A Picture of a Single Parent Adoption
In today’s modern society, families come in all different shapes and sizes. This is also true in the adoption world. In recent years, there has been an increase in “untraditional” adoptions, including single parent adoptions. However, despite the uniqueness of these adoptions, the child is not loved any less than if he or she were adopted by a traditional couple.
We here at Adoption Choices of Arizona encourage you, as a birth mother, to consider families from all walks of life. We believe that there is no one way that a family should look. A single parent will love your child just as much, if not more, than a couple would. This piece aims to explain the process of a single parent adoption as well as assuage any fears you may have about choosing a single individual as your child’s adoptive parent.
Definition of a Single Parent
Just to clear any confusion, when it comes to adoption, a single parent is an individual — male or female — who is single during the time of the adoption. While this person could potentially be a divorcee, a child adopted as part of a single parent adoption will not originally be adopted by a couple who later divorces. There are no custody battles or any unwilling splitting of families in this type of adoption.
Why Choose a Single Parent to Adopt my Baby?
As a birth mother, you want what is best for your child. However, if you are considering adoption, you may be questioning why you should choose a single individual to care for your child. Please know that that question is completely valid. However, we urge you to look at these points as you make your decision.
- A single parent truly wants your child: A single individual considering adoption desperately wants a child, in fact, adoption may be their only option. They will, without a doubt, be thrilled to care for your child and love him or her with their whole heart.
- Your child will most likely be surrounded by an army of people: It takes a village to raise a child, and this is especially true for single parents looking to adopt. The chances are that the individual who adopts your child will have an army of people standing behind them who are ready to love your child.
- They will be able to provide your child with a stable and good life: In order for anyone to be able to adopt, they must prove that they live a stable and secure enough life to care for a child. Any single individual who is allowed to adopt has met this qualification and is ready to welcome your child with open arms.
The Process of a Single Parent Adoption
The process of choosing a single parent to adopt your child is not much different from a traditional adoption. You, as a birth mother, are more than welcome to contact any of our offices nationwide. Adoption Choices of Arizona has offices in Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Tucson. Our trained staff of counselors, caseworkers and lawyers will talk to you about the possibility of adoption and will support you as you make decisions for your child.
Should you choose adoption, you have the ability to choose your child’s adoptive family. You can also inform your caseworker that you would like a single parent to adopt your child. Our caseworkers will present you with information about couples and individuals who are willing to adopt, and you can choose from there.
Once an individual has been chosen, our staff will assist you with the adoption process. We will help you coordinate meetings with the adoptive parent, handle the legal process and paperwork, and lastly, aid you in finding services to keep the baby healthy during your pregnancy. This is also when you may choose whether you want an open or closed adoption.
The final steps of the adoption process happen when the baby is born. When you go into labor, the appropriate staff members will head to the hospital. This normally includes your caseworker and a lawyer to help with final paperwork. The adoptive parent typically arrives in the area a few days before your due date and can even be in the delivery room if you wish. Shortly after the birth of your baby,the final step is to complete the last bit of paperwork, which our lawyers can assist with. Furthermore, after the completion process, the birth parent may stay in the area for a few days in case any issues arise. You may discuss with the adoptive parent whether or not you want to see your child during this time period.
Please don’t hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions. We are here to support you. For adoption resources or to begin your adoption journey, birth parents can visit us at Adoption Choices of Arizona or call or text us at 1-480-900-5520. If you are an prospective adoptive family hoping to adopt a baby, please instead, visit us here!
Meet the Author: Grace Myers is a sophomore Digital Media major at North Greenville University, excited to work with Adoption Choices over the next couple of months. As a firm believer that every individual has a story to tell, and a right to be properly represented, she loves meeting new people and learning their stories.
When she’s not writing, you can find her listening to music or cuddling with her dog, Sundae.
