Can I place a child up for adoption at any age? This is one of the most frequently asked questions among birth parents considering placing their child up for adoption.
Before we answer this question, know that it is very normal to consider adoption at any time due to your challenging circumstances. Whether or not you can place an older child for adoption comes down to your situation. There may or may not be an age limit for this.
So, the answer is yes, you can place an older baby or child for adoption in some circumstances, which we will discuss in this guide. Also, through this article, we will answer if birth parents can place their child with special needs up for adoption.
Let’s find out together!
Can I Place my child for Adoption at Any Age?
It is entirely okay to consider adoption for an older child and wonder about the age limit. Your situation can change, and you might now be unable financially. You can place an older child for adoption if you cannot care for them, and a trusted adoption agency can help you with this. However, the more you parent your child, the more attached you get to each other, making the adoption process more difficult. It will be difficult for you and your child to adjust to the adoption transition.
Many adoption agencies have an age limit and cannot provide adoption services for children over a certain age. For some adoption agencies, the age limit is 4 years, while for others, it is 12. Fortunately, there’s always a solution for the thousands of birth parents who go through this similar situation.
If you’re in such a difficult situation, know there are always options available for you. The adoption process, however, changes with the child’s age.
Adoption for Newborns to 6-Month‐Olds
Any birth parent can consider adoption for their baby in their early pregnancy, late pregnancy, at the last moment when they’re at the hospital or in labor pain, and even after their child is born, right after giving birth, or as late as six months.
The process for placing a six months baby up for adoption is the same as doing for a newborn. In addition, most adoption families look for newborns or infants, and the reason for this is the same as we mentioned above. The younger the child is, the easier it is to adjust to the adoption process.
You are still eligible for the several services available to pregnant women or new mothers. So, it is never too late to plan for adoption if your baby is a week, a month, or even six months older.
Adoption for Children from 6 Months to 12 Years of Age
If your child is still a toddler, you can make an adoption plan for them and find the right adoptive family because many parents would love to adopt a child of this age. Many adoption agencies specialize in assisting birth parents with placing their newborns and toddlers in adoption. The only difference is in the process. The adoption specialist or professional will need more information and documents before you can proceed with the process. If your child is 6 months or older, you need to provide the following:
● child’s birth certificate
● child’s medical records
● father listed on the certificate and proof of child support from any father
● other documentation about where the child lived up till now, who supported the child financially and emotionally
However, by age 4, the child develops more attachments than you can imagine, and adoption can be difficult. So, along with the above documents, some emotional considerations are also made that may affect the adoption process.
While some adoption agencies may help you with adoption if your child is in this age range, you can opt for some other resources available to make parenting easier for parents facing challenging situations. In Florida there is a 3 day revocation period for older children for parents who may change their mind after signing consents for adoption.
Can I Place My Child with Special Needs Up for Adoption?
Yes, you can place your child with special needs up for adoption. First of all, know that you’re not giving up on your child. If you’re considering an adoption plan for your baby, you’re making a selfless decision that is in your child’s best interest.
Many adoptive families are open to adopting children with special needs. In fact, they wish to adopt children who need more care. The adoption agencies ask the adoptive parents during the adoption planning process about the type of needs they can meet and the opportunities they’re looking for. However, some adoption agencies may not be the best resource for making adoption plans for children with very significant needs.
Still, you can find many professionals and agencies specializing in placing children with special needs for adoption.
The process of placing a child with special needs for adoption is almost the same as placing any other baby. A mother will get the same services, rights, and choices, including professional counseling, post-adoption communication, control of the adoption process, and free adoption services.
If you’re in Florida and looking for a licensed adoption center to place an older baby for adoption or make an adoption plan for your child with special needs, contact the Gift of Life Adoptions.
Gift of Life Adoptions is one of the best adoption agencies in Florida that have been helping birth parents and adoptive families for decades.
Call (727) 549-1416 to learn more about us or talk to one of our caring counselors!
