The 5 Adoption Requirements Agencies Look for in Couples
You’ve dreamt of finally holding your baby boy in your arms for the first time following a strenuous process of fighting to bring him here.
In this way, you’re like many mothers-to-be who are eager to see their children. But unlike many of these mothers, your strenuous process isn’t hours of labor or a Cesarean section.
It’s the process of adoption.
Research shows that more than 57,000 children were adopted in 2016 in the United States with public agency involvement, and more than 250,000 left foster care that year as well.
Like childbirth, the adoption process is filled with highs and lows. However, the more prepared you are, the easier the process may be.
Adoption laws vary from state to state and by type of adoption. Here’s a rundown on five adoption requirements that agencies look for in a couple.
Let’s get started!
1. Adoption Requirements Involving Education
Sometimes adoption agencies may ask you and your partner to complete an education program designed specifically for prospective adoptive parents.
This type of education covers the lifelong consequences of adoption on both the family and the child. You can also expect to learn about attachment and bonding, closed or open adoptions, academic issues, medical issues, and developmental and emotional issues.
2. Requirements for the Home Environment
You’ll also have to take part in a home study, which will determine if your home is safe and secure enough to house a child. You might even have to provide proof that you own the home being evaluated as part of the study.
3. Residency Requirements
You may also have to meet adoptive parent residency requirements in your state before you can move forward with the adoption process. For instance, you may have to have lived in the state for 60 days or even one year.
Be sure to also inquire about residency requirements specifically for military personnel or those adopting children with special needs if you fall into any of these categories.
4. Financial Requirements
You likely won’t face specific income requirements. But you can expect to be evaluated to determine if you and your partner have the necessary resources for rearing a child.
As part of the assessment, you’ll need to submit information about your assets and income, along with proof that you have medical insurance.
In addition, you’ll need to have enough funds on hand to cover adoption professional service fees, birth mom expenses, and travel expenses.
5. Marital Requirements
Sometimes adoption professionals will require you and your partner to be married to move forward with a private newborn adoption in the United States.
However, you don’t need to be married to adopt a child in foster care in the United States. Meanwhile, marriage requirements for international adoption vary by country.
How We Can Help
We offer legal guidance during the adoption process, putting our years of experience to use for your benefit.
Get in touch with us to find out more about South Carolina’s adoption requirements and how we can help you to turn your dream of becoming a parent into a reality.