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Parenthood is an incredible chapter of life. With it comes great reward, a lifetime of memories, and a deep sense of love. If you are single and longing to become a parent, you may be considering adoption. You might be wondering how single-parent adoption works, and even asking yourself, “Can you adopt a child as a single parent?”
The answer here is simple: Yes. Adopting as a single parent is possible. The key to it all is even simpler: Using a qualified adoption agency.
As you consider adopting a child as a single parent, you may be curious to learn more about the adoption process. You have come to the right place. Read on, as we share how single-parent adoption works, what to expect, and how this journey toward adoption compares to adoption for couples.
Can You Adopt as a Single Parent?
Single-parent adoption is legal across the U.S. While there were no federal laws banning single-parent adoption, the pathway was improved for individuals looking to adopt back in June of 2015, when the U.S. Supreme Court passed Obergefell v. Hodges. This landmark decision ensured the right for LGBTQ+ individuals to marry, paving the way to equal rights in parenting, as well. Whether someone is single or in a relationship – regardless of their sexuality or marital status – they cannot be discriminated against in the pursuit of marriage or parenthood. Before this ruling, some private adoption agencies held discriminatory policies to restrict gay or lesbian couples from adopting a baby.
Adoptions With Love welcomes all responsible, loving, and healthy individuals and couples to adopt, if they meet all other adoption requirements, such as successfully completing the Home Study.
Single-parent adoption is growing in popularity. While there have been social taboos around this subject in the past, there is nothing to stop a single, responsible adult from beginning parenthood through adoption. In the American culture, many older generations believed that a two-parent household was best for a child. With more Americans choosing to stay single, the cultural norms have been shifting drastically. It is common to see a single adult adopt a child today.
How Does Single Parent Adoption Work?
Regardless of sex, gender, or sexuality, individuals can adopt through foster care, private adoption agencies, or international adoption agencies. The process of adoption remains the same as it is for couples.
Individuals looking to adopt must complete the Home Study, proving they are physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially healthy enough to raise a child. The Home Study takes several months to complete, and includes:
- Thorough screenings
- Criminal background checks
- Multiple at-home visits and interviews
- The review of financial and medical records
Do You Have Questions About Adoption?
How to Adopt as a Single Parent
The steps toward adoption are the same for individuals and couples. The first step is to find an adoption agency. With an experienced, reputable, and efficient adoption agency, you can feel supported throughout the adoption process – every step of the way.
The right adoption agency will offer attentive, one-on-one services – including legal guidance and post-placement support. Wait time is a common concern for hopeful adoptive parents. The average wait time for adoption is around 6-24 months. Most adoptive parents complete the adoption process in about 18 months.
Your adoption agency can walk you through the steps of the adoption process. This professional can guide you as you prepare to complete the Home Study and complete your adoptive parent profile. This booklet gives expectant/birth parents a glimpse into your life and lets them know what kind of person may be raising their baby.
The adoption agency can also help guide you through the matching process. At Adoptions With Love, expectant/birth parents can speak with – or even meet – the prospective adoptive parent before making their decision. The expectant/birth parent can also custom-design an adoption plan that details what kind of ongoing relationships will be built after the adoption is complete. This includes:
With an open adoption, you can expect to have direct contact with the birth parent before and after the adoption is complete. This may involve email correspondence, text message updates, phone calls, virtual calls, or in-person reunions. Contact with a birth parent does not mean sharing parenting responsibility. Once a birth parent consents to adoption, their parenting rights are terminated. You would become the parent, with occasional updates or visits with the birth parent.
Tips for Success
With single-parent adoption, you may face more challenges than couples adopting. It is not a question of your capabilities, but a matter of resources. It is no secret that single parents face a greater financial burden than couples, as they are a one-income household. They also face greater time constraints, as there is more responsibility resting on the shoulders of one person instead of two. Balancing work and parenthood can feel a bit more intense for a single parent. Here are some tips to help navigate this journey and move through single-parent adoption with success and joy:
Build Your Network. As the old African proverb goes: “It takes a village to raise a child.” Before embarking on the single-parent adoption journey, consider your own tribe. Who can you depend on for support? Your parents? Siblings? Good friends? Think of the people closest to you and whom you can trust. Make sure they can offer you support – emotional and logistical – before taking on parenthood.
Prioritize Self-Care. There is also a common adage that says, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Just as you need to put on your air mask on the airplane before caring for others, you need to take care of yourself to be a good parent. Prioritize sleep, exercise, and healthy eating habits. Use your village for childcare support when you need a bit of time for yourself.
Establish Healthy Routines. We are creatures of habit. Establishing healthy habits early on your parenting journey will make a significant impact on your experience overall. Set boundaries with visiting family and friends, and work on a schedule that will work for you and your baby. Schedule stroller walks with friends and prepare an early dinner so that your bedtime routine – for baby and for yourself – can go smoothly.
Lean on Your Adoption Agency. Your adoption agency can offer emotional support long after the adoption is complete. Whether you need help navigating your relationship with your child’s birth parent(s) or need parenting advice, turn to your ultimate source: Your adoption agency. This professional can work with you and provide you with the resources and support you need.
Learn More About Adoption
If you are considering single-parent adoption, contact Adoptions With Love today. Call 617-964-4357, text 617-777-0072, or reach out online. We can help you build your family as a single parent with success.