Relinquishment Counseling and Consultation Services

Relinquishment Counseling in Oregon and Washington

Relinquishment is one of the most important and emotional steps in the adoption process. Choice Adoptions provides licensed relinquishment counseling and legally compliant services for birth parents, attorneys, and adoption agencies working in Oregon and Washington. Our role is to ensure that every relinquishment decision is informed, voluntary, and supported while meeting all state and court requirements.

​​

​​​

Licensed Relinquishment Services Through Choice Adoptions

If you are in need of a licensed adoption agency in Oregon or Washington to assist with relinquishment counseling or legally required documentation, Choice Adoptions is available to help. We work with expectant and birth parents as well as adoption attorneys and agencies nationwide that require a local, licensed agency to complete relinquishment services in compliance with state law.​ Relinquishment counseling serves both a legal and emotional purpose. It protects the rights of birth parents, ensures the integrity of the adoption process, and provides courts with confirmation that the decision to place a child for adoption was made freely and with full understanding.

​​

​​​

What Is Relinquishment in Adoption

Relinquishment is the legal transfer of parental rights, care, and custody of a child to a licensed adoption agency or to a designated adoptive family. Once relinquishment documents are signed and accepted by the court, the child becomes legally free for adoption.​ This step is voluntary and permanent. It is a critical part of the adoption process and must be completed in accordance with state statutes in Oregon and Washington. Because of its legal and emotional significance, relinquishment is often paired with required counseling by licensed professionals.

​​​​

​

The Purpose of Relinquishment Counseling

Relinquishment counseling exists to ensure that birth parents fully understand their legal rights while receiving meaningful emotional support throughout the adoption process. This counseling helps birth parents explore their decision in a safe and neutral environment, free from pressure or coercion, and with a clear understanding of the permanent nature of relinquishment. It also serves an important legal function by confirming that the decision to place a child for adoption is informed, voluntary, and made in the best interest of the child. By addressing both emotional and legal considerations, relinquishment counseling protects birth parents, supports ethical adoption practices, and provides courts and legal professionals with the documentation needed to move forward confidently in the adoption process.

​​

Emotional Processing and Decision Support

Choosing adoption can involve grief, uncertainty, outside pressure, and complex emotions. Counseling provides a safe and neutral space for birth parents to process these feelings, ask questions, and confirm that their decision is truly their own and made in the best interest of the child.

​​

Legal Understanding and Court Documentation

Relinquishment counseling also provides legal clarity. Licensed counselors document that the birth parent understands the permanent nature of relinquishment and is not being coerced. This documentation is often required by attorneys and courts and may be submitted in the form of an affidavit or written report.

​

Grief and Loss Support

Adoption includes loss, even when it is the right decision. Counseling addresses the emotional impact of relinquishment for birth parents, adoptive parents, and older children involved in the process. Adoption specific counseling has been shown to support healthier long term outcomes for everyone involved.

​​

​​​

Who Provides Relinquishment Counseling Services

Relinquishment counseling must be provided by qualified professionals with adoption specific training and licensure. These services are typically provided by licensed adoption agencies or licensed social workers, counselors, or therapists with experience in adoption, grief, and trauma.​ In many cases, relinquishment counseling is required by law. For example, Oregon Revised Statutes 109.346 provides for paid counseling sessions for birth parents as part of the adoption process. Courts rely on licensed agencies to ensure these requirements are met properly.

​​

​​​

When Relinquishment Counseling Takes Place ​

Before Relinquishment

Counseling sessions are often required before a birth parent signs relinquishment or surrender documents. These sessions focus on education, emotional readiness, and confirmation that the decision is voluntary and informed.

 

After Relinquishment

Post relinquishment counseling is commonly offered to support birth parents after placement. These sessions help with grief processing, emotional adjustment, and long term support following the surrender of parental rights.

 

Counseling for Older Children

When a child being placed for adoption is twelve years of age or older, they are often required to participate in their own counseling session. This ensures the child understands the adoption and has appropriate emotional support throughout the process.

​​

​​​

Relinquishment Services for Attorneys and Adoption Agencies

Choice Adoptions regularly works with adoption attorneys and agencies across the United States who need a licensed Oregon or Washington adoption agency to complete relinquishment counseling and documentation locally.​ We provide timely scheduling, legally compliant documentation, and clear communication with legal professionals. Our team understands state requirements, court expectations, and the importance of accurate and ethical relinquishment services within complex adoption cases.​​

​​​

How to Access Relinquishment Services in Oregon or Washington

To learn more about relinquishment counseling or to request services, contact Choice Adoptions. As a licensed adoption agency serving Oregon and Washington, we are qualified to provide required counseling, prepare court ready documentation, and support informed and ethical adoption decisions. Choice Adoptions is available to assist birth parents, attorneys, and adoption professionals seeking compliant and compassionate relinquishment services.