Revised Adoption Laws in Tennessee
https://destinyadoption.com/press-releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Destiny Adoption Services & Consulting, Inc.
Contact: Cynthia Davis, Director of Community Relations
Email: cynthia@destinyadoption.com
Phone: (615) 206-7552
Revised Adoption Laws in Tennessee
New laws improve the adoption and placement process for birth parents
NASHVILLE, TN (July 10, 2023) – Destiny Adoption Services & Consulting, Inc. is pleased to announce that as of July 1, 2023, newly revised adoption laws are now in effect for the State of Tennessee. We’re excited to share that these laws provide expanded resources and protections for birth parents and make the adoption process more efficient and transparent. We are committed to providing the highest quality services to our clients, and these new laws will help us to better serve those considering adoption.
Below are some important changes in Tennessee State adoption law that positively benefit birth parents.
• The time period in which financial support for living expenses can be offered to birth parents has changed from 90 days before birth (third trimester) and 45 days after birth to the duration of the pregnancy through 90 days after birth. This is instrumental in allowing accredited agencies to provide vital protections to birth parents, allowing them to focus on the life and health of their baby and family throughout their adoption journey.
• The period of time in which a biological parent may request counseling services, covered by the adoptive family, is increased from 1 year to 2 years after birth & placement. At Destiny Adoption Services & Consulting, Inc., we believe counseling is vital to birth parents. We extend an offer for this service beyond 2 years and FREE for LIFE to any parent who has placed through our agency. We want birth parents to thrive and are committed to seeing them through their journey.
• The earliest time at which a surrender (relinquishment of parental rights) may be signed is reduced from the fourth day after birth to whenever the birth parent is released from the hospital or 48 hours after birth, whichever comes sooner. We know how much love and courage has already gone into the decision to place a baby with an adoptive family. This step begins a journey toward healing and can help in bringing closure and relief to the difficult decision that has been made on behalf of their baby.
Kristen McBee, Executive Director and Birth Mom Advocate for Destiny Adoption Services & Consulting, Inc., Tennessee, states “At Destiny, we believe that one of the greatest gifts we can give children placed for adoption is knowing that we will always be here to help and support their Birth Parents. These pivotal changes to TN adoption law will now broaden our scope of care and we celebrate that victory.”
These are just a few revisions that have been made to the Tennessee State law regarding adoption procedures. Please reach out if you have questions or wish to discuss how these changes may affect you. You may reach Kristen McBee directly at kristen@destinyadoption.com or by calling (865) 444-3847.
Destiny Adoption Services & Consulting. Inc is a 501(c)3 non-profit state-licensed and accredited private adoption agency, serving birth parents in Tennessee and Florida and adoptive families across the United States. https://destinyadoption.com/