How to Adopt as a Single Parent

Single people adopt the same way couples do. Agencies don't discriminate against people with disabilities or marital status. One statistic mentions single people adopt 25 percent of special needs children. Since 1970, the trend for a single parent to adopt continues to grow.

Things You'll Need

• Adoption agency
• References
• Criminal background check
• Birth certificate
• Medical report
• Employment
• Residence

Instructions

1. Call your state's department of public welfare or social services to learn more about adoption. See your local phone book's government pages for the number.

2. Contact several agencies in your state to find one that fits your situation. Ask about procedures, costs, amount of time needed and whether or not they're accepting new clients.

3. Begin a home study with the agency and social worker to become eligible. These usually include interviews and personal information concerning yourself and your background.

4. Gather required documents for the process. You'll need character references, a criminal check, clearance of child abuse, a birth certificate and a list of any medical conditions.

5. Confirm employment and established home or other living quarters.

6. Check out the available children up for adoption. An agency supplies you with photos and each child's background.

7. Wait for approval and adoption. A special needs child takes several months for adoption. Normally the wait for a healthy child is 2 to 7 years.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact the National Adoption Center for a list of state agencies. Ask for their information packet at their website.

• Home ownership and a certain level of income aren't required. Pension, disability and employment qualify.

• Join a parent or adoptive family support group in your area. Ask local churches or community centers for groups. See a local phone book for parent and adoption support groups or check a local newspaper. Any adoption agency also has this information. With the group, you'll gain insights and personal experiences of the process and expectations.

• It's good to talk with other family members for support. Most agencies want to know contingency plans if something unfortunate should happen to a single parent.