HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini
Deciding to place your tamaiti (child) for adoption or adopting a tamaiti are huge decisions. As well as getting good personal support, it is important to understand what will happen and what all your options are.
Most adoptions in Aotearoa New Zealand are open adoptions. This means that birth parents and adoptive parents keep in contact. In many cases, birth parents continue to have a part in the child's life if everyone agrees that is best.
If you are considering having your pēpi (baby) or tamaiti adopted, see Placing your child for adoption.
If you are considering adopting a pēpi or tamaiti, see Adopting in NZ.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
This article answers questions such as "What is adoption?", "How can I be sure that my child will go to a good home?" and "Can I change my mind?"
Information about adoption for birth parents, adoptive parents and people who have been adopted.
A booklet explaining your legal options before, during and after pregnancy. It covers sexual health, health care, education for people under 18, housing, work, caring for a child, legal aid and where to go for more support.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed November 2024.
Review key: HIPRC-41255