Domestic Adoption
1. Because eligibility requirements vary state to state and by type of adoption being pursued, check with your adoption or local social services agency to learn more.
2. To be eligible to adopt, most states require parents to be at least 18 years of age, with a minimum age difference between the child and adoptive parent(s) set by the state. Citizenship and residency requirements also vary.
3. For more information, visit the U.S. government’s Child Welfare Information Gateway.
Intercountry Adoption
1. Most countries set their own regulations governing eligibility requirements for adoption.
2. Some countries may be more flexible in cases where children have known medical or developmental needs or where children are older at time of placement.
3. Learn more about a specific program’s requirements at the U.S. Department of State: Bureau of Consular Affairs.