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Originally Posted By STEPHEN

I AM A SINGLE MALE LIVING WITH ANOTHER MALE, WILL THAT BE AN ISSUE TRYING TO ADOPT AS A SINGLE PARENT IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA? IS IT A PROBLEM IF I AM A PERMANENT RESIDENT OF THE US AND NOT A CITIZEN? WILL INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION BE EASIER OR DOES IT MAKE NO DIFFERNECE? IF IT IS NOT POSSIBLE IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA, IS IT POSSIBLE TO ADOPT IN A STATE WHERE YOU DO NOT RESIDE?

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Originally Posted By Cindy

Adoption law is set on a state-by-state basis, and I cannot comment on the laws in Florida. For this you might call a local attorney for clarification or contact the bureau of licensing in Tallahasse, which should be able to give you a list of all agencies in your state. Then you can call those which interest you.

The issue here, however, seems to be one related to your desire to adopt a child together. It is my experience as an agency person that openly gay couples usually have an easier time if one person adopts as a single mom or dad, especially in the case of an international adoption. Some states, NJ for example, will allow the two of you to then REadopt the child jointly. Again, I cannot comment on the laws in Florida.

One final comment: prospective single dads invariably wait longer than single female candidates---not fair, but generally true nonetheless.

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There's an agency in one of the Chicago suburbs that is very open to "alternative" adoptive parents. I know they've placed at least one infant with a gay (interracial) couple and one infant with a single male. Look them up on the web. They're called Adoption Link in Oak Park, Illinois and they work a lot with out of state residents.

Good Luck!

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Originally Posted By Cindy

The only way to know for sure is to ASK. Be right up front from the beginning and give the agency the absolute right to say, "YES, we will try to help you," or :NO, not a possiblity." My experience is that, while the law may say "thou shalt not discriminate" and that responders may try to answer within the framework of the law, once you break through the routine introductions and make some sort of personal and sincere connection, you are more apt to get an HONEST answer to your all-important question. Just DO it!