What Are the Age Requirements for “Giving Your Child up” for Adoption?

Explaining Age Requirements for Giving Your Child Up for Adoption

No matter what your situation may be, it’s completely okay to wonder, “Can you give your child up for adoption at any age?”

You may feel overwhelmed if this describes your circumstances. But there is hope, and there are adoption agencies that can support you.

Whether it’s possible to place your child for adoption depends largely on your particular situation. In some instances, you may be able to place an older child for adoption. In others, though, there could be a maximum age to put a child up for adoption.

When you choose adoption, you don’t “give up.” You give your child a life full of love and opportunity with a wonderful family of your choosing.

We should mention that the following situations are not universal because every situation is unique. If adoption is not an option in your situation, there are many other resources that can improve your life.

For Children Between Ages 1 and 4:

If your child is still a baby or a toddler, then adoption is absolutely available for you. In fact, licensed adoption agencies can provide you with crucial support services that include:

• Financial support.
• A large number of wonderful families to choose from.
• A personalized adoption plan that gives you complete control.
• 24/7 support.

Most adoption professionals specialize in domestic infant adoption, and many hopeful adoptive parents would love to adopt a child in this age range.

But, by age 4, a child develops quite a bit. As they grow older, children begin to form attachments, so adoption can become more difficult for a child. Many adoption agencies can help place a child for adoption until age 4, though it’s crucial to research some resources that may help make parenting easier for you. It’s still possible that parenting could be the best option for your child.

For Children Who are Part of a Sibling Set:

If you have a child that is above the maximum age limit, but you’re also planning on placing their younger siblings for adoption, then this could change things. Whenever possible, both adoption agencies and public resources try to keep sibling groups together.

When you reach out to an adoption professional about placing more than one child for adoption, be sure to mention how important it is to you that your children stay together. 

Most adoption agencies won’t split up a sibling group, so they could help you place an older child for adoption even if they exceed the age limit to put a child up for adoption. Even if they usually have a maximum age limit, most adoption professionals make exceptions for sibling groups.