What is the best way to adopt a newborn?

Question

i am 19 married to a marine and want to adopt. do you know anyone as young as me who has adopted or if i can adopt?

Answer 1

I'm not 100% positive, but I believe that most states require that you be at least 25 in order to begin the process. You may want to check what the requirements are in your state first.

If you are 100% sure that adoption is your option for parenting, my suggestion is to do your research first. Attend a local agency adoption seminar, you can check on line for these, or call and ask them, make sure they are a reputable firm.

Read!!!! Your library and book stores are filled with great books on adoption.

Talk to friends and family members, join support groups, do all you can to become educated on adoption, it's not as easy as "just adopting".......there are many people out there who will be negative and ignorant!

As far as a newborn goes....Usually, when you fill out your criteria, you will have a list of items to accept or decline. This includes gender, age, ethnic background, family illnesses, handicap issues, etc., etc.,

Based on this criteria, you are then matched with a birthmother, or a birth mother will choose you from your scrapbook and Dear BM letter. (usually thru agency).

I wish you the best. You are young to make such a big decison, but I understand all too well how the desire to parent feels. Good luck.

Answer 2

Try contacting WACAP there all over the country. they are so nice and will try and lead you in the right direction even if it is with them! Hope this helps even just a little!

www.wacap.com

Answer 3

You should be able to! My friend is 20. and she is married and she has adopted when she was 19. Good luck

Answer 4

I'm assuming you have tried having one of your own since you are wanting to go the adoption route.  I know in many states you can go through children's services to apply for adoption.  They are usually no cost or very low cost as well.  I know with my 3 we went private adoption and all 3 birthmoms were wanting somewhat older adoptive parents for their children.  Just parents who were more established and more time in their marriage.  Good luck, I hope you find what you are looking for.

Answer 5

Good luck, because you know there are SOOOOOO many newborn babies out there just dying to be taken away from the only mothers they ever knew just so they can make YOUR dreams come true.

Oh wait...never mind.

Answer 6

You are still young enough to have one of your own.  Have you explored this route first?   Do you really want to raise someone else's baby?

Answer 7

Yes, it is possible for you and your husband to adopt depending upon the requirements of your State.  Even if, in accordance with your local regs, you are considered "too young" you can at least start to research things now so you know what to have ready when you do reach the age required.  I suggest you call a few local agencies and inquire directly.  They will gladly give out the info.  

As far as newborns are considered, it can be difficult but again that depends upon where you live and what programs are available.  In our area we were able to welcome a 4 day old through our foster to adopt program.  Just keep in mind though that private adoptions, foster-to-adopt, social services adoptions, religious agencies and others all offer adoption services in most areas and there are different costs, or in some cases no costs, associated with each agency/program.  Again, call around and find out what is in your area so you can make an informed choice when the time comes.

Answer 8

Most newborns come from young mothers who are told they are "too young to be a mother."  These mothers ARE NOT neglectful, drug-addicts, abusers, or otherwise dangerous.  

Some of the mothers are even older than you are right now, and they are still sold the "too young" bill of goods!

So why should you be allowed to adopt the baby of a mother who is "too young to be a mother?"

Have you tried becoming a mother the old-fashioned way -- by having s*x, getting pregnant, and giving birth?