Who can adopt a child in the US?

In the United States, anyone who is over the age of 18 is eligible to adopt a child, regardless of marital status. However, some states, including Oklahoma, have additional requirements that prospective adoptive parents must abide by in order to adopt. In Oklahoma, married couples who wish to adopt must both appear before the court for an adoption hearing and must both consent to the adoption. Alternatively, if either spouse is physically or mentally incapable of appearing before the court, a written consent that meets certain statutory requirements may be accepted instead. In the case of single people, the potential adoptive parent must appear before the court and be deemed a suitable candidate for adoption. Aside from the legal requirements for adoption, there are also certain qualifications that prospective adoptive parents must meet. The Oklahoma Adoption Code states that a parent must have sufficient physical and mental capacity to discharge his or her parental responsibilities, must have a stable source of income, be able to provide proper food, clothing, and shelter, and must have an appropriate home environment. In addition, the Adoption Code states that prospective adoptive parents must not have any prior convictions of child abuse or neglect. People who do not meet the requirements outlined by the Adoption Code may still be allowed to adopt, provided that the court finds them to be a scientifically suitable parent and that the adoption will be in the best interests of the child.

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Who can adopt a child in the US?

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