Many couples who cannot have children of their own, or do not wish to have more of their own children, choose to adopt. This way, children who are in foster care or living in orphanages can finally get homes of their own. Adoption criteria vary based on the type of the adoption and the state or country the adopted child is from.
State Adoption Requirements
Each state has its own criteria for adopting a child. Usually these include being 19 or older; completion of a criminal records check and driving history for all those over 18 in the household; good enough health to care for the child; marriage for a certain number of years; adequate housing; at least one member of a married couple being a U.S. citizen; completion of a training program; and no cohabiting individuals or transient boarders living in the household. Check the requirements for your state, though, as requirements vary on a state by state basis.
Independent Adoptions
In an independent adoption, the birth parents, or birth mother, of the child decide who will adopt their child. These adoptions are facilitated by the attorneys of each couple involved. The birth parents sign over custody of the child directly to the adoptive parents. In some cases it can be easier to adopt a baby this way, because many birth mothers prefer to have more say in what happens to the baby. State laws regarding adoption must still be followed, for example a home study might be required before placement. The lawyers should make sure the appropriate laws are followed.
International Adoption Requirements
When it comes to international adoptions, adoptive parents have to meet the requirements not only of the country they are adopting the child from, but also those of the U.S. State Department and the state where they live. Generally this means filling out a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services application, having a home study, and being fingerprinted. The country of origin of the child will also have requirements, and some require parents to have a certain income, to be married, and to be of a certain age or race. Some prohibit those with disabilities from adopting children from their countries.
Considerations
It is much easier to adopt older children than babies because of the high demand for babies and the waiting lists involved. Those who want babies may have to wait years. In some cases it can be easier to adopt a baby from overseas, but many foreign countries have strict criteria for adoptive families. Since children tend to come from orphanages, even children adopted from other countries are more likely to be older.
Misconceptions
Some people are under the impression that they cannot adopt because they are older, do not own their own home, or are not married. This is not the case, according to the California Department of Social Services. As long as people are healthy and have a safe place to live, whether rented or owned, they have a chance to adopt, especially if they are willing to adopt older children.
Those wishing to adopt internationally, however, may have difficulties. Many countries impose these sorts of restrictions on who can adopt children from their nations.
