Will we ever be able to adopt?

Question

My husband and I already have two beautiful children that we love with all our hearts, and we would love to have more.

However, I dont feel so great about the fact that I am 33 and dont want to risk difficult pregnancies or unhealthy babies when there are so many children that could do with a loving home.

We would love to adopt but would the fact that we already have children and that we are both over 30 be seen as a disadvantage?

Where can I find out officially?

Answer 1

You are not too old to adopt- actually over 30 is a good age- my hubby and i adopted in our 30's. What a wonderful couple you must be to want to give children homes that already are born and may not have a home.  God bless you- and good luck in your search.

Answer 2

I can only speak for perspective adoptive parents living in the US, but absolutely you can adopt over 30 and with children.  

For US domestic infant adoption, some agencies may only work with infertile couples or couples with no children.  There are other agencies without these restrictions.  Most infant adoptions occur with the expectant mother choosing the adoptive family, so it really depends on whatever criteria the expectant mother finds important.  

Foster adoption: No restrictions  There are many children in foster care that need loving homes.  Not always infants.  Not always "perfect".  But they need homes too.

International Adoption: Depends on the country program.  Some have age/# of children restrictions, others don't.  There are many children in orphanages in third world countries that need loving homes.  Not always infants.  Not always "perfect" but they need homes too.

Research all of your options carefully before choosing what's best for your family.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I cannot speak for other countries but in England this would not prejudice your case at all.  You would be seen as choosing adoption as a 'positive choice' and not a 'last resort' as some infertile couples do after years of disappointment and trying. The fact that you have children already would mean that you are experienced parents and will know what you are getting yourself into!  The adopted child woud have to be the youngest child in the family by at least two year - this will mean that their place in the family is secure and not competing with a sibling of the same age, or adopted to be a playmate for a bio-child (believe me - it happens!).

Go for it - you will never look back. Your family will be enriched beyond belief....never see it as a favour you are doing to a disadvantage child - even though you are completely blessing their little life and giving them a great chance of a happy family life, but always see it as you being blessed...children are a gift from God no matter how they arrive.

Being over 30 is not an issue either. In the UK you should be no more than 45 years older than the child you wish to adopt.

If you are in the UK - please see Barnados

Answer 4

Over age thirty is an advantage.  Many countries require it.  As for having children, it does prevent adoption from a (very) few places, and may limit your gender options.

See the US Govt website below.  Good luck!!

Answer 5

the fact that you ahve children is not an issue in most cases (some international adoption do take this into account, depends on the country)  you age is definately not an issue.  Most states require you to be between the ages of 25 and 50 to adopt.  good luck.

Answer 6

I am 33, my partner is 43.  In our particular county, we can adopt up to any reasonable age.

Being over 30 doesn't make you older adoptive parents, our social worker told me that I'm one of the younger adoptive parents!

Please please please consider adoption.  I never had biological children but my adopted guys are the light of my life.  To get the official information, do two things:

1. web search (your county) children and family services;

2. (your city) adoption advocacy.

It was the advocacy group that really helped us to find our first son.  You know what they say, it's not what you know, it's who you know...It was non-profit.  We did NOT sign up with an agency besides our county's children's and family services.

It was the best thing we ever did.  Good luck and thank you for considering adoption!

Answer 7

You sound like the perfect person for being a foster parent. Try going at it temporarily and see how it works.  There are many children with special needs in the US that are being ignored and overlooked. Perfection is in the eye of the beholder.  When did 33 become risky darling?

Answer 8

There are so many foster children available.  Check with your local Department of Human Services.  By doing an internet search of foster care, and your state, you should be able to find out the requirements.  In most states, it will include taking around 30 classroom hours of courses.  Some states even allow them to be taken online.  You'll have to have a home study, where a few visits by a licensed social worker with the state comes out, inspects your home to make sure it is safe (no exposed wiring, locked medicine and poison cabinets, fire escapes, safe water supply-either city or inspected well, etc).  They'll also interview you to make sure you are consistent with your stated and verbal reasons for wanting to adopt.  You'll also have to decide if you want to foster children, or actually adopt.  Over 30 isn't a problem, however, over 40 can be to adopt an infant.  Sibling groups are easier.   The placement will be for the best interests of the child.  For instance, some children have been through an assortment of abuses, and certain ones will do better with older children, and some wish to have younger.  Each adoption situation is as unique as the child itself, and by adopting, I know I have been so blessed, and I'm trying to do it again!  I adopted an infant (I'm 42 now), through private adoption, and am planning on adopting a sibling group as soon as they teach the courses in my area.  They hold courses more often so the process is faster in larger cities.  There is a constant need, because so many who do foster, end up adopting.  Many agencies also work with overseas adoptions, and many of the children there are labeled with a various diagnosis in order to get them available for adoption.  Research adoption, and then further your search like local laws, the children's feelings, etc.  Also, if you adopt an older child out of foster care, there is often financial help to pay for the adoption, and most of these kids come with medical help already, which makes i a more affordable option.

Answer 9

The adoption of our third child will be final on the 26th of June. My hubby and I are both over thirty, and this will be our fifth child.

Go for it, there are thousands of children, that need parents like you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!\

Call your local Family and Children Services and ask to speak to a adoption worker.