Can a single mother adopt a child? It is a question that often comes up when discussing adoption. Some people feel it is unfair to the child, and that they would be better off with two parents. And some people believe that solo parents can equally provide a loving home.

Nowadays, people have grown to accept single parenting. Even for adoption agencies, the number of single- parent families seeking to adopt has increased. A single mother can adopt a child—That's the most definitive answer. Of course, there are pros and cons, and it is important to weigh them carefully before deciding.

Single-Parent Adoption vs. Two-Parent Adoption: Facts and Statistics

Here are some single-parent adoption facts and statistics to ease your way of deciding:

• A home study is required to adopt a child. A social worker will visit the family, interview each member, and observe the family's  interactions. They will also do a criminal background check on each person in the household. The social worker will look for a safe, stable, and loving home for the child. Some states allow single parents to adopt without a home study, but this is rare.According to the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) FY 2020 report,  28% of those who were adopted from foster cares in the US were adopted by single parents. There are several reasons single people may choose to adopt; including the desire to become a parent, the inability to conceive a child, or the death of a partner. Single parent adoptions are becoming increasingly common, as more and more people are choosing to adopt children as single parents.
• Single-parent adoptions are more likely to be done by women than men. This may be because of a variety of factors, including the fact that women are more likely to be raising children alone because of divorce or death of a spouse. They are also more likely to be primary caregivers even when both parents are present.
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• Most single-parents who choose to adopt are around their 40s and 50s. The average age of a married couple adopting a child is 33 years old.
• Adoptions from foster care are more likely to be done by single parents than adoptive parents. One reason being, single parents are more likely to be open to adopting children with special needs, which is often the case for children in foster care. Second, single parents may have an easier time meeting the income and other requirements that are often necessary to adopt from foster care.

Single parents should not fear the adoption journey

There should be no discrimination against those who want to adopt a child. Single-parent adoptions can be as intricate as that of two-parent adoptions. There are several things to consider, including the child's age, medical history, and any concerns or objections that may be raised by the child's original family. The adoptive parents must also be prepared to commit to the child for the long term.

The costs of single-parent adoption

Depending on the source of the adoption, the costs vary. The most common costs associated with adopting a child include:

•    - The legal fees involved in the adoption process.
•    - The travel and accommodation costs are associated with meeting the child and the adoptive parents.
•    - The cost of providing the child with a suitable home.

The Perks of Adopting As A Single Adult

There are several benefits to adopting a child as a single parent. These include:

•    - You will have more time to get to know the child.
•    - You will provide a stable home for the child.
•    - You will provide the child with a loving and supportive environment.
•    - You will have access to more resources than if you were adopting a child with two parents.
•    - It is a very rewarding experience when you see yourself making a difference in the life of a child.

The Drawbacks of Adopting As A Single Parent

There are drawbacks to adopting a child as a single parent. These include:

•    - You may need to devote more time to the adoption process, as you're the only one who's allowed to complete it.
•    - You may have to deal with more challenges and difficulties than if you were adopting a child with two parents.
•    - You are solely responsible for all fees associated with the  adoption process.

Inter-country Adoption for Single Adults

There are several benefits to adopting a child from a foreign country:

•    - You will have access to a wider range of adoption options.

•    - You will have more control over the adoption process.
•    - You will have access to better resources than if you were adopting a child from within the United States.

The Strong Social Support System of a Single Adoptive Parent

A strong social support system is important for single adoptive parents. This system includes friends, family, and other members of the community who can provide emotional and practical support during the adoption process. There are several options available to single adoptive parents that allow them to maintain a strong social support system. These options include:

•    - Pursuing a career that allows you to stay home with the child.
•    - Hiring a babysitter to care for the child.
•    - Joining a support group for single adoptive parents.