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Amy,
It depends on the state........ I think you only have to be 18 in some, but in some it's 21.
If you want to adopt internationally, though, different countries have different age requirements. I'm not an international expert by any means, so I can't speak to that, but I'm pretty sure most countries would not allow an 18-year-old to adopt.
$6.20 per hour is not much. I was making more than that at 22 when I decided to relinquish my daughter for adoption, partly because I couldn't see how I'd manage financially if I parented.
Another thing to consider... if you do a newborn domestic adoption, you'll be at the mercy of potential birthmothers choosing your profile. There may be some out there who would choose you, but personally, I would not have picked someone who was single, making less than me, and younger than me.
So, with those two things in mind, your best bet is adoption of an older, waiting child.... but they always have, at a minimum, grief and loss issues--and often some serious psychological diagnoses, behavior problems, and/or medical needs.
Also... what about college? Do you plan to go? Would you be able to do that with a child?
I am not trying to discourage you from your dream of adopting, I just really think you and your future child would benefit if you waited a few years. JMO...
Nicole
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