What is the minimum anual income to have an adoption homestudy approved?

Question

My partner and I are looking to start the adoption process and need to have a homestudy completed. We live in Washington State. She is 26 and I am 19, we have been together for almost 3 year and we recently bought a house. We are bringing in a combined anual income of around $42,000. I want to make sure we have everything in order and be positive that the homestudy will be approved before we spend $800 to get it done. Is there a general ammount that you have to make yearly to "qualify" as a decent parent?

Answer 1

Other than the statutory rape issue that many people have brought up, the other obvious thing is that you're under 25. Those are going to be more of a downfall to getting a homestudy approved than your income!

Answer 2

I do not understand how you can ask this question? Try this, 3 years ago your "partner" (I assume you are g*y) was raping a minor (you were 16 and she was 23) there should be no way that either one of you get a kid right now. Also, this maybe a better question. "Where can I go for professional help?" Please seek this out, I think you are confused.

Answer 3

OK, well, for some social workers/agencies the issue may be your age.  You are 19 and have been together with a 23 year old for three years?  That means you were 16 and she was 20.  Some states call that Statutory Rape, whether you consented or not.  And that is not a good way to start off an adoption homestudy.

You CANNOT be assured that the homestudy will be approved before you get one.  That's like saying you want to make sure you get a clean bill of health before you go to the doctor!

An adoption Homestudy (when done properly) is an ASSESSMENT of the person's (or couple's) mental, physical and emotionally health, and general appropriateness as a potential parent of a specific child.  You will be approved for a specific race, ethnicity, age, health and number of children.  Or you may be turned down outright.  Or, the social worker may make recommendations you must fulfill, or requirements you have to take care of to be considered.

Start talking about the age issue as a couple  Be prepared to give answers.   And as far as income, more important than the number, is the lifestyle you have, the way you manage your finances, and the access you have to medical care, insurance, etc.  The income is pretty low, though.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, I am not familiar with Washington laws, but have you spoken with an adoption agency yet?  Most reputable agencies will tell you upfront if they have any concerns that you will not pass a home study or meet the requirements for adoption.  One thing to remember is that the agencies are generally not in this to make money by hoping people fail the home study.  Their goal is to place children with qualified families and they will typically go above and beyond in helping you meet the requirements for the home study.  

I tried researching on the internet any laws that might pertain to annual income in the state of Washington for adoption but was unsuccessful.  It sounds like it may be dependent on the adoption agency.  I would recommend contacting someone in an agency or through your local county's children & youth.  They will best be able to assist you.

Good luck to you and your partner.

Answer 5

the income is not an issue however you have to be 21

Answer 6

If you are going thru DHS to adopt it will not cost you anything for a home study.  You just need a steady job, home and you don't have to own it, transportation that is safe.  You will have to have auto insurance.  There are thousands of children up for adoption but it does take a while and you will have to go to classes.  Sometimes it takes a couple of years to find a match.

Answer 7

There is not usually a required income, only that your asset to debt ratio is acceptable (meaning you aren't a few paychecks away from homelessness or bankruptcy) and you have enough in your monthly budget to raise a child.

Your age doesn't seem to be a problem in Washington

RCW 26.33.140

Who may adopt or be adopted.



(1) Any person may be adopted, regardless of his or her age or residence.

     (2) Any person who is legally competent and who is eighteen years of age or older may be an adoptive parent.

Answer 8

i think as long as you have a house and a steady income they will work with you its not like buying a car or anything they just want to make sure you can provide emotionaly . if you adopt they give you a monthly check for the child anyways (in most states)