- Home
- » Adoption
- » How to Adopt
- » Who Can Adopt?
Who Can Adopt?
Adoption is a process in which children become full and permanent legal members of another family. Determining eligibility to adopt is based on a process of mutual assessment and preparation by the prospective adoptive parents and social worker or agency, called a home study. Most people are eligible to adopt, regardless of marital status, age, or income or sexual orientation. Having a disability does not automatically disqualify a prospective adoptive parent. Some foreign countries have specific requirements and restrictions for families who want to adopt from those countries. Faith-based agencies may also have specific requirements for families adopting through their agencies.
Who May Adopt, Be Adopted, or Place a Child for Adoption? | |
Series Title: | State Statutes |
Author(s): | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
Availability: | View Download (PDF - 543KB) |
Year Published: | 2012 - 37 pages |
Summarizes State laws regarding eligibility for becoming an adoptive parent (in terms of marital status, age, residency, and more), eligibility for being adopted as a child or adult, and authority to place a child for adoption. The summary is followed by an alphabetical listing of States' relevant statutes. |
Adoption: Where Do I Start? | |
Series Title: | Factsheets for Families |
Author(s): | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
Availability: | View Download (PDF - 1,556KB) Order (Free) - Add to Cart |
Year Published: | 2010 - 8 pages |
This factsheet is an introduction to the many paths to building your family through adoption. It will give you an understanding of the basics in any adoption process and guide you to resources at each step. |
Are You Eligible to Adopt?
National Adoption Center
Lists general requirements for prospective adoptive parents.
Criminal Background Checks for Prospective Foster and Adoptive Parents | |
Series Title: | State Statutes |
Author(s): | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
Availability: | View Download (PDF - 589KB) |
Year Published: | 2011 - 65 pages |
Discusses the requirements set by States for conducting checks of State and Federal criminal records of prospective foster and adoptive parents, as well as any adults residing in the prospective parents? households. Summaries of laws for all States and U.S. territories are included. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Dave Thomas Foundation
Answers common questions about the adoption process, including questions regarding eligibility to adopt.
Frequently Asked Question
North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC)
Provides answers to a wide range of questions about the adoption process and eligibility to adopt.
Make Disabled Parent Adoption Happen
National Adoption Center
Offers general information on resources regarding disabled parent adoption.
State Guidelines
AdoptUsKids
Provides State-by-State specific information about foster parenting and adoption.
The Adoption Home Study Process | |
Series Title: | Factsheets for Families |
Author(s): | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
Availability: | View Download (PDF - 1,553KB) Order (Free) - Add to Cart |
Year Published: | 2010 - 9 pages |
This fact sheet describes the types of information that will be collected from prospective adoptive parents during the home study process. The following elements are addressed: autobiographical statement, health statement, income statement, child abuse and criminal clearances, and references. Tips for the interview and home visit also are provided. |
Who Can Adopt
Adopting.org
Offers resources and information for prospective adoptive parents of all ages and circumstances.
Who Can Adopt?
U.S. State Department
Provides national, State, and foreign requirements for intercountry adoption.
When Are You "Too Old" To Adopt?
RainbowKids (2006)
Explores adoption options as a parent over 40.