|
|
|
Do I have the qualifications to become a licensed adoptive parent?
Most people who can provide an adequate and loving home are eligible to adopt. As an adoptive parent you...
- may be single, married, divorced or separated and living apart from a spouse for 12 months or longer.
- may be straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, or questioning.
- may or may not have birth or adopted children.
- must be at least 21 years of age.
- must be able to financially manage the addition of a child or children to the family, although there are no specific income requirements. (Financial assistance is available for families who adopt a child who is older than one or a child of any age who has special needs.)
- must have no criminal history that will prevent you from being licensed to adopt.
Adoptive parents are probably a lot like you. They...
- like children and feel good about being parents.
- are willing to commit to a permanent lifetime relationship with a child.
- are flexible in finding ways to adjust to new situations and changes in their lives.
- understand that truly accepting a child as part of the family means accepting the child's past history.
- can show affection in healthy ways for a child who has been abused or neglected.
- are comfortable setting firm limits and establishing specific rules for a child when necessary, and are willing to use nonphysical forms of discipline.
- do not need (or expect) to satisfy their own needs through their children.
- can find pleasure and take pride in the small gains children make.
- are willing to use community supports (such as school, medical, mental health and recreational resources) to meet their children's needs.
What are some of the general requirements for licensing my home?
Before issuing a license, an agency will make sure that your home is a safe place for children. Generally, an adoptive home will...
- be clean, well ventilated, properly lighted and heated, and free of fire hazards.
- have access to a safe water supply.
- provide protection from poisoning and injury.
- have a room for a new child.
- have an operating telephone or quick and easy access to a telephone.
|
|
|
