Learn About Who Can Adopt

Adoptive parents may be married or single, childless or already parenting other children.
Having a disability does not automatically disqualify you from adopting a child; rather agencies will want to ensure that you can care for a child and meet his or her needs throughout his or her childhood.
Divorce or a history of marital or personal counseling does not automatically eliminate you as a candidate.
You are not required to own your own home or to have a high income in order to give children what they need--permanence, stability, a lifetime commitment, and a chance to be part of a family.

Children do not need "perfect" parents--they need one or more caring and committed individuals willing to meet their needs and to incorporate them into a nurturing family environment.

Increasing numbers of agencies and some foreign countries are now placing children with single applicants. Follow-up research studies of successful single parent adoptions have shown single adoptive parents as mature, independent, and having a wide and supportive network of family and friends. In fact, single adoptive parents are often the placement of choice for children who have trouble dealing with two parents due to a history of abuse or neglect.

For many infant adoptions in the United States, however, agency criteria for applicants are more restrictive. Often agencies will only consider couples married at least 1 to 3 years, between the ages of 25 and 40, and with stable employment income. Some agencies accept applicants who are older than 40. Some agencies require that the couple have no other children and be unable to bear children. Some agencies require that one parent not work outside the home for at least 6 months after the adoption. Agencies placing infants will discuss their specific eligibility regulations and placement options with you.

Related Resources

Credits: Child Welfare Information Gateway (http://www.childwelfare.gov)

Comments

Amanda Todd,
It sounds like your mum is a fantastic mum. I hope that our DD feels as secure and loved as you do when she's an adult, too. I know it's possible, when I hear the very sweet posts like yours. Thank you for sharing your experience. :-)

Posted by: BelovedsMama at 03/19/2006 05:57 PM

I was adopted when i was a baby and have never had a lack of love from my Mum. Infact when i talk to friends i find that we are closer than many of they are to their parents.

I have thought about adoption for a few years and feel that now is the right time in my life. There are so many children and so much we can do for them with a little time and love.

Posted by: Amanda Todd at 03/19/2006 10:12 AM

View all comments (2)

Add Your Comments!

We want to know what you think. Your comments are important to us and the other readers. You are what makes this site special.