Foster Adoption?

Question

I am a 40 year old single woman fostering a 4 month old I have had since birth. The parents rights should be terminated by the end of the month. What are my chances of adopting an infant from foster care at my age?

Answer 1

very good actually, but you need to let your caseworker know of your wishes...immediately or they may already be getting an adoptive family for the baby.

Answer 2

Im sure they would allow it but to be totally honest why would you want to? Not to be rude at all but if your 40 whats going to happen when the child is like 13 and wants you to be active and do things with them. You will be 53! Not to say that you wouldnt be able to do all that but what if! Plus when the child is 20 you will be 60. not everyone lives till they are in their 70s or 80s. The child will miss out on having parents there for their wedding and all that fun stuff. BUT then again you are doing an amazing thing by caring for the child. So I guess its ur call!

Answer 3

Very very good....im 43 and i have adopted 4....they want a great home where there is love and happiness....good luck....you will do great.....

Answer 4

Good I HOPE YOU DO GOOD LUCK!

Answer 5

I celebrated my 40Th birthday a few weeks after we were placed with siblings age 1 and 5....

We were called a year later to get another newborn sibling...and another sibling born when I was 43 we were considered as adoptive placement choices... We didn't adopt the two little ones but have a relationship with the family that did. We didn't adopt because I felt that four special need children at my age was too much to meet all of the needs of the children.

Answer 6

i say pretty good. In my state they ask the foster parents first.  Were you licensed for foster care and adoption? that may make a difference.  Also let the kids social worker know that you are intersted they may not know and start looking for other placements

Answer 7

Hi Bebopbailey,

I don't think your age would be a factor preventing you from adopting.  Single people also adopt sometimes.  However, relatives of the baby will always have the first opportunities to adopt him/her if the parents' rights are officially terminated.  

Keep in mind most states usually give the parents about 18 months first to get on a program to sort out whatever problems are preventing them from parenting at this time.  4 months sounds very short.  You might want to doublecheck that.  

If the parents successfully do everything that has been required, they have a good chance of gaining custody back of their child.  Remember, the primary purpose of foster care is to provide temporary care while efforts are made to permanently reunify the natural family.

Decisions should be made according to what is best for the child in the long run.  Being with immediate or extended family is usually best.  The important thing is that the baby be placed in the best available home possible.  I hope for the best for the child.

julie j

reunited adoptee

Answer 8

Very good odds however the legal system seem to last forever. I have had my foster son since he was 5 now 8 and still not adopted. Case workers and attorney says just waiting on legal matters but nobody seems to give me and real answers!

Answer 9

very good. My grandmother at age 45 adopted 18 month old twins. Plus since the baby is in your home you got first dibs. You got lucky. Congrats!!!

Answer 10

Pretty good.  As long as you have a good team behind you (the social workers and staff).  Most of the time, family services will place the child with the foster home that the child has been with especially if the child is an infant and if there has been progress in the child development etc.

good luck