Adoption Disruption: What Is It?

Also known as a “failed adoption,” an adoption disruption happens when something interferes with a placement, ending the process before it can be finalized. It can happen for any reason and at any point during the adoption process, from minor issues to bigger problems that arise after an expectant mother has chosen an adoptive family.

For many hopeful parents, it's easy to get discouraged after an adoption disruption, but there are plenty of examples where disruptions are only temporary. This is why it's important that adoptive parents stay supportive and respond as best as they can when possible.

At Angel Adoption, we're committed to helping our hopeful parents grow their families. Our compassionate and caring coordinators are here to offer support and guidance when failed adoptions occur. Whether that means looking for new opportunities or taking a break, we're here for you — always.

If you've ever wondered why adoptions fail, it can be for a variety of reasons. Below, we've listed some of the most common occurrences that lead to an adoption disruption. In some cases, seemingly indefinite roadblocks turned out to be only temporary, and hopeful parents were able to move forward with growing their families. While it's best to be prepared for the worst, please remember that these adoption disruption reasons, should they occur, do not mean the end of your journey. Often, they are just a stepping stone.

An adoption disruption may occur when:

• The birthmother decides to stop or end communication with the adoptive parents.
• The birthmother chooses to place her baby with a different adoptive family, agency, or other adoption service provider.
• A birthmother is communicating with multiple families and chooses to move forward with one, resulting in an adoption disruption for the other adoptive families.
• Before an adoption is finalized, the birthmother changes her mind and decides to parent her child.
• The birthfather or a member of the birth family legally contests the adoption.
• The birthmother loses her baby or chooses to terminate her pregnancy.
• The birthmother is discovered to be emotionally or financially scamming.
• The adoptive family chooses not to move forward with the birthmother, walking away from the placement.

It's not uncommon for prospective parents to experience one or more of these causes for an adoption disruption. And just because a disruption occurs doesn't necessarily mean that the adoption process ends. Sometimes disruptions are temporary, and situations may arise that would resume the placement plans. Our coordinators have seen instances where a birthmother resumes her connection with an adoptive family after a disruption, which has led to finalized placements. This is why it's important to remain hopeful and supportive of others involved in your adoption journey.

Whenever there is a failed adoption or adoption disruption, all parties involved may experience a range of emotions, including disappointment, hopelessness, and grief. It's normal to experience these emotions. During these times, it's important to lean on family members, friends, and others close to you for support. The first step toward healing is to understand that adoption disruptions can occur and that it doesn't mean the end of your journey. Your coordinator can provide guidance and resources for adoption disruption support.

We understand that each hopeful family works through adoption disruption differently and at their own pace. After a disruption occurs, our coordinators will resume presenting your adoption profile to new opportunities if you're ready to seek out a new connection. Should you need a short break or some time to process, our coordinators can hold off until you wish to continue your journey.

Remember, it's your journey, and we are committed to supporting you in any way that we can. Our compassionate and caring coordinators have helped thousands of prospective parents grow their families for over 25 years through the miracle of adoption. We understand that the adoption journey is a long road, and it can be an emotionally overwhelming one at that. Whatever guidance or support you need, our coordinators will work with you through our personalized service tailored to you.