For women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and considering adoption, information is readily available to help them research their options for their pregnancy.

But what if you have already given birth and are wondering what options you have available?

Every adoption situation is unique, and life is constantly changing.  It is not only mothers experiencing unplanned pregnancies who consider adoption. If you have given birth and are having doubts about being able to parent your baby, you may have questions like:

• Can you put a child up for adoption after they have been born?
• Is there a maximum age you can put a child up for adoption?

These are probably just a couple of the questions you have about adoption. We understand that if you are in a position where you are asking these questions, you are probably facing challenging circumstances and emotions. We want you to know that you are not alone during these difficult times; we are here to help.

The ability to place an older child for adoption will depend on your specific situation.  In some situations, you can place older children for adoption. Other times, there may be an age limit to “give up” for adoption, so, there is not one specific answer to these questions.

Whether you are searching for information about “giving a baby up” for adoption after it’s a week old, or hoping to find an adoptive family looking to adopt a toddler, this guide will help explain your options. You can always contact an adoption professional with any questions.

Until then, keep reading for helpful resources and answers to some of the questions you may have.

What Age Can You Put Your Child Up for Adoption?

When you are considering adoption for your baby, you are doing it out of love and care. You want what is best for your child. When parenting seems impossible, there are always options for you, but the specifics of your situation may determine what those options are.

Below, we have listed a breakdown of your options for adoption by your child’s age.

1 Month and Under

Adjusting to becoming a parent can sometimes be too much to handle. Many women consider “giving a baby up” for adoption after it’s a week old, two weeks old, three weeks old, etc., but worry it is too late. But, when you are placing your 1-month-old for adoption, know that it’s never too late to choose adoption.

It is not just the difficulties of raising a child that spark the thoughts of placing a baby for adoption. Many women start thinking about adoption because they realize that it’s the best choice for themselves and their baby.

It doesn’t matter if you are considering placing a baby for adoption at 2 weeks or “giving up” a 1-month-old baby for adoption — you have the option to do so. Wherever you are in your pregnancy or parenting timeline, you’ll have more or less the same experience as any mother choosing adoption, so the process is very similar.

Adoptions occurring after the child has been born for weeks or months are fairly common. Although the timeline is a bit more compact than an adoption planned throughout the pregnancy, the process itself is very similar and can be broken down into the following steps:

• Step 1: Contact a professional and make an adoption plan. The first step of any adoption process is to find an adoption professional. You can always contact an adoption professional to get free information and support as you think through your options.You are in complete control of the decisions made throughout your adoption, but a specialist helps keep you on track for a successful adoption. They provide the professional assistance needed, which would be nearly impossible to complete on your own. Your adoption specialist will help you fill out all required forms for yourself and your child and work with you to create your adoption plan.
• Step 2: Choose the perfect adoptive family. Once you have worked with your adoption specialist to create a plan, you will then begin working toward finding an adoptive family. Keep in mind, if you are asking, “Can you put your baby up for adoption at 1 month?”, odds are, there are plenty of adoptive families asking if there are 1-month old children available for adoption. There are always adoptive parents hoping to grow their family.Choosing the best family for your child is a big decision. Your specialist will send you different adoptive family profiles that match your preferences. When you find a family you would like to know more about, they will be informed of the adoption opportunity and you can begin getting to know them. You may have phone conversations or even in-person meetings with the adoptive parents to get a true feeling for their personalities and intentions.

• Step 3: Get to know each other. Once you select an adoptive family, you will begin getting to know them better. The family you choose will share similar goals for your ideal level of pre- and post-adoption contact. (If you don’t know what kind of contact you want with the adoptive family yet, don’t worry; your specialist will inform you and help you decide which type of adoption is best for you).Once the communication and contact goals have been decided, it is time to move to the legal aspects of adoption.

• Step 4: Complete the placement when you’re ready. With your adoption specialist and adoption attorney by your side to not only help you through the technicalities of the process, but also the emotional aspects, you can complete the adoptive paperwork whenever you are ready. Your attorney and/or adoption specialist will educate you on this process and answer any legal questions you may have about your rights in the adoption before you sign these documents. Understanding the legalities ensures there are no misconceptions and you fully understand the finality of completing the adoption paperwork.This is an overview of the steps involved when “giving a baby up” for adoption after it’s a week old, a month old, or even several months old. Although this covers the basic steps, adoption can be a complicated emotional process, and it is important to realize the life-changing impact. The services your adoption specialist and attorney provide are vital in a successful adoption.

These services, such as legal representation, 24/7 counseling services, providing adoptive family profiles, planning and implementation of the adoption plan, choosing your level of post-adoption contact and all other services involved, are cost-free for you. This helps prevent you from experiencing a financial burden, during what can already be an emotional and difficult time.

We recommend contacting a professional now to discuss the options you have available and to help determine if adoption is best for you and your baby. If you are wondering, “Can you give your baby up for adoption after 1 month?”, continue reading for the steps and answers to your questions.

2 Months

Much like every pregnancy, each adoption situation is unique. The reasons you may be considering adoption for your child are your own personal reasons. If you are wondering, “How do I put my 2-month-old up for adoption?”, you are not alone.

Maybe, after coming home from the hospital, you started having second thoughts about parenting. Or, maybe you anticipated more support from friends, family or the birth father. Whatever your reasons may be, we understand that adoption is never an easy decision, but know that it is an option for you and your two-month-old.

It is worth noting, there are some potential challenges when it comes to a 6- or 7-weeks-old baby and adoption. By no means do we want these challenges to deter or scare you; we just want to make sure you are prepared for the potential issues.

Some of the challenges that you may face include:

• Two months is early in your child’ s developmental stages, but it is likely they are beginning to develop secure attachment toward you. This can create an emotional attachment for you as well and may make choosing adoption more difficult.
• You may face some opposition from the birth father, your family or friends after having your child for two months. It is best to discuss with them your reasoning and explain to them that you are making this choice out of love and compassion for your child.

If you’re considering adoption instead of parenting, it’s highly recommended that you speak with an adoption professional.  Adoption isn’t a stress-free choice that can be made overnight; it takes plenty of research and consideration. An adoption professional can help provide you with unbiased information and resources you may need throughout your adoption journey.

Not only will they provide you with more information on placing a 2-month-old for adoption, but they’ll also be able to help you craft an adoption plan. They will provide you with adoptive family profiles to find the best family for your baby and 24/7 counseling services.

To speak with a trained adoption counselor, fill out this form and a specialist will be in touch shortly. By no means does this obligate you to choose adoption; it merely provides a professional perspective on what can be a life-changing decision.

3 Months

It’s important to note that, throughout your adoption research and in this guide, you will see variations of the term “give up baby.” Some may take this phrase to mean you are “giving up” as a parent, or “giving up” on your child.

This is simply not true.

Adoption is not giving up. Women choose adoption at different stages of their pregnancy and even after giving birth. They make this decision to provide their child with the best opportunities in life. They make the choice out of love for their child. Just like choosing to pace a newborn for adoption during pregnancy, choosing adoption for your three-month-old is a brave and selfless choice. A difficult choice that you give much thought and consideration. You are not giving up; you are giving opportunity.

If you are struggling with parenthood, you may find yourself asking, “Can you give your kids up for adoption at 3 months old?” The answer is yes. It’s never too late to choose adoption. Although there will be some challenges along the way, working with an adoption professional will help ensure your adoption goes as smoothly as possible. Your specialist will explain the steps to place your child for adoption. With such an emotional decision, it is important to realize you are not alone. Professionals are here to help.

4 Months

Oftentimes, prior to childbirth, parents feel confident in their ability to raise a child. As time goes on, they may realize the difficulties and financial responsibilities of raising a child and consider them to be too much, or they may realize that they want a different life for their child than the one they are currently able to provide.

For parents struggling with the changes of raising a child, you need to know there is never a time when you can’t choose adoption for your baby. Although adoption is a difficult decision at any age, you can find comfort in knowing that this type of adoption is very common for 4-month-old babies.

Like any adoption situation, there will be challenges. It is human nature that the longer a baby is with their birth mother, the more signs of attachment the baby and mother will develop. This attachment can make your decision even more difficult and cause a sense of shame or guilt.

Although it is easier to said than done, please realize that there is nothing to feel guilty about when choosing adoption.  Women choose adoption out of love for their child. It means that you’re wanting to provide them with the best life possible.

It is important to first determine if adoption is right for you. To learn more about placing a 4-month-old for adoption, you should speak with an adoption professional so they can better help you determine if this is the best option for you and walk you through the adoption process.

Fill out this form and an adoption specialist will be more than happy to discuss your situation, answer any questions you may have and talk you through the adoption process.

5 Months

There are many reasons why you might consider putting a 5-month-old up for adoption, and those reasons are unique to your specific situation. Adoption professionals will never judge, nor think less of anyone considering adoption, regardless of your baby’s age. They understand that if you are in a position where you are considering such a difficult decision, that you are making the selfless sacrifice to provide your child the best opportunities possible.

Some women hesitate to pursue adoption during pregnancy, because they worry that placing a child for adoption will be an additional expense, one they’re not ready for. It is important to know that placing a child for adoption, even at 5 months old, won’t cost you any money.

When you choose an adoption specialist to assist you with throughout the adoption process, you can also receive free legal representation, 24/7 counseling and educational services, and help finding the perfect adoptive family with the same post-adoption contact preferences as you.

Before your adoption specialist helps you create an adoption plan, they will first make sure that putting a 5-month-old up for adoption is the right choice for you. They will inform you of the life-changing impact and stress the permanence of adoption. Once consent and parental rights are terminated, there is no getting your baby back. They will also discuss potential challenges you may have along your adoption journey.

To speak with an adoption professional, fill out this form. They’ll be able to give you unbiased information and support as you consider whether or not to move forward with adoption.

6 Months

Between the unknowns of parenthood, the financial strain and many other reasons, raising a child is not easy. If you are the parent of a 6-month-old baby, you likely already understand the challenges of being a parent. These challenges may have you questioning if parenting your baby was the right decision. You may also be questioning what you can do. Is “giving up” a baby for adoption at 6 months even an option?

The answer to that question is yes. You have the option to “give up” a baby for adoption at 6 months, if you so choose. Keep in mind, adoption is a life-changing decision, one that you want to take your time to educate yourself on. We recommend speaking with a trained adoption specialist before making any decisions. They are able to provide you with free, unbiased information and help you determine if adoption is right for your situation.

When you are ready, fill out this form to be contacted by a trained adoption professional. They will answer any questions or concerns you may have and go into further detail on the adoption process below.

There are not many differences in the adoption process for a 6-month-old compared to a newborn adoption. The same adoption services will be available, but there may be added challenges, such as:

• More of an emotional attachment to your child, given the length you have cared for them
• Potential negative opinions from friends and family
• The possibility that you will need to complete additional paperwork and supply additional information about your child’s life up to this point
• And more

Mentioning these challenges is not an attempt to cause doubt, more so to make you aware.

Below are the typical steps for a 6‐month‐old adoption:

Step 1: Find a professional. You’ll start by making the decision to pursue adoption. Once you decide adoption is right for you and your baby, you will want to find an adoption specialist. Working with a specialist means you will have a trained professional by your side throughout your adoption. They will keep you on track and be able to answer any questions you may have along the way.

Step 2: Create an adoption plan. Next, you and your adoption specialist will make an adoption plan.  This plan will outline your preferences for the remainder of your adoption journey, including the type of family you’d like for your baby, the relationship you want to have after the adoption, and more.

Because there are many legalities involved with adoption of older infants, during the initial adoption planning phase, you will be required to provide background information about your child, such as their birth certificate, birth father information, medical records and more.

Step 3: Choose the adoptive family. When you create an adoption plan, you will discuss in detail what characteristics you are looking for in the best family for your baby. Your adoption specialist will provide you with adoptive families that match your preferences to help you begin your search. You can view as many or as few profiles as needed in order to find the right fit for you and your baby.

Finding a family that shares the same goals of post-adoption contact as you is an important step toward a successful adoption. Your adoption specialist will help you determine the type of adoption relationship you want to have, to ensure you are looking at the profiles of families who have similar interest. You and your child will be able to get to know the adoptive family at a pace you feel comfortable with, so you can make sure it’s the right fit for you and your baby.

Step 4: Place your baby with the adoptive parents. When you are ready, you will complete the adoption paperwork. Your adoption attorney and/or adoption specialist will educate you on this process and answer any legal questions you may have about your rights in the adoption before paperwork is signed. Education on the legal aspects of adoption ensures there are no misunderstandings and that you are completely aware of the permanence of signing these documents.

There are many other details to the adoption process; this is just a brief overview. If you have any questions, remember that you can contact your adoption specialist 24/7. To speak with an adoption professional, you can contact us here.

7 Months

When a woman is pregnant, she may envision the ideal situation of raising a child: no struggles, financial stress, or second-guessing whether she can truly provide for her child like she intends to. Seven months into her child’s life, these thoughts may seem imaginary, and the struggles she is facing may cause her to question her decision to raise a child. If you are in this position, you may be contemplating, “Is it too late to give my baby up for adoption after 7 months?”

The answer is no, it is not too late. In fact, “last-minute” adoptions are relatively common, and adoption specialists are well-trained in handling adoptions for situations similar to yours. It is highly recommended that before any decisions are made, you speak with an adoption professional to get an unbiased, educated opinion on if adoption is right for you.

Although the process for placing a 7-month-old for adoption is similar to that of placing a newborn, there will be additional challenges along the way.

At 7 months old, your baby is starting to learn more about their world, and they may be growing attached to you as their parent. The same can be said for you; giving birth and raising a child for 7 months may make your adoption decision even harder. There are plenty of benefits to adoption, but determining if it is best for your situation will take time and research.

Please know, if you are wondering, “Can I still give my baby up for adoption at 7 months?”, you are not alone. Many other mothers are experiencing similar thoughts. We are here to discuss your options and offer insight, no matter which path you decide to pursue. When you are ready, fill out this form to talk to a professional about your specific situation.

8 Months

Although adoption is most commonly considered during pregnancy, there are plenty of birth mothers who do not contemplate adoption until after they have left the hospital.

The factors that play into this consideration are unique to each specific person. It could have something to do with the lack of support she is receiving from friends and family, the financial impact, or maybe she is just starting to realize that she cannot provide the lifestyle she had imagined for her baby. Whatever the reasons may be, it may lead her to think about “giving up” her baby for adoption at 8 months.

Odds are, this is not your first time considering adoption. We understand this isn’t a decision that you come to on the spur of a moment. There are many different thoughts and emotions involved. It doesn’t matter if it’s within a few weeks of your baby’s being born, or even eight months later; an agency and adoption specialist can help connect you with invaluable resources for your adoption.

Fill out this form to speak with an adoption specialist. A professional will be able to shine light on the adoption process and help you determine if adoption is in the best interest of you and your child. They will explain to you the potential challenges you may face, as well as the benefits of choosing adoption. Most importantly, they will make sure you do not have to face such a tough decision alone and will act as a trusted resource as you explore your options.

9 Months

If you are thinking about adoption for your 9-month-old baby, odds are there are many factors that have led to these thoughts.

It could be as simple as realizing that parenting is not best for you and your child or as complicated as the birth father not being involved in your child’s life. Whatever the reasons may be, you are not alone. Many others share similar thoughts on adoption for their baby.

Some feel guilty for pursuing adoption this far along in their baby’s life.  Unfortunately, negative friends or family members may equate this emotional decision to bad parenting. This is not the case. Everyone knows parenting is challenging for a number of reasons. It can quickly become very expensive, emotionally draining, and time-consuming. And, even if you are managing to make ends meet, you may want a different type of life for your child — one filled with opportunities you aren’t currently in a position to provide.

Considering adoption for your 9-month-old does not make you a bad parent. If anything, it is the opposite. It means you are selfless enough to put your child’s needs first and realize that you can provide them with a better opportunity at life.

Speak with an adoption specialist today to discuss the adoption process, your next steps, and any other questions you may have about your options.

10 Months

When most people think about adoption, they generally only consider women who choose adoption during pregnancy and place the baby immediately after they are born. But did you know adoptions that take place after the baby has left the hospital with their birth mother, or “last-minute” adoptions, as they are called, are very common?

Whether or not adoption is right for you completely depends on your unique situation. But, adoption for 10-month-olds is common and may be the best choice for yourself and your baby. If you are considering adoption for your baby, it may have to do with any or all of the following factors.

• Expense of parenting: Food, clothing and childcare, on top of the general bills and spending that come with a baby, can add up quick. If you are in a situation where you may not be financially stable, it can quickly become extremely difficult to raise a child.
• Lack of support: Maybe you do not have the best relationship with the birth father. Maybe you do not live close to any family or friends who could assist with raising your child. Whatever the reason may be, not having the necessary support system and attempting to raise a child on your own is incredibly difficult.
• Lack of opportunity: The joys of parenting can be a wonderful and rewarding experience. Parenting also takes a large amount of time and commitment. This time and commitment can take away opportunities such as finishing or going back to school, pursuing a career and more. Many women consider adoption the opportunity at a fresh start of fulfilling their dreams.
• Bigger dreams for your child: Whatever your other reasons for considering adoption, your choice will ultimately come down to one thing: your love for your baby. If you want to create a different life for your child, one full of love and opportunities with a waiting couple that desperately wants to become parents, adoption may be the answer you’re looking for.
• And many more

These are only some of the reasons why a woman may consider adoption for her 10-month-old. No matter your reason, adoption for a 10-month-old is more than possible. To speak with an adoption professional about the adoption process and how it could impact you, fill out this form whenever you are ready.

Working with an adoption specialist will provide you with the same services you would receive if you were placing a newborn,such as legal representation during the adoption and 24/7 access to counseling and educational resources. Adoption can be a very difficult and emotional decision; adoption professionals make sure you don’t have to experience it alone.

11 Months

Considering adoption for an 11-month-old can be a difficult decision. Not knowing if you are making the right decision, or if there are even be adoptive families interested in a near one-year-old child, all adds to the stress and uncertainty. You may find comfort in knowing that there are many others in your exact same position. No matter how old your baby is, adoption will always be a choice you can explore, and there are numerous families searching adoption for an 11-month-old.

Adoption isn’t a decision you want to rush; it takes plenty of education, thought and ultimately, selfless strength. If you feel adoption is the right decision for you and your 11-month-old, speak with a trained adoption professional. They will provide unbiased insight into the adoption process and offer all the support and services you need to choose adoption.

Your professional will explain some of the emotional difficulties you may face, as well as potential challenges with birth father rights impacting your decision. Discussing these difficulties is not intended to scare you or sway your decision, merely inform you on potential issues you may face on your adoption journey.

1 Year

No matter the age of the child, there are many different reasons a birth mother chooses adoption. One of the most common reasons is financial limitations that make raising a child extremely difficult or even impossible. Other reasons include a lack of support from the child’s father or family members. In some cases, it is the inability to provide the parenting and lifestyle you had hoped to for your child.

Whatever the case may be, you are considering adoption out of love for your child, and the desire to provide them with the best opportunities. Even with a year of growth and emotional attachment, you understand there are better options for both of you. But you may be wondering, “Is it possible to give your kid up for adoption after they’re a year old?”

Although the majority of local and national domestic adoption agencies tend to specialize in infant adoptions, putting a 1-year-old up for adoption is still a possibility, and adoption specialists are here to help.

These specialists are able to offer 24/7 counseling and support services throughout your adoption and after placement. Your specialist will provide you with adoptive family profiles to review as you are searching for the best family for your child. They will also talk you through the options you have when it comes to post-placement contact for your adoption.

While you’re considering putting a 1-year-old up for adoption, there are several things you should think about before making any decisions.

Are these thoughts temporary? There are incidents in life which may make you question your ability to successfully and happily parent. Evaluating if this concern is just a short span of doubt, or if you are certain parenting isn’t an option, needs to be addressed before determining if adoption is right for you.

Am I ok with the permanence? Once you complete the legal adoption paperwork, your adoption becomes permanent. Although you can always have a relationship with your child through open adoption, is the permanence of adoption something you are prepared for?

Can I handle the grief? Adoption is an emotional and difficult decision. An adoption after a year of raising your child and creating a bond will be even tougher. Counseling services are available, but are you prepared to work through the emotional challenges of placing your baby for adoption?

These are just a few of the difficult questions you need to ask yourself when considering giving a one-year-old child up for adoption. These questions don’t necessarily mean that you can’t or should not place your child for adoption; they are just things to consider before making such a life-changing decision.

Your adoption specialist will make sure you are confident in your answers or help you explore other options if you are not. Alternative options to adoption may include:

• Working with social services to gain access to resources that make parenting a possibility. These services may allow you to continue parenting, while hopefully improving your current situation.
• Completing a kinship adoption that allows you to maintain a very close connection to your child while also giving you the space to focus on your own life. Keep in mind this option isn’t right for everyone, as these arrangements present their own unique set of challenges.
• Setting up a temporary legal guardianship with a close friend or family member. This will give you time to regain the confidence you once had in parenting and regain legal guardianship of your child when you are ready.

These means of service will most likely be outside of an adoption agency or specialist’s capabilities, but they will be able to educate you and provide useful resources. To speak with an adoption professional, fill out the form here for information and your options for giving a one-year-old up for adoption.

2 Years

Depending on your situation, adoption for your 2-year-old may be the best option for both you and your child — but by no means does that mean it is an easy decision. Placing a two-year-old for adoption, although similar to an infant adoption, has more challenges and requirements.

When putting a 2-year-old up for adoption, you will want to work with an adoption specialist. You are in complete control of your adoption, but a specialist will help keep your adoption on track and provide necessary services throughout the process. They will also educate you to the fullest on the benefits of adoption for you and your child, as well as the challenges you may face,  such as:

• You and your child’s attachment level has developed for two years. This makes a decision like adoption much more difficult on both of you. The agency you choose should include 24/7 counseling services to help prepare you for this emotional journey and heal during the grieving process.
• Finding an agency that has all of the services you’re looking for may be difficult when you are placing a two-year-old for adoption because many private adoption agencies specialize in newborn adoptions.
• If the father of the baby has a relationship with the child, his birth father rights could impact your adoption.
• There are generally fewer adoptive families looking to adopt a 2-year-old than an infant. This does not mean adoption is not possible, but it does mean there may be fewer options when finding an adoptive family.
• Gathering the required documentation can be a challenge. You will need your child’s birth certificate, medical records, documentation of all residencies your child has lived, and documentation of custody rights and who has provided financial support for your child, including documentation of all child support provided by the father.

These are just a few of the potential challenges you may face when placing a two-year-old for adoption. The intention of mentioning these challenges is not to scare you, it is to make sure you have considered some of the difficulties that you may encounter during the adoption process.

Placing a 2-year-old for adoption is a life-changing decision. One that requires time and research. To speak with an adoption specialist about your options, fill out this form. An adoption professional will contact you to discuss your current situation and to provide  information about the best options for you and your baby.

It’s extremely important to work with an agency that has experience with these types of toddler adoptions. Working with a larger national agency may be more beneficial, as they tend to have more adoptive families to choose from and will be better equipped to provide the level of support you and your child will need. 24/7 availability, financial support and guidance to legal representation are just some of the services they can provide. Although it may be a challenge, by finding the right adoption agency to help you place your 2-year-old for adoption, it is not only possible, but can be the best thing you have ever done for you and your child.

3 Years

If you are considering putting up a 3-year-old for adoption, it is one of the hardest, yet bravest and most selfless decisions you can make. You have raised your child and grown a bond for three years, but you may be realizing that there are opportunities for a better life through adoption.

During this difficult time, please know that you are not alone.

If you are wondering how to “give” a three-year-old up for adoption, the best place to start is by contacting an adoption specialist. Adoption professionals understand the impact of adoption, and they want you to make the best decision for you and your child. They understand you are in control of your decision and are just there to provide unbiased information, services and resources.

An adoption specialist will educate you on the process of putting a 3-year-old up for adoption and explain the amazing benefits this process can have, as well as the unique challenges that you may face. The steps are very similar to an infant adoption, but there are a few different requirements and potential setbacks.

For starters, you will likely need to provide much more information than you would in an infant adoption, including your child‘s medical records, proof of current and past residency, proof of custody from birth until present, documentation of child support provided by any father, and more. Gathering these documents may take time, which can extend your adoption process.

Another challenge you may face when putting a 3-year-old up for adoption is the emotional aspect of the relationship and bond you two share. Unlike in a typical domestic infant adoption, you and your child have had years to create a connection.  Because of this, a transition like adoption can be much more difficult for a 3-year-old child and for you as their parent.

Utilizing counseling services can help limit the amount of sadness and feelings of loss and grief you may feel leading up to placement and after. When working with an adoption agency, these services are provided at no cost, to ensure you are getting the help you need without adding any financial strain.

Most private adoption agencies, both local and national, generally handle adoptions of infants and toddlers. These agencies can only handle the placement of older children on a limited, case‐by‐case basis. This does not mean adoption is not an option, but it does mean it may be more difficult to find an agency and specialist to help you throughout the adoption process.

In general, large, national adoption agencies are better equipped to help with these types of placements. Seeing how they work with more adoptive families, there are better chances they have an adoptive family open to adopting an older child. These agencies are able to provide services such as 24/7 support, financial assistance and have a large index of adoption attorneys.

If your child is 3 years old, an adoption specialist may be able to help you explore alternative options before determining whether adoption would really suit you and your child best. They might ask if you have considered options such as:

• Social Service Resources: This option will vary depending on where you live, but the general concept is to make your current parenting situation easier to withstand by offering financial support in various ways. Healthcare options, affordable living, food stamps and more, all are potentially available to relieve some of the financial stressors that may be causing you to consider adoption.
• Temporary Guardianship: If you are considering putting a 3-year-old up for adoption, you may want to look into temporary legal guardianship before making any decisions. This option does not fully relinquish you of your parental rights, nor end your legal parent-child relationship. In this process, a close friend or family members takes guardianship of your child to allow you to work on any of the difficulties in your life causing you to consider adoption. This is essentially a “timeout” from parenting to allow you to get back on track to improve your life before you resume parenting.
• Kinship Adoption: This option allows a family member to adopt your child through kinship adoption. Although the transition can still be difficult, this option allows you to maintain a close relationship with your child, while providing them with a trusted and potentially better opportunity. However, there are drawbacks of this option to consider before determining that it’s right for you.

These are some of the challenges and alternatives options you may want to consider if you are wondering how to “give a three-year-old up” for adoption. Putting a 3-year-old up for adoption is difficult, but not impossible. Make sure to work with an experienced agency that can provide all the support and services you need and deserve. Fill out this form to get in contact with an adoption specialist. They will be able to answer any questions you have about adoption.

4 Years

The common perception of adoption is that it is for families looking to adopt infants, and the child goes home with the adoptive family after they are born. Although this isn’t wrong, it is not the only adoption scenario.

You may be asking, “Can you put a 4-year-old up for adoption?”

The answer is yes. If you are at a point in parenthood where you feel like your only option is adoption, it is in your best interest, before making any decisions, to contact an adoption specialist.

An adoption specialist will understand that there are there are plenty of different reasons a parent considers adoption for their child. They can help make sense of such a difficult situation. Not only will they educate you on how to put a child up for adoption at 4 years old, they will also make you aware of the resources available that could make staying together as a family possible.

While there may be fewer families looking to adopt a 4-year-old, this doesn’t mean there are none. Many hopeful parents have dreams of starting or adding to their family through the adoption of a 4-year-old. Placing your child for adoption at this age may be an option for you.

But, while adoption at 4 years old is a possibility, we would be lying if we said there will not be challenges along the way.

Beginning the process can be a challenge in itself. Most private domestic adoption agencies primarily work with newborns. Because of this, they can only work with toddlers on a case‐by‐case basis. Your best bet will be to reach out to a large, national adoption agency. These professionals work with a greater number of adoptive families, meaning they may be more likely to have waiting families that would be open to adopting a 4-year-old. They are also typically able to provide services you won’t find at a small local agency, like 24/7 support. Once you have found an adoption agency, they will discuss your situation and help you determine what the best option is for you and your child.

If adoption is the right choice, you will begin creating your adoption plan with your specialist. If the agency does not feel adoption is right for you, or if they aren’t able to provide the services you need, they may refer you to additional resources that help you improve your current situation as alternatives to adoption.

Depending upon your situation, assistance provided by social services, W.I.C (women, infants, children), Medicaid and federal programs designed to help parents with children who have special needs may all help you towards feeling confident and comfortable parenting your child.

Other options include a kinship adoption, which means having a family member adopt your child, or temporary legal guardianship, where a friend or family member provides a safe and loving home for your child. This option allows you to maintain a connection with your child until you are able and ready to take back custody.

No matter the direction you choose, whether adoption, guardianship, or parenting assistance, it can be good to speak with an adoption agency or adoption attorney about how to put a child up for adoption at 4 years old or younger.

To learn more and get in touch with a private agency today, fill out this form. When you contact an adoption professional, you will get free information about your options, as well as unbiased support to help you determine your next steps. Adoption specialists are available 24/7, so you can get the help you need now.