Single Parent Adoption

I'm not able to explain it other than by saying "yes" they can do that. Agencies are usually able to set any rules they like for adopting families, as long as those rules are as strict, or stricter, than the state minimum rules. This one *may* possibly have to do with the child's attachment. If two adults live in the same home and do family things together, the child learns to love both people as parents. Then when a split in the friendship occurs, the parent can walk out with the child. And nobody can force visitation or anything to happen between the child and the "parent" he learned to love and attach to. This causes great psychological harm to the child. At least in a marriage, a judge has to decide about custody and visitation, and the child sees both people he loves as long as both are able and willing. In a friendship, nobody does. The other adult may be perfectly normal and wanting a relationship with the child, but there's nobody who can force it to happen. It's the same problem that children encounter in a boyfriend/girlfriend home, and it doesn't have anything to do with the "type" of relationship between the parent and the other adult, but rather the type of relationship the child would be encouraged to have with the other adult. All that said... not every agency will have that restriction. Just keep looking, you should be able to find the right one for you.

DianeS, Since you have put it that way, I understand better now. Thanks for your reply!