Single Parent Adoptions in the United States

In 1970, it was almost unheard of for a single parent to adopt a child. Only .5% to 4% of adoptions were by single parents during this time. Over the last twenty years there has been a steady rise in the number of single parent adoptions. This is becoming one of the fastest growing trends not only in the United States but all around the world.

Single parents have been legally eligible to adopt since the first adoption laws were passed in the mid-nineteenth century. Although it was legal it was neither tolerated nor accepted. Singles were still viewed as less desirable than married couples. Men were especially seen far less considerable than women. This was if they were considered at all. Every state currently allows single adults, men or women, to adopt. Today thousands of children are placed with single parents. Twenty-five percent of all single parent adoptions are those of special needs children.

The question of why single parents adopt has been raised many times. There are several different reasons for this. Single men and women often find their lives incomplete. Although they remain unmarried their desire to have children is strong. Sometimes single women pursue careers and put off marriage. They then find themselves in their thirties with a compelling desire for children. Loneliness is another factor. The need to share is a complex human response. Caring enough about a child to share one's life with , is a healthy need.

Many children never make it past foster homes or institutions. Adoption agencies feel that even a single parent can provide much more than these places have to offer a child. Although they are single they can offer a child a loving home and the attention that young children crave.