Are you interested in growing your family through adoption? Adoption is a beautiful opportunity for people to welcome children into their families in a unique way. There’s more to getting to adopt a child than just deciding you want to, however. You need to meet certain eligibility requirements first.
Personal Requirements
Some requirements relate to you personally. For example, An Open Door Adoption Agency requires adoptive parents to be at least 25 years-old. You should be in good physical, mental, and emotional health and have a normal life expectancy. You must have the financial means to care for a child. Some adoption agencies, like An Open Door Adoption Agency, require adoptive parents to be married, though that isn’t the case for all agencies.
Legal System Requirements
There are eligibility requirements from a legal standpoint as well. Every US state requires household members over the age of 18 to complete a child abuse clearance process. Failing to clear the process typically prohibits adoption. The same may be said of some criminal charges turned up by background checks as well. Depending on the charges and presence of an arrest history, it may still be possible to adopt after providing personal statements and dispositions. The point is to ensure that the child is going to a good home where they will be safe. If that is in doubt, eligibility will be difficult to attain.
Living Requirements
Depending on where you live, there may be residency requirements for you to adopt. Some states require you to be a resident for anywhere from 2 months to a year, though there can be exceptions. Aside from residency requirements, you must live in a safe, well-maintained home and in a neighborhood that is suitable for family living. Some states may require you to have a separate bedroom for the child. Research the laws where you live and intend to adopt so you understand what sort of living environment you’re expected to provide the child to be eligible to adopt.
Eligibility for adoption can be a tricky thing. There are different requirements for adopting children domestically vs. internationally, from different countries, and sometimes even through different agencies. That said, some general guidelines tend to be pretty common. The more familiar you are with those eligibility requirements, the easier it will be for you to navigate through the adoption process.
Are you considering adoption? Click here to see eligibility requirements for adopting through An Open Door today.