Social Services, Adoption, Unplanned Pregnancy, Counseling

Do I have to tell my parents?
No. In South Dakota you can legally make a plan for adoption at any age. We would encourage you however, to tell your parents so they can be a support to you at this time.

Do I have to tell the birth father?
Yes, if you know who he is, he must be notified. Our staff can assist with this if necessary.

Can I choose the adoptive parents?
You can view family profiles and receive information about prospective adoptive families. You can also choose to meet the family. You can have the agency choose a family for you and have no contact at all. The decision is yours.

Can I see my baby?
Yes, you decide if you want to see your child in the hospital, and how much time you want to spend with your child.

What happens when the baby is born?
You can have whomever you want with you at the hospital. If you have made an adoptive plan, depending on the type you have chosen, the adoptive parents can be with you, or not. The child generally would go home with the adoptive family. A court date is set after the baby is born. After speaking with the judge your parental rights are terminated.

Can I have contact with the family and child after termination of rights?
This depends on the type of adoption plan you have made. In open, and semi-open adoptions, contact is continued. Your adoption plan would spell out what is acceptable contact and would be agreed upon by you and the adoptive family prior to the birth of your child.

If I make a plan for adoption, when is my decision final?
In South Dakota, a birth mother cannot terminate parental rights until five days after your child is born. Until court, a birth mother has the legal opportunity to change her adoption plan.

What if I know someone who would like to adopt my child?
It is very important that any family adopting a child be well prepared. A home study is required prior to adoption. CSS can prepare the family and do the necessary studies in this situation.

Do I have 30 days to change my mind after I go to court?
The judge will ask you questions at the hearing. Once the order is signed, it can't be over turned unless one or two things happen; it is found that there has been fraud, or it is found you had been coerced into placing the baby. CSS is committed to assist you in making a decision that is of your own free will, and in your best interest, and at no time will you be coerced into placing your child. Once 30 days has past after court, there is no appealing the judge's decision.