Can You Give a 1-Year-Old Up for Adoption? [What to Know]

You can place a 1-year-old for adoption, and you can find adoption support today when you call 1-800-ADOPTION.

• It is never too late to consider adoption for your child 

• You can receive the same services and support as any other birth mother. 

• Adoption is never “giving up” on your child — it’s choosing a better life. 

At a year old, it might seem like adoption is no longer an option, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Not only is adoption possible, but there are hundreds of couples hopeful for the opportunity to give your child the perfect home. 

Putting a 1-Year-Old Up for Adoption

Putting a 1-year-old up for adoption is similar to a yet-to-be-born or infant adoption with some nuance in the process.

It’s important to first note that placing or “giving up” your 1-year-old for adoption isn’t giving up at all. Rather, it’s taking your love and desire to give your child the best life possible and finding the right family and home to provide it. Adoption is a decision that is life-changing for everyone involved. 

Take it from Scott Mars, founder of American Adoptions, and an adoptee himself:      

“My mom and dad were a couple who weren’t able to become a mom and dad without adoption. Of all people in this world, my mom and dad deserve to be parents. And without adoption, they would not have been able to share their love, share their life, and give someone the life that I had.       

“Because of adoption, my life was filled with love and opportunity.”  You can watch Scott’s video to see his entire adoption story. 

Because many of the staff at American Adoptions are adoptees, have placed a child for adoption or adopted a child, we can provide a unique and first-hand level of support to ensure that your adoption experience is safe, smooth and gives hope for a better future. 

How Can I Place My Child for Adoption as a 1-Year-Old? 

If you know that parenting is not possible going forward, you are probably wondering about the process of putting a 1-year-old up for adoption. While the majority of American Adoptions’ cases are newborn adoptions, you can put a 1-year-old up for adoption.

We work with mothers who need to give a 1-year-old up for adoption, and we work with hopeful parents who would love to welcome a 1-year-old into their family.

During the adoption process, you will still have many of the same rights and choices as a mother who is placing her unborn baby for adoption. 

• You will be able to choose the adoptive family you think is best for your child 

• If you would like to have an open or semi-open adoption, you can choose to do so 

• American Adoptions’ 24/7 counseling and support is available to you 

• And more 

Along with all of these practical elements of the adoption process, it’s important for you to know that you will be given the utmost respect by American Adoptions. Any mother choosing adoption, whether she is putting a newborn up for adoption or putting a 1-year-old up for adoption, is making a very difficult choice. We know this choice comes from a place of love, and you will be given the respect you deserve. 

There are also a few additional steps you’ll need to take when placing a 1-year-old for adoption. Before you can get far in the adoption process, you will need to work with your adoption specialist to: 

• Obtain a copy of your child’s birth certificate 

• See who is listed as the father on your child’s birth certificate 

• Obtain medical records for your child 

• Provide documentation of where the child has lived from birth to present 

• Assess who has had custody or care of the child from birth to present 

• Determine who has provided financial and emotional support for this child from birth to present 

• Provide information about any father who has provided child support 

Remember, it’s never too late to choose adoption.

While you are required to address some extra steps in the adoption process for a 1-year-old, the end result gives your child the chance to have the life he or she deserves. Choosing adoption can also create a better future for yourself and help an adoptive family live out their dream of growing a family. 

Jocelyn, both an adoptee and a birth mother, beautifully describes how adoption changes lives. 

“Giving that child to somebody who, one, wants them — adoptive parents jump through hoops to get that baby. Two, you’re giving that child a much better life than you can offer them at that time. It’s the most selfless thing you could ever do. It hurts you, but it doesn’t hurt the baby. That baby is going to grow up and have a wonderful life with everything they could possibly need.” 

Get More Information on Placing a 1-Year-Old for Adoption  

If you have any additional questions, contact Michelle, a birth parent specialist and a birth parent herself, who is ready to answer any questions you have about putting a 1-year-old up for adoption.         

“I am available to answer any questions that arise, particularly from birth moms, as I have been in your shoes and know how you are feeling,” Michelle said. “It was most helpful to me when I had someone to talk to who would just listen to me without making any judgments or conclusions about who I was as a person.”         

You can ask Michelle questions about the adoption process online. You can also call us at 1-800-ADOPTION, or get free information with our online contact form for prospective birth mothers considering adoption here. Adoptive families wanting more information on adopting a child can click here to get more information. 

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