Mother and daughter with down syndrome

Can You Put a Baby Up for Adoption? [Requirements]

Can I ‘Give a Child Up’ with Special Needs?

Parenting is hard. It can feel overwhelming and frustrating. If your child has special needs, things may become so challenging that it feels impossible to carry on.

But in the midst of that, we know you want what is best for your child.

So, you’re asking, “Can you give up a disabled child for adoption?”

You may feel guilty even asking that question. But, you shouldn’t — and this guide is going to tell you why. We’re going to cover:

How to Put a Special Needs Child Up for Adoption

Your personal experience with putting a special needs child up for adoption will be unique, and there’s one big factor that can change how the process goes (more on that below).

However, every private adoption process will follow the same general steps.

Here’s how to put a special needs child up for adoption with the help of a private adoption agency:

Step 1: Choose adoption.

Adoption is a life-changing journey, and it’s important to feel confident in this decision. Take your time to make sure adoption is the best option in your situation.

Step 2: Find an adoption agency.

Agencies provide the services that make “giving up” a special needs baby for adoption possible. They support you and make sure your rights are protected.

Step 3: Pick the adoptive family.

When you choose adoption, you get to pick the adoptive parents you believe will be perfect for your baby. These parents will love and cherish your child.

Step 4: Complete the adoption placement.

Your adoption agency will help you complete the adoption paperwork when it’s time for your child to be placed with the adoptive parents.

Step 5: Stay connected through open adoption.

“Giving up” a baby with down syndrome for adoption (or a child with any other special needs) does not mean saying goodbye forever. Most adoptions today are at least semi-open, which means you can have a lasting connection with your child as they grow up in their loving adoptive family.

When Parents Choose “Giving Up a Child” for Adoption with Down Syndrome

Are you at the end of your rope?

Parents who choose “giving up a child” for adoption with Down syndrome, autism or any other special needs often feel helpless. Is that how you feel? We know you want what is best for your child because you love them.

Adoption could be the best thing for you and your child. By choosing an adoptive family who is prepared for the unique challenges of special needs adoption, you give your baby the opportunity to grow up in a loving, safe home.

You may want to put a disabled child up for adoption if:

However, adoption is not the right solution for every situation. Perhaps the biggest factor in determining whether or not putting a special needs child up for adoption will be possible for you is the age of your child.

Most private adoption agencies are not equipped to facilitate the placement of children 4 years or older. If your child is older than this, then you may want to seek alternative sources of assistance. It may not be impossible to place an older child for adoption, but it is much more difficult.

Alternatives to “Giving an Autistic Child Up” for Adoption

If “giving a baby up” for adoption is not an option in your situation, then you may want to look for other sources of assistance. There are behavioral health interventions, other mental and physical health resources, parent support groups and more that might be helpful.

These include:

Special Needs Adoption Agencies

Putting a special needs child up for adoption could be the best thing for yourself and your child. Do you believe this is the case in your situation? You should contact an adoption agency to learn more.

There are many adoption agencies out there. For your situation, it may be best to contact an agency that specializes in special needs adoption. You could start with one of the organizations below:

Ready to get started? Contact an adoption agency now to get free information.

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