Looking into single parent adoption

I wish you the best of luck in finding a way to do a successful domestic adoption as a single person. I have read about one woman who was able to do that and actually adopted a healthy infant, but mostly I've always heard that it is unlikely you would be selected by either an expectant mother or by a state agency to be the adoptive parent as a single parent, except for a child that is otherwise difficult to place (special needs, older, etc.). I know several women (myself included) who have adopted as single mothers, but all of them adopted internationally, from Russia. There is a limit in China of something like 8% of any particular agency's adoptions being to single parents. I am not being sarcastic in wishing you luck, and I really would like to know for other people who ask if it's possible.

Hi, I have adopted domestically twice and am beginning number 3.My first two were healthy caucasian newborns. It is possible. My first was through the state- recommended if you are willing to accept children with issues (age, race, past abuse or neglect or babies who have been drug exposed). It is a more difficult and time consuming path and does not generally result in a healthy caucasian newborn. It was free. My second was independent adoption, where I advertised to find a birthmother (not as difficult or unpleasant as it sounds, at least for me) and used an attorney to screen birthmothers and manage the process. It took me 9 months (which is average) and cost between $15,000 and $20,000. If you are interested in adopting African American, biracial or multiracial infants, there are a number of agencies who will work with you happily. Some traditional agencies who provide family profiles to birthmothers will not work with you or do not have good track records with singles - others are very successful so it is important to ask how many singles have adopted in the prior year out of how many total adoptions. Also how long singles have waited. For my third I am researching using a facilitator to find my child (this was not legal in my previous state). If this is your dream, it can happen - and has for many of us. Good luck Cynthia

Thank you so much for your replies. I am in NY and I have no preferences to race at all. A baby of a different race is just fine with me. Thank you both for the tips. I appreciate it. I figured that I had better start the legwork since I know this will be a lengthy process. I first have to do alot of research on the agencies that will even work with me. Sad but true. Again, thank you both very much. Jen

Jen, I am also hoping to adopt domestically as a single woman. I won't be able to begin the process until next year, but I have been researching like crazy. I have two agencies that I have narrowed my search down to. One is in CA and you choose which ethnicities you would be open to, the other is in WA and only places AA children. Both work with parents across the country. If you want my "shortlist", just send me a PM. Katrina

Thank you Katrina. I sent you a PM.

I adopted my daughter as a single mom!! It was a domestic adoption and was a wonderful experience! I had no problems!! If you want to chat please let me know!

Could the single moms who adopted domestically send me a PM with their agencies? I looked into domestic with a couple agencies but was told it was very unlikely a birth mom would choose me. I'd be interested in hearing how you did it. Thanks.

I have been coming up with such negative responses from people. It is so discouraging. One SOCIAL WORKER told me to forget it. I was so angry. I am going to keep looking into it though and not let them discourage me.....