As a single person, you may feel that adoption is the one chance you have at bringing a child into your life. Maybe you’re not prepared to wait any longer for a long-term partner, or perhaps you’re just ready to bring a child into your life and plan to stay a single parent. Whatever the reason is, there are ways to adopt as a single person.
Around 22 million children grow up in single-parent households across the nation. Nontraditional households are becoming accepted, and the benefits are clear. Children who go through an adoption and end up in single-parent households do as well or even better as those in traditional households.
It’s true that there are some biases against single-parent households, and there are some downsides to being a single parent. Financially, it may be more difficult, and there are more responsibilities to deal with on your own. Despite this, there are benefits to some children, like those who bond with only men or women due to trauma or those who would prefer a single parent for consistency.
Before you adopt, make sure to understand your support system. As a single parent, you need people you are close to who can help you. Are those around you accepting of your decision to adopt? Knowing you have a community of support helps you feel more empowered, and it lets you know that although you’re a single parent, you’re not alone.
Your attorney can help you on the path to becoming a single parent and bringing a child into your home. You deserve the chance to open your home and heart to a child in need.
Source: Child Welfare Information Gateway, “Adopting as a Single Parent,” accessed May 09, 2017