Adoption in New York — Your Options, Your Rights
Unexpectedly pregnant in New York? Heart to Heart Adoptions provides free support and counseling for birth mothers across New York State. Licensed nonprofit.
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Adoption in New York. Your Options, Your Rights
If you're unexpectedly pregnant in New York, you have real options. You don't have to decide anything right now, and you don't have to figure this out alone.
Pregnant in New York and not sure what to do? You don't have to decide anything right now. Heart to Heart is a licensed nonprofit with a New York office. We serve birth mothers all across the state — New York City to Buffalo, Albany to the North Country. Counseling starts the moment you call. Money help for living costs starts at month 8 of pregnancy, under New York law. You pick the family. You stay in control every step of the way.
Reviewed by: Jodi Grizzle, LCSW (Clinical Director) | Wendy Knowles and Michelle Barrus, Birth Parent Support Specialists Last reviewed: June 2026
Start Here: Exploring Topics That Matter to New York Women
How to Place a Baby for Adoption in New York
How does adoption work in New York? Step-by-step guide for birth mothers. We help you from first call to post-placement support. Free, confidential.
Learn moreFinancial Assistance for Birth Mothers in New York
What financial help is available to birth mothers in New York? Counseling is free from day one. Living cost help starts at month 8.
Learn moreOpen Adoption in New York. What It Means and How It Works
Open adoption in New York means you can stay connected with your child after placement. New York lets you set up a contact plan a judge can enforce.
Learn moreNew York Adoption Laws Every Birth Mother Should Understand
What does New York law say about adoption? Consent, the change-your-mind window, father's rights, and contact agreements.
Learn moreChoosing an Adoptive Family in New York
Choosing an adoptive family in New York is your decision. Heart to Heart has dozens of waiting families. Here's how it works and what to ask.
Learn moreNew York Adoption Placements. Real Families, Real Stories
Real adoptive placements across New York. From New York City to Buffalo. See the families Heart to Heart has matched with birth mothers across the state.
Learn moreReal Adoption Stories from New York
Real stories from birth mothers and adoptive families across New York. Honest, unfiltered accounts of the adoption journey.
Learn moreWhat Does Heart to Heart Adoptions Do for Me as a Birth Mother?
New Yorkers are a breed unto themselves, a mix of cultures. We've worked with women in this wonderful mix who say, “I want to give up my baby,” to a family that understands my culture.
First, we respond to this comment by saying. “We will help you find an adoptive family that fits the hopes you have for your child.” The next thing we say is, “Adoption is not ‘giving up.’”
Adoption is a brave decision that might be the right decision for you.
Making the choice to give a child up for adoption is a decision that can be emotionally complex, for families involved in the process. At Heart to Heart Adoptions agency, we provide support and a range of resources such as aid and emotional guidance to empower you on this profound journey.
At Heart to Heart Adoptions in the New York, we focus our efforts on facilitating adoptions by linking mothers with caring families to welcome a new member into their lives. We acknowledge the challenges and emotions that come with this process and strive to offer a comforting and understanding atmosphere that caters to your circumstances.
What are my options if I'm pregnant in New York and not ready to parent?
There is no single right answer. Three paths are open to you right now. Asking about any of them does not commit you to anything.
Some women choose to parent. New York has real help. These include WIC, Medicaid, and state and city programs. Heart to Heart Adoptions can connect you to these, whether or not you choose adoption.
Some women choose adoption. In open adoption you, the birth mother, pick the family yourself. You can meet them first. New York law lets you set up a contact agreement a judge can enforce.
“I looked at like 30 family profiles. I'd sit on my computer 'till after midnight and look and read about families. Then it was like a shock. I saw the family I wanted. Then it didn't feel like I was giving my baby to strangers. I got to know these people. I chose people that are now my best friends.”–Tina, Manhattan
What does adoption actually look like in New York today?
New Yorkers come from every background and situation you can imagine. Heart to Heart has worked with students, working women, women in hard relationships, women keeping the pregnancy secret from family, and women who already had their baby and are now thinking about adoption.
In open adoption, you pick the family from real profiles. We send you electronic family files that fit the qualifications which are important to you. You can meet them first. You can stay in touch after placement. New York lets you put that contact plan in writing and have a judge enforce it. That's not just a promise. It's real legal protection.–Ashley, Case Manager
Asking questions doesn't commit you to anything
Reaching out to learn about financial support or adoption doesn't lock you into a decision. You can ask questions, explore your options, and take time to think — without pressure, expectations, or obligation.
You remain in control of your choices at every step.
What support is available to me in New York?
Counseling and emotional support start with your very first call. This means you can receive this support before you've decided anything, no matter where you are in your pregnancy. Heart to Heart Adoptions's counselors are there 24/7.
For money help: New York law lets agencies help with pregnancy costs starting at month 8 of pregnancy. This covers rent, utilities, groceries, medical care, and rides to appointments. Earlier in your pregnancy? Your caseworker can connect you to New York State programs that can help sooner.
- Counseling: available 24/7 from your first call — no waiting period
- Housing assistance: from the 8th month of pregnancy under NY law
- Medical care: prenatal appointments, delivery costs, transportation to every appointment
- Legal: your own independent adoption attorney at no cost to you
- Post-placement support: available for as long as you need it
What does New York law say to protect me as a birth mother?
New York law protects you in real ways. After you sign consent, you get a window of time to change your mind. this is different than some states where consent is final right away. You get your own free lawyer. You have the right to counseling before you sign anything. And you can set up a contact plan with the adoptive family that a judge can enforce.
New York adoption laws — plain language guideWhat New York cities and regions does Heart to Heart Adoptions serve?
- New York City: all five boroughs — Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, Staten Island
- Long Island: Nassau and Suffolk Counties
- Hudson Valley: Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, and surrounding counties
- Capital Region: Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Saratoga Springs — home of the NY office
- Central New York: Syracuse, Utica, Rome
- Western New York: Buffalo, Rochester, Niagara Falls
- North Country and Southern Tier: Plattsburgh, Watertown, Binghamton, Elmira, Ithaca, and rural communities statewide
Remote counseling by phone or video is available.
Find your city or regionCan I see real families who have adopted through Heart to Heart in New York?
Yes. Heart to Heart works with adoptive families across New York, and many birth mothers find it reassuring to read about real placements before choosing their own family.
New York adoption placements. Real families, real stories
Does Heart to Heart Adoptions have a New York office?
Yes. Our New York office number is 518-557-1722. We're licensed to do adoption work in New York and we partner with New York adoption lawyers to follow state law closely. Heart to Heart Adoptions is a nonprofit. We have no profit motive and no stake in what you decide.
Is this right for your family?
This question deserves an honest answer rather than a reassuring one. Readiness requires more than love and good intentions.
Talk with our teamReal Questions Women Ask About Adoption in New York
Yes. There’s no point in pregnancy where it’s too late to start exploring adoption. Heart to Heart Adoptions has helped women make plans in their final weeks.
Yes. Some women decide after their baby is born that adoption might be the best thing for both them and their baby. Adoption consent in New York can only be signed after birth anyway, so deciding at or after delivery is completely normal.
That doesn’t change your options. Many birth mothers already have children. Your caseworker will talk with you about your full situation, including how this decision fits with the family you already have.
Yes, starting at month 8 of pregnancy under New York law. If you need rent help earlier, your caseworker can connect you with New York State programs that can help sooner.
Your caseworker will walk you through what New York law requires in this situation. It does not stop you from moving forward with an adoption plan.
No. Heart to Heart works with birth mothers at any stage of pregnancy, including the third trimester and after birth. We can build a plan in days, help with emergency housing, and still give you the chance to choose your baby’s family.
Yes. You review real family profiles and choose yourself. No one chooses for you, and no one pressures you toward any one family.
Yes. New York lets you set up a contact agreement with the adoptive family that a judge can approve and enforce. You decide how much contact feels right.
Nothing. Counseling, legal help, and case management are all free to you. Living-cost help is also available starting at month 8 of pregnancy.
Yes, at any point before you sign final consent. After you sign, New York gives you a window of time to reconsider if you signed outside of court.
It depends on your timeline and your pregnancy. Some women start the process months before their due date; others reach out during labor or shortly after birth. Your caseworker builds your plan around your pace, not a fixed schedule.
Yes. Heritage, language, faith, and lifestyle are all things you can ask for when reviewing families. Tell your caseworker what matters to you, and they’ll search with that in mind.
That’s the most common place to start. Counseling and support are there before you decide anything. Many women who call us end up choosing to parent, and we help connect them with resources for that too.
Adoption Across New York
Adoption Agency in New York City
Considering adoption in New York City? Heart to Heart provides counseling and support for birth mothers across all five boroughs.
Learn moreAdoption Agency on Long Island, New York
Considering adoption on Long Island? Heart to Heart provides support for birth mothers throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
Learn moreAdoption Agency in Albany and the Capital Region
Heart to Heart's New York office is based in the Capital Region. Free adoption support for birth mothers in Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga Springs.
Learn moreAdoption Agency in Buffalo and Western New York
Considering adoption in Buffalo or Western New York? Heart to Heart provides free support for birth mothers throughout the region.
Learn moreAdoption Agency in Rochester, New York
Considering adoption in Rochester? Heart to Heart provides counseling and support for birth mothers in the Finger Lakes area.
Learn moreAdoption Agency in Syracuse and Central New York
Considering adoption in Syracuse or Central New York? Heart to Heart provides free support for birth mothers throughout the region.
Learn moreAdoption Agency in the Hudson Valley, New York
Considering adoption in the Hudson Valley? Heart to Heart provides support for birth mothers in Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Dutchess, and Ulster counties.
Learn moreAdoption Agency for Upstate and Rural New York
Wherever you are in rural or upstate New York, Heart to Heart provides confidential support for birth mothers — including remote counseling by phone or video.
Learn moreNew York Downloadable PDFs to Help Plan an Adoption
You don't have to do this alone.
We're here to walk beside you—every step of the way.