The requirements for adopting a child in Alabama vary depending on the type of adoption you are pursuing. For example, adopting an infant in AL will have different requirements than adopting a child from foster care.

Likewise, there are different requirements to adopt a child internationally than adopting a child domestically. To learn more about adoption requirements in Alabama, get connected with a local adoption specialist.

Here are some answers to other common questions potential adoptive parents have regarding adoption requirements in Alabama:

Do you have to be married to adopt in Alabama?

Any adult resident of Alabama, whether single, married, separated, divorced or widowed, may adopt. Husbands and wives may adopt jointly. No regulation can prevent adoption by a single person solely because they are single. An adoption also cannot be prevented solely because of a person’s age or if they are employed outside the home.

Can same-sex couples adopt in Alabama?

Yes. There are no laws restricting LGBT adoption in Alabama. LGBT couples are welcome to adopt through American Adoptions in Alabama.

How old do you need to be to adopt in Alabama? Are there age requirements?

There is no specified age requirement to adopt in Alabama. However, adoption professionals may have different preferences about what is a suitable age range for being an adoptive parent. For example, American Adoptions prefers potential adoptive parents to be between age 22 and 50, but exceptions have been made. The Alabama Department of Human Resources requires adults to be at least 19 years old to become a foster parent.

Can a felon adopt a child in Alabama? Can I adopt a child if I am awaiting trial?

During the home study, the prospective adoptive parents and any adult living in the home must confirm whether they are awaiting trial or have been convicted of a criminal offense. According to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, in Alabama, a person will not be approved to adopt if they have been convicted of murder, manslaughter, robbery, any sex-related crime, any crime committed against a child, arson or any drug-related crime.

What do I need to adopt a child in Alabama? How hard is it to adopt a child in AL?

There are general legal adoption requirements in Alabama that must be met to adopt a child. Potential adoptive families should also prepare for the following factors to be taken into consideration by adoption agencies:

Health requirements

You don’t need to be in perfect health to adopt a child in AL, but you do need to be able to meet the physical demands of raising an infant or child. You must submit a physician’s report of physical health as part of your Alabama home study. The overall physical and mental health of your family will be considered by adoption agencies like American Adoptions.

Financial requirements

You don’t need to be wealthy to adopt a child. As part of your Alabama home study, you will be required to submit a financial statement, indicating that you are financially stable enough to raise a child.

Emotional requirements

Potentially, the emotional requirements are the most important in the adoption process in AL. While you can’t submit a document stating you are emotionally ready to adopt a child in Alabama, you need to be sure you meet the following emotional requirements:

• Educating yourself about the requirements for adoption in AL, and being prepared to handle the ups and downs that come with the process.

• Being open to the dream of having a child through adoption instead of biologically, and moving on from the grief of infertility.

• Being on the same page as your spouse regarding your intention to adopt. Both partners must share the same enthusiasm and goals for the adoption.

• Deciding how and when you are going to talk to family and friends about the adoption. It may make sense to only tell a few close friends and relatives at first.

• Preparing yourself for the relationship you will have with your child’s birth family, and understanding that you will need to let go of the expectations of being biologically related to your child.

• Staying excited about and committed to adoption through the good times and the bad times. The success of your adoption is dependent upon this enthusiasm.

To find out if you meet the qualifications to adopt a child in Alabama, call 1-800-ADOPTION now or contact us for more information.

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