Adopting as a Single Parent in North Carolina

Can a single man adopt a child? Can a single woman adopt with A Child’s Hope? Is adoption really an option for a single parent?

Unmarried individuals often have questions like these, but are hesitant to contact an adoption professional to learn about their options. As much as they want to be parents, these single men and women are often concerned that they won’t be able to adopt because of their marital status.

However, it is possible to adopt as a single parent, and it is increasingly common. Single parent adoption can be a wonderful way for hopeful parents to add to their families, regardless of marital status.

Here, learn more about your options for adopting as a single woman or man, as well as some of the challenges to keep in mind before beginning the adoption process.

Single Parent Adoption Facts and Statistics in North Carolina

Each state has laws regarding who is eligible to adopt a child. Any adult may adopt in North Carolina, and there are no laws restricting single parent adoption.

Single parent adoptions are becoming increasingly common. In fact, according to recent single parent adoption statistics, nearly one-third of foster care adoptions were completed by single parents in 2011 — with 1,400 of those being single father adoptions and 13,000 being single mother adoptions.

As society becomes increasingly accepting of nontraditional families, these numbers continue to rise — and the 22 million single-parent families in the United States will tell you that despite the occasional challenges, it is absolutely worth it to have a family of your own.

What You Need to Know About Single Adoption

While single parent adoption can be a wonderful way to start a family and provide a loving home for a child, it can be hard work and it is not right for everyone. Here are some special considerations for single parents before beginning the adoption process:

• Plan for childcare. In addition to raising their children, most single parents work to support their families. The home study often addresses childcare plans for working parents, so it is important to have a plan in place.
• The costs of adoption and parenting can be significant, especially for a single-income family. It is important to have a budget in place, not only to finance your adoption, but also to manage the expenses of raising a child on your own.
• Put dating on hold. While you do not necessarily have to discontinue your romantic relationships, know that you may have less time to dedicate to dating when you are raising a child as a single parent, and introducing your child to new partners can be challenging.
• Prepare to wait. It is ultimately up to the expectant mother to choose the adoptive family for her child, and some (but not all) mothers are more drawn to two-parent families. This can increase the adoption wait time for single parents. Men may especially face challenges when pursuing single father adoption because their motives are sometimes questioned.
• Have a support system. Parenting can be difficult, demanding, and time-consuming work. It is important to have a supportive team of friends and family in place throughout the adoption process and as you raise your child.

While there are some challenges to consider when pursuing single man or single woman adoption, this can be a wonderful way for hopeful, unmarried parents to start or add to their families. With the right support system, a knowledgeable and compassionate adoption professional, and a plan in place, single adoption and parenting can be a rewarding, life-changing experience.

Single Father Adoption and Single Mother Adoption with A Child’s Hope

A Child’s Hope has helped several single parents adopt in North Carolina. As long as you can complete an approved home study and have sufficient income to meet your financial needs, you are eligible for our adoption programs. The adoption process, fees and requirements are the same for single parents as for any other family adopting through A Child’s Hope.

To learn more about single parent adoption, contact us today to schedule a family-building conference. We can provide more information about A Child’s Hope’s adoption programs, as well as other single parent adoption agencies and resources throughout North Carolina.

You may also find additional information about single adoption and parenting through the following resources:

• Child Welfare Information Gateway
• Considering Adoption
• Adoptive Families