each step, answer your questions, and help you create a Tennessee adoption plan that reflects your needs and choices.

judges gabble sitting on court desk to symbolize legal  aspects of adoption

Legal requirements for giving up a baby for adoption in TN

Placing a baby for adoption in Tennessee requires the birth parent to complete a legal surrender of parental rights. This decision must be made voluntarily and without pressure, threats, or coercion. Signing preliminary adoption paperwork or creating an adoption plan during pregnancy does not require you to complete the adoption after your baby is born.


Tennessee law places specific requirements on when and how a surrender may be completed. Before signing, you must be informed of your rights and given the opportunity to ask questions or speak with your own attorney. The surrender process formally transfers parental rights so the child can be placed for adoption.


After signing a surrender in Tennessee, a birth parent generally has three calendar days to revoke it. Because every situation is different, a qualified adoption attorney will explain the applicable timeline and what each legal document means before it is signed.


The baby’s father may also have legal rights that must be addressed. Whether his consent, waiver, or involvement is required depends on factors such as paternity, marital status, and the actions he has taken regarding the pregnancy or child. You do not have to determine this on your own. Destiny Adoption works with qualified legal professionals to help ensure the adoption follows Tennessee law and that your rights are protected throughout the process.

Parental rights and responsibilities in a TN Adoption

Before you legally surrender your parental rights, you remain your baby’s parent and retain the right to make decisions concerning your pregnancy, medical care, hospital experience, and adoption plan. You may choose the adoptive family, decide how much contact you want with them, and change your mind about adoption before signing the legal surrender documents.


Once a valid surrender of parental rights has been completed and the applicable revocation period has passed, the birth parent’s legal rights and responsibilities are terminated. When the adoption is finalized, the adoptive parents assume full legal responsibility for the child, including decisions concerning the child’s healthcare, education, care, and upbringing.


Choosing an open adoption does not mean that you retain legal custody or shared parental rights. It allows you and the adoptive family to establish an ongoing relationship that may include updates, photographs, phone calls, messages, or visits. Your adoption specialist and attorney will explain how parental rights, post-adoption contact, and other legal requirements apply to your individual Tennessee adoption plan.

Counseling and emotional support for birth mothers in TN

Considering adoption can bring many emotions, including uncertainty, fear, hope, grief, sadness, and relief. Destiny Adoption provides pregnant women and birth mothers in Tennessee with compassionate, confidential support before, during, and after the adoption process. You can speak openly about your feelings and circumstances without judgment or pressure to choose adoption.


Counseling can help you explore your options, understand your emotions, prepare for placement, and develop healthy ways to cope with grief and loss. Receiving counseling does not obligate you to place your baby for adoption. Support is available whether you are still considering your options, have created an adoption plan, or have already placed your baby with an adoptive family.


Support after placement may include professional counseling, birth mother support groups, adoption resources, and opportunities to connect with women who have gone through similar experiences. Practical assistance with eligible medical expenses or living costs may also continue after placement. You do not have to navigate the emotional or practical challenges of adoption alone.

Financial assistance for birth mothers in Tennessee

Financial assistance is available for birth mothers in Tennessee who choose adoption. This assistance can help reduce the financial strain associated with pregnancy and childbirth, allowing birth mothers to focus on their health, their baby, and making informed decisions about adoption.


Birth mothers can receive assistance with medical expenses, transportation, housing, utilities, clothing, cell phones, food, and other necessary expenses during pregnancy and for three months after giving birth. This support provides an important safety net throughout the pregnancy and after delivery.


Birth mothers in Tennessee are also eligible for post-adoption support, which can include counseling services and access to support groups. These resources offer continued emotional and mental support while allowing birth mothers to connect with others who have gone through similar experiences. Together, financial assistance and post-adoption support help birth mothers navigate the adoption process and the period following placement.

woman in deep thought trying to decide if adoption is right for her

Making the decision to give up a baby for adoption in TN

Deciding whether to give your baby up for adoption in Tennessee is a deeply personal choice, and no one should pressure you into making it. You may be considering your financial situation, relationships, housing, health, support system, personal circumstances, and the future you want for yourself and your baby. It is normal to have questions or experience changing emotions as you consider your options.


Speaking with an adoption professional can help you understand what placing a baby for adoption would involve. You can ask questions, learn about available support, review potential adoptive families, and explore different types of adoption before deciding whether adoption is right for you. Requesting information or beginning an adoption plan does not mean you are required to complete the adoption.


There is no single decision that is right for every woman. Take the time you need, seek support from people you trust, and gather accurate information about all of your options. The final decision belongs to you and should reflect what you believe is best for you and your baby.

Choosing an adoptive family in Tennessee

When you place a baby for adoption in Tennessee, you have the opportunity to choose the adoptive family. Your adoption specialist will provide profiles of approved waiting families so you can learn about their backgrounds, values, lifestyles, relationships, and hopes for parenting.


As you review adoptive family profiles, consider the qualities that matter most to you and the future you envision for your child. You may want to consider the family’s location, beliefs, family structure, interests, parenting approach, and willingness to maintain contact after placement. Every prospective adoptive family must complete a home study, including background checks, interviews, references, and an evaluation of the home.


You can take the time you need to review your options and ask questions. The decision is yours, and your adoption specialist will help you choose an adoptive family that feels right for you and your baby.

Open vs. closed adoption in Tennessee

The difference between open and closed adoption in Tennessee is the amount of information and ongoing contact shared between the birth parents and adoptive family. You can consider the type of relationship you want before choosing an adoptive family and include those preferences in your adoption plan.


Open Adoption

In an open adoption, the birth mother and adoptive family maintain direct contact. Depending on what everyone agrees to, this may include photographs, letters, text messages, phone calls, video calls, social media contact, or in-person visits.


Semi-Open Adoption

A semi-open adoption provides some communication while maintaining greater privacy. Updates, photographs, or letters may be exchanged through the adoption agency instead of being shared directly between the birth mother and adoptive family.


Closed Adoption

In a closed adoption, there is no ongoing contact between the birth parents and adoptive family after placement. Identifying information is generally kept private, offering greater confidentiality for those who prefer it.


Choosing between an open, semi-open, or closed adoption is a personal decision. Your adoption specialist can explain each option, help you consider the amount of contact you want, and show you profiles of adoptive families who are comfortable with your preferences.

The role of adoption agencies in Tennessee

map of tennessee:

A Tennessee adoption agency guides and supports pregnant women through each stage of the adoption process. The agency should explain your rights and options, help you create a personalized adoption plan, provide profiles of approved adoptive families, coordinate the legal and practical steps, and offer support before and after placement.


The right adoption agency should be licensed, experienced, transparent, and committed to supporting you without judgment or pressure. Before choosing an agency, consider asking:

  • Is the agency licensed to provide adoption services in Tennessee?
  • Can I receive free and confidential support without committing to adoption?
  • Will I be able to choose the adoptive family?
  • Can I decide how open or private I want the adoption to be?
  • What counseling and emotional support are available?
  • Is financial assistance available for pregnancy-related expenses?
  • Will the agency help me create an adoption and hospital plan?
  • What support will be available after placement?


Pay attention to how the agency responds and whether you feel heard, respected, and comfortable. A trustworthy adoption agency should answer your questions honestly, explain the process clearly, and allow you to make your own decisions.


Destiny Adoption is a licensed Tennessee adoption agency providing confidential assistance before, during, and after placement. Our adoption specialists can help you understand your options, choose an adoptive family, create an adoption plan, and access available support without pressure or obligation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adoption in Tennessee

 

Is Destiny Adoption licensed in Tennessee?

Yes. Destiny Adoption is a licensed Tennessee adoption agency providing confidential support to pregnant women and birth mothers before, during, and after the adoption process.


Does contacting an adoption agency commit me to adoption?

No. Contacting Destiny Adoption, asking questions, or beginning an adoption plan does not require you to place your baby for adoption. You remain in control of your decision until you complete the legal surrender process.


How does the adoption process work in Tennessee?

The Tennessee adoption process generally includes speaking with an adoption specialist, creating an adoption plan, reviewing and choosing an adoptive family, deciding how open you want the adoption to be, preparing for the hospital, and completing the required legal steps after your baby is born. Support can continue after placement.


Can I choose the family that adopts my baby?

Yes. You can review profiles of approved waiting families and choose the adoptive family you believe is right for your baby. You can consider factors such as the family’s values, location, lifestyle, family structure, parenting approach, and openness to future contact.


Are adoptive families screened before I see their profiles?

Yes. Prospective adoptive families must complete a home study that includes background checks, interviews, references, and an evaluation of their home before being approved to adopt.


Can I have contact with my child after adoption?

Yes. An open adoption may include photographs, letters, messages, phone calls, video calls, or in-person visits. A semi-open adoption allows communication through the adoption agency, while a closed adoption does not include ongoing contact after placement.


Is financial assistance available for birth mothers in Tennessee?

Yes. Birth mothers in Tennessee who choose adoption can receive assistance with medical expenses, transportation, housing, utilities, clothing, cell phones, food, and other necessary expenses during pregnancy and for three months after giving birth.


Is counseling available if I am considering giving my baby up for adoption?

Yes. Counseling can help you explore your options, understand your emotions, prepare for placement, and cope with grief or loss. Receiving counseling does not obligate you to choose adoption.


What support is available after adoption placement?

Post-adoption support may include professional counseling, birth mother support groups, adoption resources, and opportunities to connect with other women who have placed a baby for adoption. Practical assistance with eligible medical expenses or living costs may also continue after placement.


How long do I have to change my mind after signing adoption papers in Tennessee?

After signing a legal surrender of parental rights in Tennessee, a birth parent generally has three calendar days to revoke the surrender. A qualified adoption attorney will explain the applicable timeline and legal documents before you sign.


Does the baby’s father have to agree to the adoption?

The baby’s father may have legal rights that must be addressed, but whether his consent or involvement is required depends on factors such as paternity, marital status, and his actions regarding the pregnancy or child. An adoption professional and qualified attorney can review your individual situation and explain the next steps.


Can Destiny Adoption help me create a hospital plan?

Yes. Your adoption specialist can help you create a hospital plan reflecting your preferences for labor, delivery, time with your baby, contact with the adoptive family, and the placement process.


Does Destiny Adoption help women throughout Tennessee?

Yes. Destiny Adoption serves pregnant women and birth mothers throughout Tennessee, including the Knoxville, Nashville, Chattanooga, Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, and surrounding areas.


How can I speak with a Tennessee adoption specialist?

You can call or text Destiny Adoption’s support line 24 hours a day. Your conversation is confidential, and you can ask questions or learn about your options without pressure or obligation.

Contact us 24/7

Tennessee resources for pregnant women considering adoption

 

East Tennessee:

  • Parkwest Medical Center is a 396-bed hospital located in Knoxville, Tennessee. It is a Level III NICU hospital, which means it can care for newborns with the most complex medical needs. Parkwest Medical Center also has a Birthing Center that offers a variety of birthing options, including natural childbirth, water birth, and epidurals.
  • University of Tennessee Medical Center is a 945-bed hospital located in Knoxville, Tennessee. It is a Level I trauma center and a Level III NICU hospital. The University of Tennessee Medical Center has a Women's and Children's Hospital that offers a variety of services for women and children, including maternity care, pediatric care, and neonatal intensive care.
  • Blount Memorial Hospital is a 371-bed hospital located in Maryville, Tennessee. It is a Level II NICU hospital. Blount Memorial Hospital has a Birthing Center that offers a variety of birthing options, including natural childbirth, water birth, and epidurals.

Middle Tennessee:

  • Vanderbilt University Medical Center is a 945-bed hospital located in Nashville, Tennessee. It is a Level I trauma center and a Level III NICU hospital. Vanderbilt University Medical Center has a Women's and Children's Hospital that offers a variety of services for women and children, including maternity care, pediatric care, and neonatal intensive care.
  • Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital is a 536-bed hospital located in Nashville, Tennessee. It is a Level II NICU hospital. Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital has a Birthing Center that offers a variety of birthing options, including natural childbirth, water birth, and epidurals.
  • TriStar Centennial Medical Center is a 705-bed hospital located in Nashville, Tennessee. It is a Level II NICU hospital. TriStar Centennial Medical Center has a Women's Pavilion that offers a variety of services for women, including maternity care, gynecology, and breast care.



  • ​Department of Health
  • TennCare
  • Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
  • Department of Human Services
  • Department of Human Services Legal Aid Services
  • Department of Children's Services Regional Office



  • Ohana Project
  • BirthRight.org 
  • DailyStrength.org 
  • Pregnancy And Children



Food Banks in Tennessee

  • Food Bank of Middle Tennessee
    • Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee
    • Food Bank of East Tennessee
    • Food Stamps Program in Tennessee: (SNAP)
  • Women, Infants and Children (WIC) in Tennessee:


East & middle Tennessee areas we serve. These are some, but not all, of the areas we serve:

 

Knoxville

Farragut

Sevierville

Oak Ridge

Lenoir City

Maryville 

Alcoa

Clinton

Greeneville

Morristown

Rogersville

Tri-Cities

Kingsport

Johnson City

Bristol

Elizabethton

Jonesborough

Gray

Erwin

Piney Flats

Oneida

Huntsville

Helenwood

Winfield

Robbins

Maryville

Jefferson City

Dandridge

Sevierville

Pigeon Forge

Nashville

Brentwood

Franklin

Mount Juliet

Smyrna

Hendersonville

Goodlettsville

Murfreesboro

Nolensville

Clarksville

Spring Hill

Cookeville

Gallatin

Columbia

Madison

Fairview

Manchester

Ashland City

Hermitage

Lebanon

Thompson’s Station

McMinnville

Waverly

Carthage

Chapel Hill

Portland

 

Chattanooga and Southeast Tennessee

  • Chattanooga 
  • East Ridge 
  • Red Bank 
  • Collegedale 
  • Soddy-Daisy 
  • Signal Mountain 
  • Lookout Mountain 
  • Lakesite 
  • Ooltewah 
  • Hixson 
  • Harrison 
  • Apison 
  • Cleveland 
  • Charleston 
  • Athens 
  • Etowah 
  • Dayton 
  • Spring City 
  • Dunlap 
  • Jasper 
  • Kimball 
  • South Pittsburg 
  • Whitwell 
  • Monteagle 
  • Tracy City 
  • Decatur 
  • Benton 
  • Pikeville


  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Adoption Service Areas
  • articles
  • Resources

Destiny Adoption Services

 Destiny Adoption is a private child placing agency serving Florida and Tennessee.  For more information, please contact us. 


St. Pete Office

Destiny Adoption Services & Consulting, INC
4120 5th Ave N. Suite #7
St. Petersburg, FL 33713
(727) 202-8966


Knoxville Office

Destiny Adoption & Consulting Services, Inc.
7715 Oak Ridge Hwy, Suite F
Knoxville, TN 37931
(865)444-3847


Nashville Office

Destiny Adoption Services & Consulting, inc. Nashville TN
1606 Porter Road #400
Nashville, TN 37206
(615)206-7552


 Florida Lic# 100079601


Tennessee Lic# 22051
Child Abuse Prevention Agency Lic# 22050


© Copyright 2023 | Destiny Adoption Services all rights reserved