For struggling parents, it can be difficult to know where to turn when they are unable to care for their children. One potential option parents might consider is placing their child for adoption. There are many Michigan families waiting to adopt children, and choosing to place a child for adoption might provide them with a better life and more opportunities than the birth parents can provide.
When can a child be placed for adoption?
Technically, children can be placed for adoption at any time before they reach age 18. However, it is much more difficult to find an adoptive family for older children. Parents who are considering adopting a child out will have the best chance if the child is a baby. However, many families will still be willing to adopt a child up to age five. After that age, the difficulty involved with finding an adoption agency and family willing to adopt might be nearly insurmountable. Parents who are considering placing their children for adoption might talk to adoption providers or consider alternatives.
Alternatives to adoption
There are a few alternatives to adoption that struggling parents might investigate, including the following:
- Kinship adoption or having a relative adopt the child
- Granting temporary legal guardianship of the child to a friend or family member
- Seeking help from social services for help with housing, financial problems, and medical care
- Signing up for community resources and public benefits
Making the decision to place a child for adoption is not easy. In some cases, reaching out to friends and family members and accessing resources might be enough to overcome challenges. However, if a parent believes that adoption is the answer, they should recognize that deciding to give up a child for adoption might be a selfless way for the parent to ensure their child will enjoy a better life.