Who Can Adopt a Child From Foster Care?

Probably the most important “requirements” for adults interested in adopting a child, teen or sibling group from foster care are:

• Being able to offer a child unconditional commitment, love and support
• Flexibility and the ability to tolerate change and the unknown
• A good sense of humor
• Ability to advocate
• Stability and self-confidence (secure with yourself)
• Good communication and problem-solving skills

There are many myths about who is eligible to adopt from foster care.  You can be:

• An adult of any age, as long as you are at least 21 years old.  There is no upper age limit to adopt from foster care.

• Single, married, partnered, straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender

• Starting your family or have other children in your home.  Massachusetts does limit families to a maximum of six children in the home (any combination of biological, step, foster, adopted, etc.) 

• A homeowner or renter

• Of almost any income level, as long as there is a stable source of income that can support the family; there is no cost to adopt a child from foster care and financial and medical subsidies may be available 

• Of any race, ethnicity and religion

• An adult with a medical or mental health condition and disability; disabilities or medical conditions are not reasons for automatic disqualification from the process; they will likely be a consideration when deciding what type of child you can best parent

• An adult who is a US citizen or a qualified, documented alien

For more information regarding the Department of Children and Families’ standards for foster and adoptive parents, please visit their guide at http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dss/c_fc_adoption_kit.pdf.