Over 18,000,000 children in America today live with only one parent. People might assume these children live with their mothers, but over 3,000,000 live with their fathers, according to Statista. Approximately 28 percent of adoptions are single-parent adoptions today, as more individuals see being a single parent as possible, even if the child is not theirs biologically.
Aren’t two parents better than one? This question continues to be asked, even though research shows that children adopted by a single parent have excellent outcomes, which might exceed those of children adopted by couples.
Single parents approach adoption much as married couples do. They rely on family and friends to support them as they raise the child, and the child receives their complete love and attention. Single adoptive parents tend to be financially stable and settled in their careers, so they are ready to take on the role of raising a child alone.
States recognize the need for adoptive parents and the benefits of a single parent adopting a child. Gender does not play a role when the state evaluates the fitness of an adoptive parent. It simply wants to know the child will be loved and properly cared for.
When a domestic adoption is handled privately, the birth parents decide who will raise their child. Some parents opt for a two-parent household, but others are fine with a single-parent arrangement. Most parents don’t consider the number of adults in the household. They focus on finding the person or couple who will love the child and help them grow and blossom. What rights and responsibilities come with being an individual looking to adopt? Why should a person turn to an adoption attorney in Cullman, AL, when moving forward with the adoption process?
Alabama has laws in place regarding adoptions. Prospective parents must be 19 years or older and meet residency requirements. They have to be financially stable and complete the home study and background check. Health assessments are completed, and the parent must verify their marital status. Single parents may adopt in the state. They just need to show they are single. Character references will be requested, and the parent must complete training.
The state has put these requirements in place to ensure that prospective parents are ready to accept the responsibilities that come with adoption and that they are committed to the child’s welfare. Alabama will not allow a person to adopt a child if there are any concerns for the child’s safety.
Prospective single parents and couples have several options for adopting a child in Alabama. Regardless of which option people choose, the state has clear guidelines regarding adoption designed to ensure the child’s safety and well-being while confirming the parents are prepared to take on this responsibility.
Prospective adoptive parents may work with an agency or craft an independent arrangement to adopt a child. If the parents choose not to work with a licensed adoption agency, they can use an intermediary to connect with birth parents planning on giving their children up for adoption.
Regardless of which path the parents choose, they must undergo a background check and home study. The state requires adoption paperwork, and prospective parents must provide the requested documentation.
Prospective parents wishing to adopt a newborn or infant often choose the private adoption path. In this type of adoption, the parents must work with an adoption agency or attorney to ensure the adoption is seamless and ethical. Post-adoption contract agreements are of concern, as all parties must be sensitive to the needs of the birth parents.
Some parents choose to serve as foster parents. They provide children in state custody with a home so these children can benefit from a family. Families may choose to foster children with the plans of adopting, but no person or couple is required to consider adoption if they take on the role of foster parents.
Individuals who want to serve as foster parents undergo training to ensure they understand their rights and responsibilities. The goal of foster care is to reunite children with their parents, so foster parents must support birth-family relationships. They must also meet licensing requirements and prepare foster children for permanent placements, whether with the birth family or adoptive parents. Finally, foster parents must help their wards access support services during the placement.
Family reunification remains the priority in foster care placements. If reunification isn't possible, the goal is to balance the welfare needs of the child with adoption policies. Foster families provide children with stability and love as they face challenging circumstances. Families often receive financial subsidies or resources to help with costs, but prospective parents frequently support their foster children above and beyond these subsidies and resources.
Americans often adopt children in other countries. While prospective parents must navigate international laws and overcome language barriers before bringing a child home, many are willing. They want these children to have a loving home.
Before undertaking an international adoption, the prospective parent must choose a Hague-accredited adoption agency and meet the requirements of the country where the child resides. A home study and background check are mandated, and the parent must secure their visa and travel documentation. Furthermore, they must comply with the adoption process of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Individuals who choose international adoption must understand the process takes time and money. They must be willing to travel and learn about their child’s culture. Doing so will ensure the child’s heritage is supported.
However, some countries prohibit single parents from adopting a child. Other countries only allow single parents to adopt a child of the same sex. Individuals considering an international adoption should speak with their attorney to learn the rules of the country where they plan to adopt.
The adoption process takes time. Single parents must recognize this and prepare to comply with all requirements to move the process along. Though exceptions may exist, most adoptions are completed within six months to two years.
Any person desiring to move forward with a single-parent adoption should consider the changes that could take place in their life during that period and ensure they are on the right. Most people will find they wish to move forward. They know they will improve the life of a child in need while enriching their own. There is no better feeling than that.
