[JustWondering85]

I'm single and only 20 years-old but I've been considering adopting toddler. I've already spent my whole life caring for children. I'm currently a Labor and Delivery Tech at the hospital. I'm a volunteered at shelters for homeless women and children and I've been there for years I babysit the children after school, tutor them with homework, and mentor them, I've also worked for two years at a daycare, I've babysat for the same families for years and have watched their children from the time they were only a couple weeks. I just want to know if anyone thinks I'm crazy for thinkin I could raise a child at my age. I'm financially stable averaging around $50,000 a year and I live by myself in a 4 bedroom house in a nice neighborhood in VA. Would an adoption agency even consider me or would my state even allow it. Please give

[missw005]

Unfortunately, many agencies require you to be 25 to begin the adoption process. But perhaps there are some out there that don't. And I know adopting a state/foster care child has a lower age limit, at least where I'm from.

But otherwise, you've got a lot going for you.

I wish I was as financially set as you - 4 BR house, making $50K a year - when I was 20!!!! Heck, I can't even claim that now and I'm 35!!!!!

Seriously, though, get out your yellow pages, call a couple adoption agencies and your county adoption office and see what they say! Like I said, you've got a lot going for you. And except for the financial part, I was just like you. My state required me to be 25 before I started, but I found an agency that let me start my paperwork when I was 24, knowing I wouldn't get everything completed and finalized until I turned 25.

Good luck! Let us know what happens!

Sandy

[Emster]

Sounds like you have so much to offer a child! Our state system requires you to be at least 21 I think before you can be licensed. Most international I think require you to be 25. Other agencies probably have different rules and depend on state law (indiana is not specific on age in their laws that I can see.)

Good Luck to you! And congrats on having your act together at such an early age--it will make everything else so much easier as you go along.

[amom4life]

Your age right now may be the thing that gets in the way, but other than that you sound like you'd be a great mother and I don't think you're crazy at all.

Check into the age factor with some agencies and see what they say,
Blessings!
Judy

[BoxerLady6]

From a bmoms point of view, I would never have chosen you. (I hope you don't take offense to this) I was 20 years old and single when I placed my daughter.
I think I would have felt like a horrible person that someone else my same age COULD raise my daughter and I couldn't.
I guess that doesnt mean that there aren't bmoms out there that might feel differently. I just think that most bmoms are probably very close to age with you and it might really hurt them.

[cubbiegirl]

If you are interested in a toddler, adopting from a foster care agency might work great for you.

In my state you have to be 21. I'm single and 26 and just been approved.

[sandymomof2]

I don't know the laws regarding adoption where you live, but if agencies give youa a problem regarding your age, you could also try going the private/independent route just using an attorney. Look in your local yellow pages under adoption, and there should be lisitings, or, even better, look at www.adoptionattorneys.org for someone near where you live and ask their opinion.

Good luck!

Sandy

[JustWondering85]

Thanks to everyone so far who's replied.. It's very helpful to know how others feel and encouraging to know that some of you are supportive!

I went on the Department of Social Services website and according to them you only have to be 18 to become a foster parent.

http://www.dss.virginia.gov/family/fostercare.html

Anyone think this would be the best thing for adopting a toddler... I just want to get all the facts and information before contacting someone.

[ellemeth]

18 sounds about right to me. Here, they put foster care ads on the college campus trying to generate interest.

I don't have any hints to offer about the adoption but I wanted to wish you good luck.

[Kymom2b]

Just wanted to wish you good luck. My situation is a bit different than yours, but I am also a young one-24. My dh and I have been considering adoption for three years now and have finally chosen an agency and turned in our paperwork.

When we were first married we gots lots of comments on starting a family. The comments were very supportive and we never heard a single person say they thought we were too young. When we started telling people we would be adopting, their attitude suddenly changed. Now suddenly we were SO YOUNG! It was as if people thought we would conceive if we just waited a little bit longer. How frustrating! My point is that only you know whether you are ready for a child or not. No matter what road you take, someone will be there to disagree. Ultimately you will be taking care of that child's every need, not anyone else. Don't be discouraged, if your heart is leading you into a particular direction-go for it!

If you ever want to talk Pm me!

Elizabeth