Ideal Adoptive-Parent Qualities

Personal Characteristics

• Age: Some programs have minimum and/or maximum age criteria for adoptive parents. In foster-to-adopt situations, they may also want a certain age difference between you and the child you’re adopting. If you don’t meet one agency's age criteria, see whether another agency has different standards. Or speak to a lawyer about private adoptions, in which there’s more leeway.
• Religion: Some agencies with religious affiliations ask potential adoptive parents to sign a statement of faith attesting that they share that affiliation. (Not every agency with a religious connection has this requirement, however.)
• Employment/income: All agencies have income requirements, which can vary. But you don’t have to be weathly in order to adopt—many adoption professionals just want to see that you have sufficient means to support a family.

Family-Related Characteristics

• Marital status: Some agencies want you and your partner to be married or together for a certain length of time. Others welcome single-parent adoptions.
• Other children in the home: Agencies will want to know about other children living in the home. They may have requirements about placing children of a certain age depending on the ages of your existing children.
• Other adults in the home: Unmarried partners, roommates, grown children, or any other adults who share your home are of interest to the agency.

Background Characteristics

• Arrest record: If you have an arrest or a conviction record, the agency may not be willing to work with you. If they are willing, they’ll put you under close scrutiny during the home study process. If you or your partner has a criminal record, contact an attorney to find out whether adoption is a reasonable goal for you.
• Physical health: A physical and a signed statement from your doctor are part of your home study. If you have health issues, talk with your agency or attorney about whether you can work around these issues.
• Mental health: Though having mental health issues does not preclude you from adopting, agencies will want to see that you’re receiving appropriate treatment for your mental illness. They may also want a signed statement from your supervising therapist.