One of our readers makes a good argument for single parent adoption, citing national statistics and family trends.... [more]
Is one parent's decision reason to question the validity of single parent adoption in general? I don't think so.... [more]
Getting started with the adoption process involves learning about attitudes, opportunities, and policies. Resources and information for singles of both genders.
Sharing their personal experiences, these singles offer insight into the process and the perils of adopting solo.
Support groups for single adoptive parents and singles seeking to adopt include informal local groups as well as national organizations.
The Role of the Single Mother in Adoption
Comments
Joseph,
I just wanted to say good luck to you. I am also a young male with no spouse who would love to adopt a child at some point in the next 5 years....I also see myself having trouble adopting as a single male. I am not gay or anything like that, I consider myself a decent looking person so I am sure one day I will have a child of my own with a wife but I see so many kids in the world with no family and i think, who am I to deny a kid a good home? That plus I was adopted myself by my father...
So once again I hope you find your way to adopting a child and the best of luck to you.
Posted by: SteveM at 06/03/2007 07:24 PM
It kind of depends if you are planning a domestic or international adoption. Most countries outside the US have minimum age requirements of 25-30, just depending on the country. Some countries will not allow a single male to adopt.
The US infant adoptions - while legally you can adopt at 18/21, most agencies are pretty strict with their requirements too. Mostly I see 25 being the minimum age, and they prefer a few years of financial stablility to consider you as a prospective parent. Doesn't mean you have to be rich, just means you have to have a stable consistent income.
If you are considering adopting a child from the foster care system, I think a lot of states have an age of 21. But again, they'll want to see the financial stability, emotional stability etc.
As for resources, it would help if I knew what type of adoption you are thinking of doing. There is a ton of info out there specific to domestic, international, fostercare etc., so helps to narrow it down.
A good place to start is..
[url]http://www.adopting.org/adoptions/learn-about-adoption-who-can-adopt.html[/url]
Posted by: Crick at 04/26/2007 06:38 AM
Hello,
My name is Joseph and I am hoping to get some helpful advice. I have decided to adopt and I am extremely excited about it. Unfortunately, I am only 22 years old and can not possibly financially afford to support a child. Also, I am single and only have a part-time job. Well, if you are still reading this and not wondering if I’m wasting your time, I will try to ease some of your thoughts. First, I absolutely love children! I have 5 sisters and 1 brother. I only work part-time because I am currently working on a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, with a concentration in Special Ed. My part-time job is a fourth grade co-teacher. I plan on working full time in the fall of 2008, as I will be finishing graduate school. I am a very mature 22 year old and understand the great significance of adoption. I come from a loving family that would be perfect for any child. So this is where I can use some advice. Obviously, I am in no position to adopt a child now. However, I feel like I will be once I am out of graduate school and have a full time job, which will likely be in the next 20 months. What I’m trying to find out is if I will be ready at that time, or is that too soon? Also, what can I do until then to prepare myself for adoption, classes, books, etc.?(specific) Although I have given this a lot of thought, and discussed it with friends and family, I feel that I will have a difficult time convincing the people that will ultimately make the decision. Is this a worthy fear, or do I just worry too much? Well I guess that is enough information and questions for now. I have some time to further my knowledge on adoption and look forward to any and all feedback. You can email me at jjuhas1@LSU.edu Thank you very much for your time and consideration
Posted by: jjuhas at 04/25/2007 08:52 PM
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