It’s important to remember that families come in all shapes and sizes. There is no right way to start a family. Still, one of the questions we hear often is, “Can you adopt a child alone?” And the answer is YES. There are no rules preventing a single parent from adopting a child. The only thing that truly matters is that a hopeful parent meets the adoption criteria and passes the home study.
Can You Adopt a Child Alone? Yes!
Today, roughly 25% of all adoptions are to single parents. However, there are obstacles and factors to consider when a single person is looking to adopt.
- Be prepared for the home study. The adoption home study is one of the first steps any hopeful parent takes in the adoption process. It is designed to both make sure the home is safe for a child and make sure the child receives the care, attention, and upbringing that they need and deserve. A highly-trained social worker will visit the family’s home, interview family members and their references, as well as review the family’s financial history, to assess their suitability for adoption. “Even though it feels that they are looking for something you did wrong or it feels kind of invasive, the social workers are on your team,” says one adoptive mother. “They want you to succeed, and they want to find happy, healthy homes for babies who need to be adopted.” Still, it can be more difficult for a single parent to show they are well-prepared to adopt a child. Make sure your home is a healthy, organized, and safe environment for a child to live in. You will need to have at least 2 bedrooms: one for you and one for your child.
- One of the most difficult factors for a single parent to overcome is financials. After all, raising a child is not cheap and the adoption costs and fees alone can range from $20,000-50,000 here in Maryland. So, it’s important to be able to show the adoption agency how to plan to not only finance your adoption, but also the costs associated with raising a child.’
- Do you have a strong support system? Adopting a child is not easy. It can be long, complicated, expensive, and incredibly emotional. So, it is important to have a strong support system. This looks different for everyone, but your support system can include friends, family members, and even co-workers. “If you do not have a positive support system, you can see that through an adoption agency worker/counselor,” says Dean Kirschner, Ph.D., LCSW-C, Adoption Makes Family. Some good questions to ask before going through with an adoption could include:
- In the case of an emergency, who would be available to take care of the child?
- Who would pick your child up from day care or school if you couldn’t make it?
- Who would help when you’re sick and unable tend to your child?
Are You Ready to Begin the Adoption Process?
Adoption is beautiful way to start or grow your family. If you are ready to explore the gift of adoption, contact Adoption Makes Family today. We are a non-profit (501-C3) licensed adoption agency based in Maryland. Our adoption counselors have many years of experience in adoption services, and will walk you through every step of the adoption process. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call Us Now at (410) 683-2100
If you have any questions, you can contact us by phone at 410-683-2100, by e-mail at dr.kirschner@adoptionmakesfamily.org or use our online contact form.