American adoption is one of the most life-changing paths for families who dream of raising a child or for birth parents who want to ensure their baby grows up in a stable, loving environment. Yet, if you’ve ever Googled “putting a baby up for adoption” or “Do I have to be married to adopt a child?”, you already know how confusing the information can be.
This guide removes the confusion and explains exactly how American adoption works, regardless of your state.
Whether you’re a birth parent considering adoption, a couple exploring American adoption, or a single adult wondering if you’re eligible — this guide gives you everything you need to know in one place.
✅ What is American Adoption?
American adoption refers to the legal process through which a child becomes a permanent member of a family in the United States. Unlike temporary foster care, adoption permanently transfers parental rights to the adoptive family.
There are three main types of American adoption:
| Type of Adoption | Description |
|---|---|
| Private Domestic Adoption | Birth parents voluntarily choose adoptive parents (often newborns). |
| Foster-to-Adopt | Children in foster care become eligible for adoption when reunification is not possible. |
| International Adoption | Adopting a child from another country into the U.S. |
✅ “Putting a baby up for adoption” – What it really means
The term sounds old-fashioned, but many still search for “putting a baby up for adoption.”
Today, it simply means:
➡️ Making a voluntary adoption plan
➡️ Choosing the adoptive family
➡️ Legally transferring parental rights
Birth parents do not sell their baby — adoption is a legal, ethical process handled by licensed agencies and attorneys.
Birth parents always have the right to:
- Receive free counseling
- Select the type of adoption (open, semi-open, or closed)
- Choose the adoptive family (in private domestic adoption)
✅ Can I adopt with American Adoptions?
Yes. American Adoptions is one of the largest private adoption agencies. But remember:
You are not required to use American Adoptions to complete an American adoption.
Many families use:
- Licensed state agencies
- Private adoption attorneys
- Religious or non-profit adoption organizations
✅ Do I have to be married to adopt a child?
No. Marriage is not required in most American adoption cases.
- Single parents can adopt
- Divorced individuals can adopt
- LGBTQ+ individuals and couples can adopt (in all 50 states)
✅ Requirements for Adopting a Child (Every State)
American adoption laws vary by state, but most require:
| Requirement | Applies in Most States |
|---|---|
| Must be able to financially support a child | ✅ Yes |
| Must pass a background check | ✅ Yes |
| Must complete a home study | ✅ Yes |
| Must be physically & emotionally healthy | ✅ Yes |
| Must be over 18 (some states require 21+ or 25+) | ✅ Yes |
Home Study = Interviews, background checks, home visits, reference letters, and training.
✅ How old do you have to be to adopt?
Most states require:
- 18+ for foster care adoption
- 21+ or 25+ for private adoption through an agency
There is no federal maximum age limit for American adoption.
🌟 How old is too old to adopt?
A common question:
“I’m 60 years old — can I adopt a newborn?”
Yes, you can. Agencies focus on:
- Health
- Ability to parent
- Support system
✅ Can I adopt if I already have a child?
Yes. Many adoptive parents already have biological or adopted children.
Having parenting experience can even be seen as an advantage in American adoption.
✅ I was convicted of a felony — can I adopt?
It depends.
Most states prohibit adoption if the felony involved:
- Child abuse
- Domestic violence
- Crimes against a minor
- Violent felonies
However, non-violent convictions (ex: financial crimes, older drug charges) may not disqualify you.
During the home study, transparency is essential.
✅ Can same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ parents adopt a child?
Yes — in all 50 U.S. states.
American adoption law prohibits agencies receiving federal funds from discriminating based on sexual orientation or marital status.
✅ How much does it cost to adopt a child?
| Type of Adoption | Typical Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Private Domestic Adoption | $30,000–$60,000 |
| Foster-to-Adopt | $0–$3,000 (many states reimburse) |
| International Adoption | $20,000–$70,000 |
The most budget-friendly path to American adoption is foster-to-adopt.
✅ What is Open Adoption?
Open adoption is now the most common form of American adoption.
➡️ Birth parents and adoptive parents exchange identifying information
➡️ They may maintain ongoing communication (letters, pictures, updates, visits)
Other forms:
- Semi-open adoption → Contact handled by the agency
- Closed adoption → No contact, no identifying information exchanged
✅ The American Adoption Process (Step-by-Step)
1. Research adoption paths
Private? Foster? Domestic? International?
2. Choose an adoption professional
Options:
- Adoption agency
- Adoption attorney
- State foster care agency
3. Complete the home study
This includes:
- Background check
- Home safety inspection
- Family interviews
4. Match with a birth parent or foster child
For private American adoption, families create a profile book to introduce themselves to birth parents.
5. Placement
You welcome the child into your home.
6. Finalization
A judge finalizes the adoption and issues a new birth certificate.
✅ Adoption Requirements by State (Quick Comparison)
| State | Minimum Age to Adopt | LGBTQ+ Adoption | Foster-to-Adopt Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 18 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Texas | 21 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Florida | 18 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| New York | 18 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Arizona | 18 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
(All 50 states allow LGBTQ+ adoption and single-parent adoption.)
✅ Government Resources & Official Websites (for verification)
| Resource | Website |
|---|---|
| U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) — Adoption & Foster Care Statistics | https://www.acf.hhs.gov |
| Child Welfare Information Gateway (Federal Adoption Rules & State Laws) | https://www.childwelfare.gov |
| USA.gov — Adoption | https://www.usa.gov/ |
| State-by-State Adoption Requirements | https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/laws-policies/state |
| Directory of State Foster Care Agencies | https://acf.gov/cb |
❤️ Final Thoughts: Why Families Choose American Adoption
American adoption changes lives:
“Adoption is not giving up a baby — it is giving a child a life full of opportunity.”
Whether you:
- Are considering putting a baby up for adoption
- Are exploring private domestic adoption
- Want to adopt through foster care
You are not alone. Adoption agencies, state social workers, and counselors are available to support you every step of the way.
If you’re researching adoption, bookmark this page, and return as needed — no judgment, only guidance.
