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Can You Give up a Child for Adoption at any Age?

It May Not Be Too Late

Putting a child up for adoption at any age can be a difficult choice to make. But, this brave decision could also be the best one you have ever made.

Even though it’s challenging, adoption can create a brighter future for both yourself and your child. You can still pursue this option even after you’ve given birth. 

To get more adoption information now, contact us online at any time. We’re always here to help you.

Can You Give up a Child for Adoption at Any Age?

Putting a child up for adoption at any age could be possible, but services are more limited as the child grows older. Whether you have just given birth or been home with your baby for months, you can still make an adoption plan with our agency.

Putting a Child Up for Adoption Age Limit

There is no age limit when it comes to giving your child up for adoption. But, most adoption agencies work with children under the age of 4. Also, the longer you parent, the stronger the bond between you and your child will be. This can make the child’s transition into a new family harder.

You can talk to a professional birth parent specialist today and ask them any questions you have about giving a child up for adoption.

Giving Child up for Adoption [3 Proactive Steps]

There are three things you can do to help determine if putting a child up for adoption at any age is the right path for you and your child:

Does It Cost Money to Put a Child for Adoption?

No, putting a child up for adoption at any age is 100% free for prospective birth mothers. At American Adoptions, you will receive many free services. You’ll also be eligible for adoption financial assistance that covers all your pregnancy- and adoption-related costs. 

Each state has its own laws about how much adoption financial assistance you’ll qualify for, but you’ll generally receive financial help with living expenses like:

  • Groceries
  • Utilities
  • Rent
  • Medical expenses
  • Legal fees
  • Transportation for doctor’s visits
  • And more

Adoption allows you to find stability and pursue your lifelong dreams. If you’re struggling financially, then our financial assistance could be the help you need. To get more free information now, fill out our online contact form today.

Can I Give My Child up for Adoption without the Father’s Consent?

Your adoption attorney will look into the situation and determine whether the adoption may proceed without the father's consent. These laws vary depending on what state you live in. Contact our agency today, and we’ll coordinate free, reputable legal services for you.

Julia, a birth mother who chose adoption with our agency, didn’t have the birth father’s support, but she was able to choose adoption anyway. For Julia, adoption gave her the chance to give the beautiful gift of parenthood to another family.

“I knew my life did not stop after adoption,” Julia said. “It gave me a second chance to pursue my goals and dreams so that I can be a better version of myself and help people along the way. I wanted to show my daughter that I didn’t give up on myself and, more importantly, her.”

How to Put a Child Up for Adoption [5 Steps]

Once you have determined that adoption is the best option for your child, you’ll create an adoption plan with guidance from your trusted birth parent specialist.

Although every adoption process is unique, this plan outlines all your specific needs and preferences. Once you’ve made that plan, the process for giving your child up for adoption will look like the following:

  • Step 1: Work with our agency to find the right family for your child.
  • Step 2: Choose the level of openness you want.
  • Step 3: Get to know the hopeful family (if you want).
  • Step 4: Give birth and complete the legal paperwork.
  • Step 5: Complete the placement.

To get more free information about giving your child up for adoption and finding a family, fill out our online contact form at any time.

Adoption isn’t an easy decision for anyone to make. But, putting a child up for adoption at any age can be a way to make sure they have a life of unconditional love and endless opportunity.

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Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is American Adoptions the right adoption agency choice for many birth mothers?

American Adoptions is one of the largest licensed adoption agencies in the United States. Each year, we work with thousands of women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy and offer assistance to these women. Our large, caring staff is able to assist you seven days a week and provide you with one-on-one counseling about your pregnancy and available options.

You should choose an adoption agency where you feel completely comfortable with their services and staff. With American Adoptions, you will work with an Adoption Specialist who is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Adoption Specialist will be your advocate and will provide support and guidance as you create an adoption plan that is right for you.

How will the family tell my child about me and the adoption when my child is older?

Each family has their own style of introducing adoption to the child. When you are matched with an adoptive family, you can ask them this question. If you would like your Adoption Specialist to discuss it for you, just let her know. He or she can share your wishes or provide good ideas from other adoptive families.

You will also be able to share what you want your baby to know about you. You can complete a keepsake booklet to share hobbies, stories, photos of you and your family and a letter to your baby. The adoptive family can provide this to your child as he or she grows older. Be as creative as you like! Some birth mothers have even knitted a special blanket as a gift to their baby or given a similar symbol of their love.

The father of your baby can fill out the birth father's keepsake booklet or write a letter too. You may have other family members who would also like to share photos or a letter to the baby. This is your opportunity to pass on your and your family's love and to share your personality, history and reasons for choosing adoption. The adoptive family will treasure whatever information you provide and will share it with the baby at an appropriate age. In most adoptive homes, the word adoption is in the child's vocabulary early on, and adoption is celebrated in their lives.

Additional Resources

Teen Pregnancy - Information for Young Women

While not every woman who chooses adoption is a young mother, many are. Through adoption, many young women have found an ability to give their babies the best life possible, while finding the opportunity to realize their own dreams, as well. Call American Adoptions today at 1-800-ADOPTION.

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Adoption Glossary

Do adoption terms and phrases leave you feeling confused? Learn the meaning to key adoption words and phrases with our comprehensive adoption glossary.

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