5 FAQs from Women Considering Adoption

If you want to place a 1-year-old for adoption, then having questions about the adoption process and where to begin is completely normal.

Adoption offers the chance of a better life for you and your child. And, you can still receive the same services and support as any other birth mother.

When you connect with an adoption professional, they will answer any questions and ease your concerns about “giving my 1-year-old up for adoption.”

1. Is It Too Late to Put My 1-Year-Old up for Adoption?

No.  You can place a 1-year-old for adoption, but the process is not without its unique challenges. At this point, you and your baby may have forged a deep bond with each other. So, when it comes time to place your 1-year-old for adoption, it can be difficult.

But, you can find adoption support today when you contact an adoption agency. There is no right or wrong time to start considering adoption if you think it’s best for yourself and your child.

Not only is adoption possible, but there are also plenty of hopeful waiting families ready to give your child the perfect home for them. You can create your adoption plan today to get started.

2. How Do I Put My 1-Year-Old up for Adoption? [5 Steps]

You will experience a similar adoption process when you place a 1-year-old for adoption as you would if they were a newborn. But, there are some additional steps you’ll need to take when you want to place a 1-year-old for adoption.

In general, someone considering adoption will go through these five steps of the adoption process:

• Step 1: Connect with an adoption agency and determine your preferences for an adoptive family.
• Step 2: View waiting adoptive family profiles that match your preferences and needs.
• Step 3: Choose the level of openness.
• Step 4: Give birth and complete the legal paperwork with your adoption attorney.
• Step 5: Complete the adoption placement.

But, when you want to put your 1-year-old up for adoption, there are some extra steps. You will work with your adoption specialist to: 

• Obtain a copy of your child’s birth certificate 
• Note 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 potential father who has provided child support 

Although you are required to address these extra steps for a 1-year-old, the end result gives your child the chance to have the life they deserve. Choosing adoption can also create a better future for you and help an adoptive family live out their dreams of building a family. 

If you’re ready to learn more about how to place a 1-year-old for adoption, then you can contact an adoption agency today.

3. Does Putting a Child up for Adoption Cost Money?

No. Adoption is always free for you. There is adoption financial assistance available to you when you work with a reliable adoption agency. But, receiving payment outside of pregnancy- and adoption-related living expenses is illegal when you place a 1-year-old for adoption.

Each state has its own laws about adoption financial assistance, but you can typically receive financial help with payments for:

• Transportation to and from doctor’s appointments
• Rent
• Utilities
• Groceries
• Maternity clothing
• Phone services
• And more

Also, when you work with an adoption agency to place a 1-year-old for adoption, they can offer:

• 24/7 adoption counseling and support
• Free medical expenses
• Free legal expenses

But, if you choose adoption for your child after birth, you would be missing out on these free services during your pregnancy.

4. Is Putting a Baby up for Adoption Hard?

It can be emotionally difficult when you place a 1-year-old up for adoption. Having formed a connection with your child for a year, it can not only be challenging to make this decision and complete the adoption process but hard to adjust to life after placement.

For many pregnant women experiencing this situation, this can be one of the toughest decisions to make. But, it might also be the most rewarding thing you can ever do.

Natasha, a birth mother, made the difficult choice of placing her baby for adoption. Although she describes feelings of grief and loss, she also knows that those feelings are necessary to reach a place of acceptance.

“A mother’s love for her child is like no other love,” Natasha said. “To be able to put that feeling aside because you want the best for your child is the most unselfish thing I know. No one will ever understand that pain until they are in your shoes. You are not alone. As the days go on, the pain slowly fades little by little. It will not always hurt as much as it did the month, week or day before.”

5. What Are Some Tips before Giving My 1-Year-Old up for Adoption?

• Read about the adoption pros and cons.
• Watch videos from women who chose adoption.
• Look at adoptive family profiles.
• Join an expectant mother support group.
• Contact an adoption agency when you’re ready.

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Adoption is a decision that is life-changing for everyone involved. 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.

You will never be alone throughout the process.