Adoptions for Single Parents

Be forewarned, while single parent adoption is increasing in popularity, there is still a lot of red tape and debate that centers around single parent adoption. Some critics of single parent adoption argue that a child needs both a mother and a father. Proponents of single parent adoption argue that a child can grow up in a loving environment with just one parent. It seems that many mothers that want to give their children up for adoption often look for a couple to take the child. Meanwhile, international adoption options are less stringent and many single parent adoptions involve the adoption of children from overseas.

To learn about domestic adoption, visit the Child Welfare Information Gateway at:
http://www.childwelfare.gov/index.cfm

To learn about international adoption, visit Adoption.com:
http://international.adoption.com/foreign/

Are couples preferred over single parents?

The sad truth is that often times couples are preferred over single parents. Even members of society will applaud a couple for adopting a child but will frown upon a single person who adopts. Why does this happen? For one thing people form stereotypes in their minds on how things should be: it is believed that a couple is more financially stable than a single parent looking to adopt. While today, this is certainly not the case, many people keep the “single mom” or “single dad” image in their minds—an individual that cannot make it on their own financially. What needs to be realized is that many singles are financially successfully and are fully capable of taking a child under their protective wings.

Another stereotype that people need to release is the idea that a single parent cannot provide the love to a child that a couple can. This is simply false: while there are two people in a married couple that can love and support a child, a single parent can love a child just as much as a couple can. It is foolish to base assumptions about the love and guidance a child will receive based on a person’s marital or relationship status.

Homosexual adoption issues are even worse. Some people hold prejudicial thoughts about homosexuals and adoption, feeling that the single homosexual parent or the homosexual couple will somehow corrupt the innocence of the child they adopt. This cannot be further from the truth: a person’s sexual orientation does not define whether or not they can love and protect a child or if they can give it proper guidance.

Unfortunately the above mentioned issues suggest that couples get preferential treatment when it comes to adoption. While this fact is changing, there is still much that needs to be changed. Single parents that are financially fit and psychologically prepared to offer a child a home should be able to do so and deserve to do so with little difficulty. There are so many children in need of good homes today that closing off adoption to singles is just plain foolish.

What restrictions apply?

A single parent looking to get a child waiting for adoption may want to review different agencies and their policies. Even in this day and age, some agencies won’t even consider single parent adoption or homosexual adoption. That does not mean that the individual should give up however. There are agencies that allow for single parent applicants. Bear in mind however, that the agency may require a home assessment.

Often times single parent adoptions result in the parent getting the opportunity to adopt a disabled child. Truth be told, couples looking to adopt are looking for children with no disabilities and the children with disabilities are overlooked. If a single parent really wants a child they may want to consider adopting a child with a disability as they are children that require just as much love and attention as any other human being. Of course, the single parent will need to consider the severity of the disability and whether or not they are fully prepared to handle the child’s every need.

Babies are hard to come by whether you are part of a couple or not. Chances are that the single parent that is willing the take on a child waiting for adoption will be offered a child that is a teenager. There is nothing wrong with such an option, but the single parent will need to consider that option before they agree to it. That means considering all that raising a teenager entails.

What resources exist to help single parents adopt?

For those individuals interested in adoption, it is highly recommended that they fully research the subject before they begin the process. An adoption forum may be a good place to start. Prospective parents can begin discussing all of the aspects of adoption at Adoption.com: http://forums.adoption.com/single-parenting/