For example, the biological parents may request the court to allow them to place the child with a family whose specific identity is not known but who has been recommended to them by a clergyman, physician, family friend, or state-licensed agency. To obtain court approval prior to placement, a request with the court must be on file with the court at least 30 days. Placement, however, does not terminate biological parents' rights in and of itself and the biological parents can change their minds about the child's placement for adoption at any time until they sign, with proper approval, a consent to adoption. Currently, a consent for adoption cannot be validly executed until 48 hours after the child's birth. Once a valid consent is given, however, it is binding and final.
Many adoptions involve newborn children.
Placement planning should begin during the pregnancy of the mother so that all of the legal requirements can be completed by the time of the child's birth. It is considered best for an infant to be placed in the adoptive home as soon as possible after birth. This is not possible if legal requirements have not been met. As described above, any request before a placement order must be on file at least 30 days before a placement order is rendered. It is recommended that placement be pursued by going to any agency or an attorney no later than 60 days before the child's anticipated birth, or sooner if possible.