[jaenelle]

Does anyone know? I'm 27 and DH is 25 so obviously we're pretty young. I'd assume they wouldn't let us adopt a child older than about 10, if that, but I'd sure like to know if that's wrong, because there are a bunch of children on adoptuskids that we'd be interested in submitting an inquiry on.

Also, does anyone know if it's possible to pursue a private agency adoption *and* a state adoption at the same time?

[MarMad]

Hiya. I'm 27 and my husband is 31, and we live in Texas. We were approved for 0-18 years of age. We are working with a private non-profit agency (since Texas is moving toward the privatization of foster care) that contracts with DCFS. I do know that we would have to wait at least 9 months between adoptive placements of unrelated children, and that (our agency, at least) does not take people who are pursuing adoptions with other agencies or more than one avenue toward adoption: ie you can't sign up for the agency's domestic infant program and their fost/adopt program at the same time.

[ocracoke]

Obviously rules could have changed since my adoption but I was 7 years and my sister was 9 years when we were placed with our adoptive home. My amom was 25 and my adad was 28 at the time.

Samantha

[srusse24]

Here in KY you must be at least 20 years older than the child you are adopting.

[lisa in venice]

When we looked at the regulations 7 years ago there was no requirment abuot an age difference. I think they has SOOO many kids to place that they are far more practical. it is true that you won't have the parentiing expereince of an older couple with kids already but you have youth and endurance and stamina on your side and those are things that can't be discounted. I know a young man who was with our agency and he was in his late 20's and he was ONLY looking to adopt teens. He ended up with four boys aged 16 to 9 and it was quite a ride. The fact that he could relate to alot of what they were going thru but at the same time was not afraid to stake out his position as an authority figure that made him a great dad to those boys.

lisa

[Fran27]

I think it is 10 years here... But there is no way I would ever consider a teen at my age (28). I work with 17-18 year olds and I consider them like friends, I couldn't imagine trying to parent one, lol.

So mostly, I think it's up to whatever the adoptive parents think they can handle.

[JocelynC]

In my state you have to be 21 to adopt, but I don't think they say anything about how old the child HAS to be. I think they just want you to really consider which age group works best in relation to your age.

[SanInUtah]

To the best of my knowledge, adoption law is standardized in the U.S....hence the effectiveness of the Interstate Adoption Compact. If that's true, then there's NO minimum age difference for state adoptions. There will be other requirements; duration of marriage, insurance, room for the child, ect.

If you have questions call the state directly to ask for a packet to be sent to you. There's no obligation and missionaries won't visit. LOL It's just an information packet that usually has a schedule of MAPP classes and open houses. Once you have that then you'll have your basic answers.

You might be thinking of foreign adoption. Different countries have min and max age requirements.

[quiescentfury]

I think in Ohio you have to be 10 years older than the child you hope to adopt.


You can pursue both private and public at the same time. We did it. We were place with a baby before children from foster care. We are getting close to starting the process again. This we are only looking to adopt from fostercare.