Same-Sex Adoption Laws in Washington
Same-sex couples often look to adoption as a way to build their family. Washington is among a number of states that do allow for same-sex couples to adopt.
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History
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Most countries do not allow same-sex couples to adopt, but the U.S. is not one of them. In the past, the bias against same-sex couples adopting has a number of facets, including religious implications and parenting issues. However, the collective thinking around same-sex adoption is becoming more open and acceptable as people realize that same-sex couples can parent just as well as mixed-sex couples.
Features
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Currently, the state of Washington allows single GLBT people to adopt a child. According to the Department of Social and Health Services, a same-sex couple can adopt a child through that agency or through an independent adoption. There is no "explicit prohibition" against a same-sex person to adopt their partner's child or a child of their current relationship. What this means is that the issue has not yet come up in Washington state court.
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Considerations
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Same-sex couples in Washington should research their options for adoption, either through the Department of Social and Health Services or through an independent adoption source. A home study will need to be completed, and is required by law to adopt a child. Once a child is placed with a couple, post-placement visits will also be performed before the adoption is finalized in court.
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References
- Photo Credit baby image by Dron from Fotolia.com
