For Hopeful Adoptive Families
Who Can Adopt a Baby?
Most adults who meet their state's home study requirements can adopt a baby through a licensed adoption agency. We welcome married couples, unmarried couples, single adults, and LGBTQ+ families.
More good families rule themselves out over imagined requirements than are ever declined over real ones. Before you assume you don't qualify — read what agencies actually look for.
Typical Eligibility
- Age 21 or older (some states require 25+)
- Married couples, unmarried couples, single adults, and LGBTQ+ families all welcomed
- Financial stability (no specific income threshold)
- Clear background checks (criminal, child abuse registry, FBI)
- Safe, stable home (owned or rented, both are fine)
- Good general health (not perfection, capability)
- Successful completion of a state-licensed home study
What We Don't Require
- Home ownership — renting is fine
- A minimum income — we look for stability, not wealth
- Having no other children — many families already parent
- A specific religion — non-denominational agency
The Home Study Is the Real Requirement
Almost everything on the list above is verified through one process: the home study, completed by a state-licensed provider in your home state. It covers interviews, background clearances, references, adoption education, and a home visit — and it evaluates readiness and safety, not perfection or decorating. Most families complete it in 3 to 6 months.
Our complete home study guide walks through every document and stage, and the family adoption process shows where it fits in the bigger journey.
Requirements Vary by State
Your home study is completed by a state-licensed provider in your home state. Specific requirements — age minimums, documentation, training hours — vary. We refer you to trusted providers where needed and walk you through each state's rules.
Requirements FAQ
Can single people adopt a baby?+
Yes. Single adults adopt through licensed agencies regularly, and we welcome them. What the home study evaluates is readiness and stability — a support network, a plan for childcare, and a safe home — not marital status.
Do we need to be wealthy or own a home to adopt?+
No. There is no income threshold and renting is perfectly fine. Home studies look for financial stability — that you can meet your obligations and absorb a child's needs — not for wealth. Teachers, nurses, and tradespeople adopt every day.
Is there an age limit for adopting?+
Most states set only a minimum age (21, sometimes 25). There is no legal maximum for domestic infant adoption; home studies consider overall health and the ability to parent long-term rather than a birthday.
Will a past mistake or health condition disqualify us?+
Usually not by itself. Background checks screen for offenses involving children and recent serious crimes; an old, unrelated record is often not disqualifying — disclose it honestly and your provider will tell you exactly where you stand. The same goes for managed health conditions: what matters is capability, not a perfect chart.
Why A Act of Love
Why Families & Birth Parents Choose Act of Love
Founded in 1993
Founded by an adoptive mother. Many on our team are adoptive parents or adoptees themselves.
Thousands of Adoptions
Birth moms and adoptive families in many states and Utah have trusted us.
Over 129 Reviews
One of the Top-Reviewed adoption agencies in the country from birth moms and families we have served.
Full Service Agency
Providing services for birth parents and adoptive families.
Free, No-Obligation
Get Your Free Application Packet
Tell us a little about your family and we'll send your application packet, everything you need to begin. A member of our team follows up within 24 hours. No pressure.