If someone decides to adopt a child, are they able to back out of it if they change their minds?

Question

My sister is registered with an agency and they have found a baby that is up for adoption. If she goes ahead and tells them she wants to adopt, can she back out at any time before the actual process happens if she should change her mind about this particular child?

Answer 1

if it's possible, allow her to wait before telling them she wants one, b/c it's possible they could let her change her mind, but think of what a hassle that will be for the agency to iron all that out. i think it's best you are sure of your decision.

Answer 2

a person usually has to spend time with the child before adopting yes she should be able to change her mind, but if she has decided to register and adopt why refuse a home to this baby. good luck

Answer 3

When in doubt DON'T do it!

Answer 4

she should keep in very close contact with the agency and I suppose it is possible as long as she has not been to adoption court to have it final but it may make harder for her to adopt in the future

Answer 5

She can (legally) change her mind after the child is placed with her (in her physical custody) UNTIL the adoption finalization is complete.

Once finalization happens, there is no going back.

However, ethically and practically speaking, it would be a bad idea for her to accept a placement she is unsure of. This baby has already lost (or will lose) its first mother, and if your sister accepts the baby and then backs out, the baby will have yet ANOTHER transition to adjust to. So ethically, I cannot recommend this.

Practically speaking, a lot of agencies are going to frown on someone saying yes to a placement and then backing out. It's quite possible the workers will hesitate to call her the next time a situation comes up, knowing she accepted a placement despite having reservations.

So... yes, it's possible to back out until finalization... but no, I would absolutely NOT recommend it.

If she has doubts about the placement, she should wait for another opportunity.