If you’re currently parenting but feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or emotionally stretched thin, you may be wondering: Is adoption still an option? You might be caring for a baby, toddler, or young child and experiencing second thoughts about parenting. This does not make you a bad parent, it makes you human.

At CFK, we’ve supported many parents in your position. If you're considering placing a child for adoption while parenting, this guide will walk you through your rights, options, and how to move forward with compassion for yourself and for your child.

Understanding the Emotions Behind Second Thoughts

No one starts their parenting journey imagining they may later choose adoption. But life can shift unexpectedly. Financial pressure, mental health struggles, lack of support, or relationship changes can all reshape your ability to parent.

You might love your child deeply and still feel unequipped to give them what they need. Or perhaps you’ve reached a breaking point and don’t recognize yourself anymore. These moments are valid and real. Choosing to explore adoption after parenting takes incredible strength, it’s not a sign of failure. It’s a sign of love.



Every parent deserves the right to ask for help, and every child deserves to be raised in a stable, nurturing home even if that means a different path than you first imagined.

Is It Legal to Place a Child for Adoption After Parenting Has Begun?

Yes, in every U.S. state including Ohio, you can legally choose to place your child for adoption at any age, whether they’re a newborn, infant, toddler, or even older.

There is no legal deadline or cut-off age for making this decision, though the process looks a bit different when a child is older. If both birth parents are involved, their legal consent is typically required. If only one parent is the legal guardian, they may be able to proceed independently, depending on the state’s laws.

In Ohio, an adoption agency or attorney can help you navigate these legal steps while ensuring your rights are protected. Adoption professionals are trained to handle toddler and older child placements with sensitivity to both emotional and legal factors.

What Is Toddler Adoption and How Does It Work?

Toddler adoption usually refers to placing a child between 12 months and 4 years old. Unlike infant adoption, this involves more steps to ensure your child’s emotional needs are addressed. These may include:

• Finding an adoptive family open to toddler adoption
• Creating a transition plan to help the child adjust gradually
• Including the child in age appropriate ways if possible

An adoption professional will help build a thoughtful plan tailored to your child’s age and personality. This often includes transitional care strategies like brief visits or scheduled interactions with the adoptive family, especially in open adoption settings.

You can still make choices like selecting the adoptive parents, creating a post-placement contact plan, and building an adoption plan that reflects your child’s needs.

What If I’m Feeling Guilt or Shame About the Idea?

Many parents experience feelings of guilt when considering adoption after parenting. You may feel like you're abandoning your child or be afraid of what others will think. These feelings are normal and they deserve care, not judgment.

Placing a child for adoption while parenting doesn’t mean you haven’t tried hard enough. It may mean you’ve reached a loving decision that puts your child’s needs above your own. That takes courage not shame.

Many birth parents say they wish they’d known earlier that this option was available. You deserve to explore it without fear, and with full emotional support.

Can I Still Choose an Open Adoption?

Absolutely. Open adoption is often possible and encouraged even when a child is older.

You can choose a family that shares your values, faith, or lifestyle. You may also create an agreement that includes visits, video calls, letters, or shared photos. These options are discussed ahead of time and, while not always legally enforceable, are built on mutual trust and respect.

Many birth parents who place toddlers for adoption remain a part of their child’s life. While it looks different than parenting full-time, it offers peace of mind and continued connection.

How to Start the Adoption Process After Parenting Has Begun

The first step is to connect with an adoption counselor or agency that has experience with adoption after parenting. At CFK, we guide parents through this process every day with no judgment, pressure, or expectations.

After you reach out, here's what typically happens:

1. Confidential Consultation: You’ll meet with a counselor to discuss your situation and goals. You can ask questions, talk through your fears, and learn more about your rights.
   
   
2. Adoption Planning: If you decide to move forward, you’ll begin building a customized adoption plan, including family selection, openness level, and a timeline that meets your child’s needs.
   
   
3. Support Services: You’ll receive emotional counseling, help with logistics, and support throughout the transition and beyond.
   
   
4. Placement & Transition: With toddler adoption, special care is taken to help your child feel safe and emotionally supported during the transition.

This process moves at your pace. You’re never rushed or forced to decide quickly.

What Makes This Process Different from Infant Adoption?

Older-child or toddler placements include added steps to support both you and your child emotionally. These can include:

• Age-appropriate preparation for the child (when applicable)
• Detailed transition planning
• Therapeutic support before, during, and after placement



Some children may already have memories, routines, and attachments. That’s why adoptive families who welcome older children are carefully screened to ensure they’re prepared for this emotional responsibility.

Real Voices: Birth Parents Who Chose Adoption After Parenting

“I was raising my son alone and trying my best, but we were barely getting by. I didn’t have childcare, and I couldn’t hold down a job. Choosing adoption for him at 2 years old broke my heart but now I get photos, letters, and updates. He’s thriving.”

“At first, I thought it was too late. I didn’t know I could still choose adoption after parenting. But my daughter needed more than I could give. Now I see her laughing in family photos. I made that life possible.”

These are not stories of failure. They are stories of love, agency, and second chances for both parent and child.

Healing, Hope, and Moving Forward

Making the decision to place a child for adoption after parenting is one of the most difficult and courageous choices a parent can face. But it's also a choice rooted in love and the desire to give your child the best possible life.

You deserve to be supported, not judged. You deserve kindness, not shame. And most of all, you deserve space to make the right decision for your family whether that means continuing to parent or choosing adoption with the guidance of trusted professionals.

Conclusion: You Are Not Alone

If you’re parenting and feeling unsure about the future, know this: You have options. And you have people who care. At CFK, we offer judgment-free support to parents exploring placing a child for adoption while parenting. Whether you're raising a toddler or caring for an infant, you're not trapped you have a path forward.

You can begin with a simple conversation. No pressure. No expectations. Just support, truth, and a plan built with your heart in mind.

Reach out today to talk to someone who understands.

FAQ: Placing a Child for Adoption While Parenting