There are a myriad of reasons why a child might be given up for adoption. In many cases, children are given up for adoption while they are still infants. However, some parents might wonder: can I give my child up for adoption after he or she gets older?

This question can be more complicated than a simple yes or no.  Unlike the newborn adoptions most people think of, the process of placing an older child for adoption is more complex, especially under Alaska law. The answer isn’t a simple “yes” or “no,” because the law treats parental rights, child welfare, and the best interests of the child with deep seriousness.

In Alaska, adoption means a complete and permanent transfer of parental rights from the birth parent to another individual or family. For infants, this is usually arranged voluntarily through private agencies or the Office of Children’s Services (OCS). When a child is older, however, voluntary adoption isn’t just a matter of signing papers. The courts will weigh whether adoption is appropriate, whether the placement is in the child’s best interests, and whether the proposed adoptive family is fit and willing to take on the responsibility.

It is possible for a parent to voluntarily relinquish their parental rights to OCS, but this typically happens in situations where OCS is already involved in the family’s life due to safety, neglect, or dependency concerns. Relinquishment is a formal process, requiring court approval, and once done it is final. Parents who are struggling but not in danger of losing custody through state involvement sometimes explore alternatives, such as guardianship. A legal guardianship transfers day-to-day care and decision-making power to another trusted adult but does not permanently sever the parent-child relationship. The parent may retain some rights, including the ability to petition to end the guardianship later.

Courts in Alaska are reluctant to approve adoption or termination of parental rights simply because parenting feels difficult or overwhelming. They must be convinced that adoption is truly necessary for the child’s safety, stability, and long-term wellbeing. That doesn’t mean you are trapped if you feel you cannot care for your child anymore—but it does mean that adoption of an older child requires navigating a careful legal process, and in many cases exploring other avenues first.

If you find yourself asking this question, it’s important to understand that you have options, but each comes with legal consequences. Adoption ends the legal parent-child bond forever, while guardianship allows for more flexibility and the possibility of reunification down the road. Speaking with an Alaska family law attorney can help you assess your situation realistically, protect your rights, and ensure that any steps you take are truly in the best interest of your child.