Eligibility Requirements For Same-Sex Adoptions

If you are in a same-sex relationship and you are interested in adopting a child, it is important to know about any rules or hurdles you might encounter in your quest to become a parent. Knowing the rules and hurdles before you begin the process can make it less confusing and stressful later on.

State Differences In Same-Sex Adoptions

It is estimated that 6 to 14 million children have a gay or lesbian parent since this last decade. Furthermore, 8 to  10 million children are being raised in a gay or lesbian household. Of the 50 states, Mississippi is the only one that previously would not allow same-sex couples to adopt. However, in 2016 a judge declared it to be unconstitutional in light of the state allowing same-sex couples to marry. However, despite these estimates and equality in the adoption system, some states do have some restrictions when it comes to same-sex couples fostering children.

AdoptionsFromTheHeart is one resource that you will find you can turn to where you are treated the same as any other couple wishing to adopt.

State Residency Requirements

Certain states require you to be residents in order to adopt. If you live in Georgia or Illinois and have lived there less than six months, adoption is not permitted. Other states, such as Kentucky, Wyoming, Tennessee, Oregon, Arizona and Minnesota, have similar restrictions in place for couples who wish to adopt a child.

Adoption Considerations

Consider these facts before you begin the process of adopting a child:

In most cases, as a same-sex couple you will have better luck adopting a child within the U.S. than one outside the U.S. Many countries outside of the United States do not allow same-sex couples to adopt. However, in some foreign countries you are permitted to adopt a child.

You have resources available to you such as the Family Equality Council, Child Welfare Information Gateway and the Human Rights Campaign.

To learn more about adoptions, contact our Adoptions From The Heart offices in:

Greensburg, PA (Pittsburgh)
1225 S Main St #207
Greensburg, PA 15601
(724) 853-6533

Philadelphia, PA
30 Hampstead Cir
Wynnewood, PA 19096
(610) 642-7200

Allentown, PA
2212 Union Blvd
Allentown, PA 18109
(610) 432-2384