[amytiller]

Hello. My name is Amy, Im new here and I have a few questions to ask if you could be so kind to reply, that would be great First of all, I am 17 years old and have been interested in adopting since I was 15. (no joke!) Some people tell me that I am too young to even be THINKING about adopting, but Ive allowed that to go over my head and keep thinking positive. I am finacially stable, I have a job and I get 6.20 an hour, so I believe that I am able to support a child. I know that I cannot be 17 to adopt, but I was wondering if you knew if the age limit is 18 or 21. I have already decided on which child I would like to adopt, and I have talked to the agency, the agency, however, did not specify the age limit. If you know this, and/or would like to chat, please reply because I am really wanting to know this because I turn 18 soon and if I can adopt at 18, then I will try to get the child I wish to adopt. Thank you so much for taking time out and reading this post!! Have a nice day! ~ Amy

[amytiller]

does anyone know?

[79nic]

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