Adopting Children

Common Requirements for Adoptive Parents

Adoption laws are formulated in the best interest of the child and seek to protect everyone's rights - the rights of the child, the rights of the placing birthparents, and the rights of the adoptive parents. Each state (and country) has its own unique adoption laws. Although all adoption agencies have some requirements for prospective adoptive parents, some agencies rely on the minimum requirements mandated by state law while others have their own additional criteria.

It is not uncommon for an agency to have more stringent requirements for parents seeking to adopt healthy infants than for parents interested in adopting older or special needs children.

A few agencies may go so far as to restrict clientele to nonsmokers or to adults who are not overweight.

The list below includes areas that are usually explored by adoption professionals:

Age

A common misconception is that only young or early-middle-aged people can adopt. In fact, the only legal requirement is that an adoptive parent be an adult. Most adoption agencies will be able to work with you if you are between the ages of 21 and 60 years old. In general, adoption agencies desire the adoptive parents to be young enough to see the child grow to maturity and in good enough health to properly care for a child. Some adoption agencies may also specify a minimum (or maximum) age span between the adoptive parents and the child.

Income

Adoption agencies do ask for a full accounting of your financial situation because they want to be sure you can provide a stable home and the basic necessities for your child. It's much more important for you to manage a small amount of money well than for you to frivolously squander large amounts of money. During the adoption process you will be asked to provide a copy of previous income tax returns and verification of your salary from your employer. (If you are concerned about how to afford the cost of adoption, please read the chapter entitled, "How Can I Afford to Adopt." There are literally dozens of options out there that make adoption very affordable for practically everyone!)

Marital Status

First, different adoption agencies (or countries, if you're pursuing international adoption) have different requirements regarding the marital status of potential adoptive parents. Some agencies (and countries) readily accept single adopters, while others do not allow adoption by singles. You just have to do your research to find the adoption agency (or country) that best suits your circumstances.

Some adoption agencies (or countries, if you're going international) require couples to be married a certain number of years before they can adopt. (Some agencies will consider the length of the relationship rather than the length of the marriage.) Prior divorce is usually okay, but some agencies may have a limit on the number of prior divorces they find acceptable. In addition, some agencies also stipulate a longer minimum length of married time for couples desiring to adopt if either of the individuals have a history of divorce.

Health

There are several aspects to a prospective adoptive parent's health that will be examined by an adoption agency. A complete physical examination is required to complete your homestudy; this exam must show evidence that you are in reasonably good health. In general, adoption agencies want to know if your life expectancy is normal and if you have any serious underlying medical problems. And sometimes the adoption agencies will also require medical examinations of other family members who live with you.

During your physical, your physician will check your main body systems such as your heart and lungs. You will also have laboratory work done, including a complete blood count and a urinalysis. Some adoption agencies mandate screenings for specific illnesses such as hepatitis or HIV. You may also be asked about psychiatric or psychological counseling you have received. You do not have to be in perfect health to adopt, but you do need to be healthy enough to properly care for a child. (Note: The physical examination required for your homestudy may not be covered by your health insurance if the insurance company says that the exam is not medically necessary, so be sure you to contact your insurance carrier ahead of time to find out if it will or will not be covered.)

Some adoption agencies (and countries, if you're going the international route) require that you provide a statement of infertility before you will be allowed to adopt. Furthermore, some agencies require that you not be actively involved with infertility treatments. If the prospective adoptive mother becomes pregnant during the adoption process, the adoption agency may put your application on hold until after the birth of the baby, and there may be a waiting period after the birth before you can resume your adoption journey .

Religion

While many adoption agencies are not affiliated with any religion, other agencies or expectant parents may stipulate that the child be placed with adoptive parents who share a particular religious background. Some adoption agencies may require that you have a religious affiliation (the type of religion isn't important) and may ask for a recommendation from your pastor or rabbi. One important thing to keep in mind is that many religiously-affiliated adoption agencies do not only deal with people who share their religious affiliation - most religiously-affiliated adoption agencies will gladly work with people outside that particular faith.

Family Size

When placing a healthy infant, some adoption agencies stipulate that only childless couples or those with no more than one other child in the home will be considered. If birthparents expectant parents control the selection of adoptive parents, they may also specify criteria regarding family size. Some agencies will not accept applications from single persons for infant adoptions, while some agencies may discriminate against large families. And, if you have previously adopted, you may be asked to show evidence the adoption has been finalized before starting on another.

Employment

Some adoption agencies will ask that one parent take a couple of weeks (or months) off from work to help the new child settle in to their forever family. Other adoption agencies make no such stipulations for adoptive parents.

Residency

Some adoption agencies may only serve a specific geographical region. Before signing on with a particular agency, be sure to do your research and find out if this agency is licensed to place children in your state.

© 2004 Mary M. Strickert