Adoption is a great way to build your family, but not everyone is eligible to adopt. Agencies, facilitators and attorneys understand the nuances that vary from state to state, but in general there are only a few basics that need to be met to be able to adopt a child. In some cases, the requirements may be different for an older child adoption or a foster-to-adopt program.
Criminal Record Check
If you or anyone in your immediate family has a recent criminal record, or a record of child abuse, it may be difficult to adopt a child. The Adoption and Safe Families Act requires checks for criminal activity. If you have a criminal record that includes child or spousal abuse, violent crimes or crimes involving child pornography, you will not be approved for adoption. You may have the opportunity to discuss other crimes, such as theft or forgery, with the social worker conducting your home study, and based on that explanation and the time lapsed since the infraction, be able to adopt.
Age
There are no mandated age requirements for adopting, but an article in "Adoptive Families" magazine reports that couples younger than 25 or older than 45 may wait longer for a placement due to preferences of birth families.
Interstate Compact Agreement
Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children is required if the child you adopt is born in a different state from where you live. Your agency or attorney will take care of the details, but you will need to reside in the state of your child's birth until the agreement is completed, which can take a few days to more than a week.
Home Study
A home study is required of every person hoping to adopt. In addition to an autobiography and interview, the home study also includes the criminal checks, financial statements, a medical statement and a home inspection. It is unlikely you'll be approved as an adoptive parent if you have a criminal record, do not have room for a child in your home, or have a life-threatening or significantly life-shortening illness.
Birth Mother Fees
Adoptions can be very expensive, and in some states you'll be required to pay for a birth mother's living expenses or hospital care if she does not have insurance. The amount of money and what it can be used for varies from state to state. However, in most cases the money you spend in an adoption is not refundable if the adoption is not completed. Adoptions can cost anywhere from $15,000 to more than $50,000 depending on the birth mother's needs.
