How old do you have to be to adopt a child?

Question

I'm 17 years old and would like to sponser a child then later on adopt them when I am old enough. Please, if anyone knows any information let me know. Thank You, Blueberrybubbles

Answer 1

You must be 25 years old to adopt from overseas.  If you wish to adopt in the United States, you may be able to do so earlier;  but you would have to be able to prove that you could support and care for a child.   Also, it would be unlikely that a birth parent would choose a very young, unmarried person to adopt her baby.  You would be more likely to have success if you wished to adopt an older child through the foster care system.

Answer 2

State laws vary (it's 19 in my state), you would need to look at the adoption laws in your area.

Answer 3

Most agencies and countries have age restrictions, meaning not younger than and not older than. Most have a 25 year old start point. It sounds like your heart is in the right place at such a young age, so I would recommend the following in the meantime.

Become a Mentor to a younger teen or child

Become a Big Sister

Volunteer "somewhere" where there are children in need of support from a kind hearted person

Do your research on adoption, you have so much to learn!

Answer 4

you must be of age to adopt a child in the u.s. and u must be able to show that you can take care of the child..................and 2 adopt a child from overseas u must be atleast 25

Answer 5

I believe at least 20 or 25 to be able to adopt and you need to have a way to support the child among other things. Are you willing to devote every second of the day with this child? If you are willing wait a few years and make sure you can support both you and the child and have a home for the child then I say adopt!

Answer 6

I don't know about where u r, but in West Virginia where I live you have to be 21 and pass all the studies and background scans they do.

Answer 7

21 years old age

Answer 8

you need on more year. you have to be 18 or older

Answer 9

Hi Meyka,

You sound mature beyond your years.  When the time is right, I think you would make a wonderful mother, for a child.

It's hard to adopt if you are single, for one.  You also have to be of legal age in your state and prove to the adoption agency and the courts, that you are financially able to care for that child.

You can sponsor a child from another country right now, despite your young age.  There are many children that need our help.

I commend you for looking beyond yourself and wanting to provide for another human being...Kudos!

Answer 10

Although the laws and policies that regulate who can adopt will vary from state to state and from agency to agency, there are general requirements that most adoption agencies or state services will look at when they talk to people about adopting. You could start with contacting DFS in your own state if you are considering a domestic adoption.

For international adoptions, the age restrictions are:

Russia - 25 years old - married or single women

Ukraine - 25 years old - married or single women

Kazakhstan - 21 years old - married or single women

China - 30 years old - married only

Vietnam - 21 years old - married or single women

Guatemala - currently no age restrictions, but on a case-by-case basis - single or married