In independent adoptions, is it unusual for the identity of the adoptive parents to be kept from the birth mother?
Yes. The birth mother must have sufficient information about the parents to make an informed decision about where to place her child. In most cases, birth mothers are interested in personally meeting the adoptive parents. In California, in order for the child to be taken home from the hospital by the adoptive parents, a state-provided infant release form must be signed by the birth mother. The adoptive parents’ names and address appear on the form and a copy will be offered to the birth mom.
