Adoption and Foster care.?

Question

I am 21 years old, i am single and make a decent living. Latley i have noticed in the news and media how bad children are treated and children that have nowhere to go and probably feel unwanted everyday. I want to help a child. I have worked with the boys and girls club for over a year and did big brothers before i moved. But i want to do more than that now, i would like to adopt or foster, but not sure if i can. I know i can give a child a good life. I make more than i need, i have a nice place, but not sure if the age or the maritaul status would effect me being able to do any of that. If someone out there can help me and maybe share a story of your expierences with this situation, be that u adopted of fostered or were adopted or fostered.

Answer 1

I think you awesome, and have a huge heart.. i am a 31 yr old adoptee. Also i have 4 childern on my own. Maybe with your age you should try fostering a child first and see if the lifestyle is okay... Adoption is final, and there are so many foster childern in need of a good stable and caring home plus if that child you foster is up for adoption and you have clicked you could possibly adopted that child .. always know this is a personal choice and there is good and bad with both..Good Luck...Thank you for already giving so much..

Answer 2

I don't think the age will be an issue, neither should the marital status.

Contact your state's children's services department and ask or Google them.  They likely have all the procedures and information online for you.

Answer 3

Some agencies want you to be at least 25; others want at least a 10 year age range between the adopted parent and child. Call around to local agencies and ask questions---lots of questions.

Answer 4

I think this is a fantastic decision. but it is a big step so think about it long and hard .it is better to foster because you can take the children out and look after them better than they were treated before. though you don't have to be there all day every day.but if you are going to adopt i suggest you only adopt one and spend time with this child every day. my friend is adopted and was adopted with her family so you could try do that too.

but if you're ready I'd say to go for it

very good luck to you

hope this info helps from Zoe!

Answer 5

You do have a good heart. I'm not sure if there is an age limit, but be careful working with State agency's. You would be best off going through private adoption agency's. Try to find a child that has no family or a child who really isn't wanted. It can be very nerve-racking and a big mess fostering and trying to adopt a child that their biological family is fighting to have the child returned. There is nothing more important than family and most of these children were taken under false pretenses. The fight for their return can be a very long and bitter battle. Why should a caring person like yourself get mixed up in such a battle.

Answer 6

You would likely not be able to foster an infant be case yo are single.  Putting a child in day care for 9-10 hours a day is not likely to be a good solution for the care of that child.  And you may be too young to foster a child who is school age, which singles are usually qualified to foster.

But it will depend on your state's policies, and the agency you contact.  Call and ask!

Good luck with your plan!  You have a good heart and I am sure will be a good parent no matter what you do.

Answer 7

I was a foster parent at 20. I was single, but I had my own home and a steady job. I had up to 3 teenage girls at one time. I felt that due to working, I should only foster older children. One child I had for over a year. I loved it, but it was tough. I would contact an agency and take the classes and see if you are ready to make the changes in your life to be a parent. There are tons of rules and regulations that you have to be willing to live with. Keep in mind often there are more age regulations about adopting than fostering. I tried to adopt my 12 year old, but due to the less than 10 year age difference, California wouldn't let me. Even though I was her Mom for over a year, they said it would be too much of a sisterly relationship.

Answer 8

you have to be 21 in illinois and it does not matter if you  are single.

Answer 9

Anyone can adopt and foster children.  As long as your stable and are able to provide for a child the only obstacle I can see them questioning would be your age.  I would call around to some local agencies and see what their requirements are.  In our state the process to become either is the same.  You have to fill out tons of paperwork, go through intrusive interviews and go through training.  The later also includes a criminal background check, fingerprinting, credit check and then at least 40 hours of training to become a licensed foster parent.  Once licensed it's your choice what you want to do with it.  I think your goals are admirable and I wish you the best of luck.

Answer 10

ANYBODY CAN ADOPTED OR BE A FOSTER PARNET. JUST GO AND TALK TO HUMAN SERVICES ABOUT ADOPTING OR FOSTER CARE. THEY WILL CHECK YOU OUT. DON'T GIVE UP THEIR ARE KIDS OUT THEIR THAT NEED A PARNET,SINGLE OR MARRIED,GIVE IT YOUR ALL.AND I THINK YOU WOULD MAKE A REAL GOOD FATHER OR MOTHER FOR A CHILD. YOU ARE RIGHT THIER IS A LOT OF CHILD THAT NEED HOMES. JUST KEEP OUT OF TROUBLE AND YOU CAN DO IT. NO DRUG AND THEY WILL DO A HOME CHECK,TO SEE IF YOU ARE WHAT YOU SAY YOU ARE.

Answer 11

Single parents can adopt.  As for your age, agencies usually require a certain age difference, so you could adopt a baby or toddler but not an older child.  It varies by state- it can't hurt to contact a social worker about your interest in adopting!  Good luck!

<3 Kelsey