to place a child for adoption

Can you help me translate and understand this phrase? In "a child under age 18 placed for adoption" I'm not sure if it means that the child has been offered for adoption and he's still in the process and under surveillance of Social Services. Or it might mean the child has already been given for adoption...or perhaps something else?
Thanks,

Hi Andrea.

You were on target with your first thought. It means a child is up for adoption and under surveillance of Social Services.

Regards,
Fernanda