Developing an adoption plan for your child can be the final act of love. If you are unable to meet the legal and moral responsibilities of parenthood, there are professional adoption services and agencies that will help you find a loving home forever for your child. Can you give an older child up for adoption?
Can you “give your child away” for adoption at any age?
Adoption can be a bold and selfless decision. As a mother, we know that you want the best for your child. Although the phrase “give your child to adoption” is often heard, this decision does not mean giving up, regardless of your child’s age. You should always feel supported to make the best decision possible in your life, which is the choice you are entitled to make. When you consider adopting, especially adopting with older children, the options available will vary depending on your age. Everyone can put their child to adoption, but the specificity of your situation may determine a different outcome.
Adoption for newborns up to 6 months old
Although many women consider adoption in the early stages of pregnancy, women often consider adoption after birth, or even six months later. Usually, six-month adoption and newborn adoption are very similar in terms of the steps to be taken. This age group also represents the vast majority of jobs that private adoption agencies such as American Adoptions deal with every year, making it even easier to find the resources and services needed to develop an adoption plan.
Adoption from 6 months to 4 years old
In addition to additional logistical complications, there may be additional emotional complications – both for you and your child – that should be considered in this age range. A child develops at the age of 4 more than you can imagine. When a child reaches the age of 2, 3 and 4, he creates attachments and patterns that can hinder the transition to adoption. When a child reaches the age of 4, it may be more difficult to find an adoption agency with resources and services to complete a safe and reliable adoption for an older child. Although there are adoption agencies that may be able to help you adopt in this age range for individual cases, there are also resources that can help facilitate parenting. It may happen that even if children meet the age requirements to be adopted, parenthood may still be the best option available.
Party from 5 to 12 years old
In many adoption agencies, including American adoptions, the age of 4 is generally considered the maximum age for which a child can be adopted. Instead, seeking local resources that can reduce the burden of parenthood is usually the best option for children in this age range.
Where to get support
Adoption is a big decision and there is no right or wrong answer. That is why it is important to talk about how you feel during this time. Going through the adoption process can be really difficult. And after having a baby, even if you feel it was the right decision, you can feel relief, guilt, sadness or regret.
Getting used to it can be a big change, so you can talk to your advisor about your well-being at any time.
