Adoptive Parent Requirements

Qualifications for Parents:

Adoptive parents MUST:

• Have a source of income adequate to provide for the family

• Be at least 21 years of age

• Be living together for a minimum of one year if a two parent family

• Pass a Criminal Background Check

• Have enough bedroom space to accomodate children

• Comply with regulations set forth by the Califiornia Department of Social Services

• Have an understanding of and willingness to accept risk

• Be able to take time off from work to bond with adoptive children

• Have the flexibility in their schedule to transport children to necessary appointments

Adoptive parents may:

• Be single or married or in a domestic partnership

• Be heterosexual, lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender

• Already have biological children of their own

• Be of any race, creed and religion

What Might Delay or Result In Denial of Certification as an Adoptive Parent?

• Certain criminal and/or child abuse history of the applicant(s).

• Specific mental or physical health issues that may impair parenting a child.

• Major family stressor such as:

• The recent death or serious illness of a close family member.

• Unresolved infertility issues.

• Unresolved marital conflict or recent divorce.

• Inadequate bedroom capacity or unsafe housing

• Inadequate finances, debt burden, outstanding financial judgments that may impair the ability to meet monthly expenses.

• Another adoption or fertility treatment currently in process.

The above is not a complete list. However, it gives a general idea of case specific issues that would cause concern in an adoption homestudy. Applicant(s) could be asked to seek services and/or counseling to address identified concerns prior to completion of homestudy.