[Mrs.Pierce]

Hi everyone, I have some questions about domestic adoption (not infants). My husband is 26 and I am 24... what is the oldest age child we would be allowed to adopt? Would he/she have to be no more than 6, so I would have been of legal age when he/she was born? If there is a rule, does it vary by state? Also if so, do they make exceptions for special needs adoptions?

I can't seem to find an answer to this no matter where I look or who I ask. Thanks to anyone who can offer some answers!

[DianeS]

My state doesn't have an age rule, you just have to be considered a fit parent for the age child you are looking for. For example, I don't think a 21 year old would be considered as a parent for a 17 year old... but even that isn't written down anywhere. I'm 27, my husband and I are considering children up to age 8 or 10 and noone has even blinked.

I've never heard of a state that required an 18-year age gap, but I have seen states with 15 and 10 year age gap requirements. Can't remember which they are, though.

Why do you ask? Are you specifically looking for an older child? What age range?

[Mrs.Pierce]

My husband and I were originally pursuing infant adoption, but it wasn't working out for various reasons (mostly financial). Then it hit us all at once that the child's age didn't matter to us. So yes, we're now specifically looking for a child or siblings, probably between the ages of 4 and 10. I know there are so many school-age kids in need of a loving home and we would love to provide one.

Thanks for your input- what state are you in? I am in Rhode Island. How would I find out what my state's requirements are?

[sjjkcloutier@ao]

My husband and I are from Rhoe Island, and I can tell you that there is no age limit in the state. We adopted 2 boys, ages now 3 and 6, from MA., and they had no problem with us going out of state either. The adoption workers were wonderful, and the placement team was good as well. Feel free to e-mail me at sjjkcloutier@aol.com, and I would be happy to discuss our journey with you. I won't say that iti was all roses, but I can tell you what to expect. Good luck!


Jessica Cloutier

[lucyjoy]

My state at one time did require the age ratio thing. I'm not sure if they still do. We were doing special needs adoptions(which would include any child over 6).