Start your research with this quick-reference, and confirm any updates with your local representation.
More in depth information is provided on our Adoption Laws By State page.
Our use of the terms “putting up” or “giving up” does not reflect how we feel about adoptive placement. These terms remain the most widely used search terms for those who are considering adoption for their baby, and we wish to reach all who seek this important information.
Tennessee isn’t just home to the country music capital of the world; it’s also home to many families seeking adoption opportunities and resources to begin their journey. Whether you are looking to adopt, looking to place your child for adoption, or searching for information about home studies and where to begin the process, the following information will be your guide to all things adoption in Tennessee.
To get started on your adoption journey, it is important to understand some of the fundamental aspects and frequently asked question about the process. Here are a few things to know when considering adoption in Tennessee.
To become an Adoptive Parent in Tennessee, you must be at least 18 years old. Prospective Parents are required to live in Tennessee for at least 6 months immediately preceding the petition to adoption before being eligible. If an Adoptive Parent is in the U.S. military, this residency requirement is not required as long as they lived in the state for 6 consecutive months before entering the military.
Expenses related to adoption in Tennessee range widely depending on the type of adoption you decide to pursue. Are you looking to adopt internationally or domestically? Through a private agency or the foster care system? Depending on what you decide, Adoptive Parents may be asked to cover Birth Mother expenses such as:
In Tennessee, anyone who is in good health, has sufficient finances to support a child, is at least 18 years old and can love and support a child, may be eligible to become a domestically. In addition to these criteria, you must meet the following requirements:
Adoption of a child born in a foreign country will be recognized in Tennessee as long as it was made in accordance with the laws of the foreign country.
An adoption facilitator specializes in matching prospective Adoptive Families with expectant mothers; however, they are usually unlicensed and unregulated.
In Tennessee, only licensed child-placing agencies, licensed clinical social workers, and lawyers may assist in the adoption process, including advertising that a child is eligible for adoption or that a person is looking to adopt a child.
Click here to read about the difference between adoption agencies, attorneys, and facilitators.
If you are considering placing your child for adoption, understanding how the adoption process works as well as knowing your rights may relieve some of your worry. Here are a few things to know when considering adoption for your child in Tennessee.
Consent to adoption in Tennessee must be given by the following:
If the Birth Parent is under 18, they are legally allowed and required to give their consent; however, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to help advise them on the process.
For more information about adoption consent in Tennessee, click here.
Consent is not needed for a Tennessee adoption from a parent or legal guardian who:
Consent to adoption in Tennessee cannot be made until 3 days after the child’s birth.
The consent must be given in court with a witness to verify the parent understands they are surrendering their parental rights and that they have signed the surrender forms.
A Birth Parent may revoke their consent to adoption up to 10 days after the child is born by appearing before the judge in which they surrendered their parental rights. After the 10-day period, consent may not be revoked for any reason unless there is convincing evidence that the consent was obtain by fraud, duress, or intentional misrepresentation.
Parental rights will be given to a man presumed to be the child’s father if:
Tennessee offers men who believe they may have fathered a child to register with the Putative Father Registry to receive notice of adoption proceedings regarding the child. If the man is notified of adoption proceedings, he has 30 days to take action or his parental rights will be terminated by the court.
For more information about Birth Father rights in Tennessee, click here.
Prospective Adoptive Parents in Tennessee are required to complete a home study before beginning the adoption process and a postplacement assessment after the adoption takes place. Both will assess your ability to provide a safe and stable environment for the child you wish to adopt.
The home study is a critical component to the adoption process. While it is to ensure your home will provide a child with stability, safety, and support, it is also a resource for Prospective Adoptive Parents to asks questions and prepare for the adoption. A home study also helps the social worker determine the types of adoptions that are appropriate for a family.
In Tennessee, the home study process will consist of the following:
To learn more about the home study process in Tennessee, click here.
A home study in Tennessee will be conducted by a licensed child-placing agency, a licensed clinical social worker, or the Department or Child and Family Services. The Prospective Adoptive Parents and any other adult living in the home will be required to take part in the home study.
A home study is subject to approval or disapproval based on the findings of the social worker. If your home study is not approved, you will receive a written notice as to why you have been denied.
For more information and reasons for a disapproved home study, click here.
For stepparent and relative adoptions in Tennessee, a court may waive the home study and post placement requirements. In addition, the 6-month residency requirement for Adoptive Parents is not required as long as the stepparent or relative is a resident of Tennessee when they file the adoption petition.
Any out-of-home placement of a child outside the State is subject to the provisions of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.
Before the adoption has been finalized, a post placement assessment will take place to ensure the transition into adoption is going well and that the Adoptive Family’s circumstances have not changed to no longer fit the child’s best interest.
In Tennessee, a licensed adoption agency or social worker will make quarterly visits to the home and make reports concerning the welfare of the child. These visits will be required until the adoption has been finalized in court.
A Foster Parent will be given priority for adoption if the parental rights of the child’s legal guardians have been terminated and the child has lived in their care for at least 12 months. They will be subject to the same requirements as any other person wishing to adopt a child, such as completing a home study and having a clear criminal background check.
Tennessee is home to some amazing adoption professionals who are ready to get your journey started. Whether you are interested in adopting a child or seeking resources to place your child for adoption, these professionals will guide you through the legal pathways and offer you support throughout your journey:
Hannah’s Hope901-327-5560
Small World Adoption Agency615-754-6540
Miriam’s Promise615-292-3500
If your adoption journey takes you to Tennessee and you have time to spend touring, visit some of the most famous and popular attractions the state has to offer:
The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville
The Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville
Elvis Presley Graceland Tour in Memphis
Downtown in Nashville
Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchburg
No matter your decision, we appreciate the time you have taken to read about how to adopt in Tennessee. Adoption Network Law Center wishes you the best of luck and is available to answer any further questions you may have about the adoption process. Call 1-866-602-9541 to speak with one of our amazing team members or visit https://adoptionnetwork.com/ to read more about our services. Whether you’re a soon-to-be Birth Parent or Prospective Adoptive Parent, ANLC wishes you the best on your adoption journey.
Speak with a Specialist 1-800-367-2367