“Adoption among gay and lesbian couples has never been more common or more socially accepted,” writes Kate Bayless, Parents.com. Still, there are some hurdles to overcome with same sex adoption. “Gay and lesbian couples looking to adopt face unique challenges and deep-seated prejudices that continue to exist in some agencies and individuals,” says Bayless, “even as private and government organizations are making strides to ensure that adoption policies are fair.”
Same Sex Adoption Tips
“While every gay couple’s adoption process is unique, there are some standard procedures and steps every adoptive parent must go through,” says Carrie Craft, Verywell Family, “and facts and resources that can be helpful when considering adoption.”
Explore Adoption Agencies
Not all adoption agencies are comfortable working with same sex adoptions. It is important to do your research and find a local adoption agency that shares your values and will truly work with you throughout your adoption journey.
“Regardless of your sexual orientation, you want your desire to adopt to be respected during the evaluation process,” says Dr. David Brodzinsky. “The atmosphere that the adopted family experiences when they go to adopt a child is extraordinarily important.”
Adoption Makes Family is a a non-profit (501-C3) licensed adoption agency based in Maryland. We work with couples of all races, genders, and sexual orientations. Our goal is for all of our families to be happy and for the child to be raised in a loving environment.
Explore Your State’s Adoption Laws
“Adoption for same-sex couples is legal in all 50 states,” says Bayless, “but adoptions laws vary state by state (and sometimes even by county) so it’s vital to find out the policies for same-sex adoption in your area.”
Connecting with an adoption agency in your area is a great place to start. They can help walk you through the process and let you know how best to proceed.
Explore Your Options
Just like there is no one way to start a family, there are multiple options when it comes to adoption as well.
“Should you pursue private domestic adoption or public domestic adoption such as through the foster care system? Do you prefer an infant or are you open to an older child?” says Abbie Goldberg, author of LGBT-Parent Families. “Do you feel willing and able to adopt transracially or do you prefer to adopt a child that is of the same race? What level of contact with the birth family are you open to, if any?”
Sit down with your partner and talk through your options. What makes sense for your unique situation. What are you both comfortable with? What makes sense for Y-O-U? And if you are still unsure, sitting down with an adoption counselor is a great way to further explore your options and determine the best choice for your family.
“Being honest with yourself about your strengths and limitations can be very important in helping you to find the right match for your family,” Goldberg says.
Adoption Makes Family Works Specializes in Same Sex Adoption
If you are interested in starting the adoption process, please give Adoption Makes Family a call. Whether you understand the process or have never researched a thing, we are here to help you along and show you the way along your very own adoption journey. Our adoption counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your convenience.
24-Hour Hotline 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.