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Fathers have choices related to an adoption plan. If you (father) and/or the mother of the baby are considering an adoption plan, you have the following options…

If you (father) DO NOT agree with a proposed adoption plan you can…

• Take steps to begin a claim to be recognized as the father of the child. The Missouri Department of Social Services has forms that you will need to complete in order to claim paternity (for information about establishing paternity). You can contact an agency or attorney about your parental rights, ways to establish your paternity or medical procedures to determine paternity.
• Make arrangements to assume custody of the child, yourself. Begin to make a realistic plan for how you will provide for the baby’s needs, including medical coverage, clothes, formula, child care, toys, books, educational, emotional, etc.

If you (father) DO agree with the adoption plan, you can…

• Sign papers that indicate your consent to the termination of your parental rights and assist the mother in making an adoption plan. This will allow the baby to move into an adoptive home very quickly.