Raising the Child Yourself

Choosing to raise the child yourself, whether as a single parent or with a partner (or spouse), means you’ll first need to create a caregiving and parenting plan. If you are raising the child as a single parent, you’ll face greater pressures in terms of finances, caregiving, and emotional stress, and will need support from those around you.

  1. Marriage/Co-parenting
    This option involves mutual agreement between both parties, such as shared responsibilities, changes in roles, the division of family and financial responsibilities, and childcare. It’s essential to plan together before the child is born and communicate with both families to see if they can offer support. If no other family members can assist, you may need to seek help from social services. For those under the age of 21 who wish to get married, current law requires written consent from a parent or guardian. It’s highly recommended that you discuss this with your parents beforehand if you’re considering this option.
  2. Unmarried/Single Parenting
    Choosing to raise a child alone takes immense courage and responsibility. Besides adjusting to your new role, you will also need immediate support from family and social service organizations to help create a care plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I continue to study or work while pregnant?
    Of course! If you are still studying, you and your parents can discuss possible options with the school, such as taking a leave of absence or continuing your studies while pregnant. The necessary procedures should be discussed with the school, including whether medical or other documentation is needed to make appropriate arrangements.
    In terms of work, according to the Sex Discrimination Ordinance, it is illegal for anyone to treat a woman unfairly or terminate her employment due to pregnancy. If this happens, you can file a complaint with the Equal Opportunities Commission. It’s also ideal for employers and employees to work together to accommodate flexible work hours or work-from-home arrangements to achieve a win-win situation.
  2. After the baby is born, I need to go back to work. Who can help take care of my child?
    There are childcare services available in the community. You can consult a social worker about the care services offered by local child care centers. Since there is often a long waiting list, if you decide to give birth, it’s a good idea to apply for a spot during pregnancy. It’s also wise to have a backup plan, discussing with family members whether they can help with care or if you’ll need to hire a domestic helper. These options involve considering the family’s capabilities, finances, and time, so it’s best to prepare early.

Adoption Services

Adoption occurs when birth parents, for various reasons, are unable to continue caring for their child, and the child is legally placed with another family through a licensed adoption agency. Legally, the child’s custody is permanently transferred from one family to another. Adoptive families can be local or overseas.

There are currently four legal adoption agencies in Hong Kong: the Social Welfare Department, International Social Service Hong Kong, Mother’s Choice, and Po Leung Kuk. Aside from the Social Welfare Department, the other three agencies offer both local and overseas adoption services.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. After choosing adoption, can I still see my child?
    If the adopted child wishes to meet their birth parents, they can initiate a search service. However, children under 18 need parental consent, while those 18 or older can apply for the service through the Adoption Unit of the Social Welfare Department. Therefore, birth parents may not always be able to stay in contact with their child—it depends on the child’s decision after adoption.

  2. If I’m able to in the future, can I take my child back and raise them myself?
    Once adoption is legally approved by the court, custody of the child is permanently transferred to the adoptive family. Therefore, birth parents cannot apply to regain permanent custody. Before making this decision, it’s essential to fully understand the legal and procedural aspects of adoption and prepare yourself emotionally for the separation from your child. During this time, support from family, partners, and friends will be crucial, especially in dealing with potential emotional responses such as loss, sadness, and struggle.