Hello! I'm about to turn 31 years old in April, but haven't found Mr. right yet, but my biological clock is ticking. I am afraid i'm probably just too picky, and haven't really had any second dates in a long time. I'm considering adoption, but not quite sure what adoption agencies look for in qualifications. I live in an apartment, and make enough to where I could support a child and myself, but my credit hasn't been all that good in the past, but it is now getting better which i'm thrilled with. Could someone please let me know what adoption agencies look for, and if they place children in single parent homes? I couldn't adopt someone with special needs as I don't think I could financially support one, but I would be able to do say a child under 10 years. Thank you ahead of time!!
2007-03-04 14:23:55 · 6 answers · asked by atlantagal 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
Contact your county (governmental) adoption agency. They usually have large, informational meetings in the evenings and lay it ALL out for you ... then if you still want to proceed, you are free to continue on to the next level and complete some preliminary paperwork. County adoptions are also the least expensive means of adopting a child and ~usually~ the children are over the age of 3. Most children available have drug-addicted parents who have been given multiple chances by the court system to give up drugs, but after so many chances while the child remains in foster care, the judge will finally say "This is not a good situation for the child, you are not changing your habits and I hereby take away your parental rights". The child then is placed up for adoption and placed through a social worker. This is why these children are usually over the age of 3 ... they've been in the foster care system for a few years, waiting on mom and dad to decide to be responsible parents. I adopted my son through the County and it cost me under $1k.
The overseas adoptions will cost you an arm and a leg. You are usually looking at around $20k with international fees, travel expenses and attorney fees.
2007-03-04 14:33:39 · answer #1 · answered by americansneedtowakeup 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am a foster parent and deal with DHS on a regular basis and I think that agencies kinda look at foster in the same way they do adoption homes. Doesn't matter if you live in an apartment or a house, are you financially able to provide for a child, they look at your background to see if you have a criminal history. There are in our state anyway what they call kids who come with money. They are kids who have some sort of disability or behavior problem. These kids from what I understand will come with a medical card and a monthly check to help with the cost. There are so many children who need homes. I hate to say it but most people want healthy newborn babies so when I hear you say you would take an older child I know you should have no problem finding a child perfect for you. Basically they look to be sure that you can financially and emotionally care for a child. They help find that one for you.Good luck on your journey.
2007-03-04 14:38:03 · answer #2 · answered by breezy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Every agency has their own rules and qualifications. Some want you married, some don't. There is also foster care and most accept single people. Credit isn't always a problem, as long as you can give a child a stable environment. Adoption is an extremely expensive project. Most agencies charge alot. Foster care/adoption is the least expensive way. We are in the process of adopting thru the foster care system.
2007-03-05 03:42:48 · answer #3 · answered by Molly 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My daughter is adopted. She is 37 y.o. She was 4 days old when we brought her home. We went thru an attorney back then. We had to own our home and make sure she had her own room. The social worker that examined our home was very impressed that we lived in a quiet neighborhood and had a fenced back yard for her to play in. I realize things were more strict then, but I know they allow single parent adoptions now, just not sure if they allow it in an apt. instead of a house. Good luck to you.
I now have 2 beautiful grandsons and I see them everyday. They live across the street.
2007-03-04 14:39:30 · answer #4 · answered by classic 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know foster parents can be single, why not try becoming one of them first. They are always looking for people to take kids on. Then later on you can look into adopting the child, as they allow this if things are going well.
2007-03-04 14:32:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't have any advice, but I do admire your heart to adopt a child into your home. Good Luck!
2007-03-04 14:31:23 · answer #6 · answered by Heatmizer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋