Special Conditions on Adoption for Unmarried Individuals and Same Sex Couples

Married heterosexual couples have always been considered the most likely candidate for adopting children. However, there has been a growing trend in both single and same sex adoptions.

In the past, special condition adoptions or adoptions by unmarried individuals and same sex couples were completely unheard of. While it is true that married heterosexual couples are still considered to be the norm when it comes to pairing off children for adoption, singles and same sex couples have gained some clout in the adoption scene over the years. Between the two, singles have better likelihood of a successful adoption over same sex couples, with more successful single female adoptions over single male adoptions.

The singles scene
There has been stronger acceptance for adoptions by unmarried individuals over the past years. However, unmarried individuals still don't share the same treatment or preference when it comes to traditional married couples. For instance, it is almost impossible for a single individual to adopt a new born infant. This is because heterosexual married couples are still given priority when pairing off infants to parents for adoption.

This should not discourage single individuals from adopting because there are no state laws that prohibit adoption by single individuals. While there are some adoption agencies that don't consider adoption by unmarried individuals, if your desire to adopt is sincere and motivated by the right reasons as deemed by social workers conducting home studies and screenings, there is no reason for singles not to be able to eventually find a match with a child for adoption.

Singles have a better chance of successful adoption from public adoption agencies for children with special needs. International adoption is also possible for singles for some countries only. Singles can also try the independent adoption process to by pass the influenced bias of some adoption agencies. However, it is important to remember that prospective birth mothers may be just as biased against giving their infants up for adoption to single, unmarried individuals.