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Placing Older Children for Adoption

Considering adoption is a brave thing to do. We know you want what is best for your child, and we want to help.

We've created these guides to help you understand what is involved when you place an older child for adoption. Even if you have already started parenting your child, adoption may still be an option. And if your child is 4 years old or younger, then American Adoptions may be able to help.

In the articles below, you can get find answers to some of the most common questions about older child adoption. Our adoption professionals are always here to help, no matter your circumstances. You can call us anytime at 1-800-ADOPTION or click here to be contacted by an adoption professional.

What is an Adoption Transition Plan?

What is an Adoption Transition Plan?

An adoption transition plan is a crucial part of introducing your older child their new life. But how does it work? Here's everything you need to know.

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Will the Adoptive Family Change My Child's Name?

Will the Adoptive Family Change My Child's Name?

"If I place my older child for adoption, can the adoptive family change their name?" The answer to that is yes, but here’s what else you should know.

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What's the Difference Between Open Adoption vs. Co-Parenting?

What's the Difference Between Open Adoption vs. Co-Parenting?

Is open adoption the same as co-parenting? Not exactly. Here’s what you need to know.

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5 Big Questions to Ask Yourself Before Considering Adoption

5 Big Questions to Ask Yourself Before Considering Adoption

You knew parenting would be hard. But for some women, the daily challenges make them wonder if adoption is a better option. There are 5 questions you need to ask yourself before putting an older child up for adoption.

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5 Ways Cope after You Place Your Child for Adoption

5 Ways Cope after You Place Your Child for Adoption

Placing your older child up for adoption may be the toughest decision you ever make. As you prepare for this new chapter of your life, here are 5 tips on how to cope.

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Is Placing an Older Child Up for Adoption a Crime?

Is Placing an Older Child Up for Adoption a Crime?

Is adoption for your older child the right path, and if so, is it a crime? These are the facts about older child adoption you need to know.

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Top Articles

How to Put a Baby Up for Adoption [Complete Guide]

How to Put a Baby Up for Adoption [Complete Guide]

By putting your baby up for adoption, you can give them a loving family and a bright future. Here's how the process works in six steps:

Step 1: Decide if adoption is right for you
Step 2: Make your adoption plan
Step 3: Find adoptive parents...

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How to Find Adoptive Parents [Choosing the Perfect Match]

How to Find Adoptive Parents [Choosing the Perfect Match]

Need to find loving adoptive parents for your baby? There are just 3 steps. Here's how it works.

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What's it like to Give a Child Up for Open Adoption? [How to Stay Connected to Your Child]

What's it like to Give a Child Up for Open Adoption? [How to Stay Connected to Your Child]

What does "open adoption" really mean, and what is it like to place a baby in an open adoption today?

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How Do Children Feel About Being Adopted?

How Do Children Feel About Being Adopted?

What does it feel like to be adopted? Here are some of the words adoptees use to describe it...

"Adoption means becoming whole."
"My birth mother is AMAZING."
"Because of adoption, I am different and special!"

Adoption can give your baby an amazing life. Here's what you need to know.

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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.

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.

The Best for Her Babies - Why One Birth Mother Doesn't Regret Her Decision

Lindsey was already the mother to one baby with special needs when she found herself pregnant again. A single mom in the midst of a divorce, she knew adoption was the way to give both her daughters what they deserved.