The rules in domestic adoption are in place for the protection of the birth family, the adoptive family and the child and can seem overwhelming to a family just starting the process. Families are generally required to turn over medical and financial records, and undergo criminal background checks. Some of the rules for adoption vary between agencies, but in general every person interested in adoption must follow a similar set of guidelines.
Background Checks
Background checks and criminal clearances are required for every adult living in the home. Some agencies will still approve an adoption if criminal activity is occurred in the past or were non-violent. However, if there have been any instances of child abuse by an adult living in the home, chances for a successful adoption are slim.
Financial Boundaries
You must prove financial security to be approved for adoption. Moreover, the home inspection needs to show adequate space for a child. There are exceptions for extenuating circumstances, but you will need to provide your adoption agency or home study facilitator with bank account records and other financial information, including an employment history.
Disruption Provisions
Each state allows the birth parents of the child to stop the adoption at any time during the process and for at least 72 hours after placement. Birth parents may change their minds and disrupt the adoption even after the child has been placed with the adoptive family. If your adoption disrupts within the allotted time, you will be required to return the child to the birth mother or birth father. According to Adoption.com, this happens in fewer than one percent of domestic infant adoptions.
Other Requirements
Home studies have other minor requirements, too, depending on your adoption agency. Those requirements may include length of marriage, age, or marital status. Most adoption organizations allow single people, same-sex couples and divorced couples to adopt. Age requirements vary, but most agencies will only accept adoptive parents between 25 and 45 or 50 years old for infant adoption. You may be required to stop all fertility treatments or stop any adoption procedure if you become pregnant. An article at Proudparenting.com suggests that a pregnancy or the idea of still trying for a biological child gives the appearance that a biological child is preferable to an adopted child. These rules may be waived in foster care adoption.
