Is a 18(19) year old male in college able to adopt a kid?

spydermomma

Hey there!
I see from your other questions that you are only 15 now. Also you seem just a wee bit unstable -- wanting to stab people in the neck just because they are crazy about a certain book is rather extreme.

It is great that you are interested in a lot of different things. But you should give yourself a chance to grow up, finish college, and figure out who YOU are, before you become someone else's parent.

Being a parent, no matter how you get there, is very hard work. And there are a lot of things you can't do when you have a kid. I think it would be a shame to restrict yourself at 18 or 19. There's plenty of time!

As a practical matter, it is doubtful that any government or private agency would allow an 18 year old college student to adopt. They would want you to have a stable work and home life first. If you were working at a decent job and also taking a few classes to better yourself, then that might be a different thing. The place that would consider you at the youngest age would probably be foster care. Kids in foster care really need families, and a young parent (probably over 21) with a stable job and home life would certainly be considered. Foster care adoption is NOT expensive. In many cases it is free and in some (children with special needs) there is even a subsidy. It isn't true that you have to own your own home either -- renting is fine.

Good luck to you in your future!

xayanexchanx

I doubt it.
In order to adopt, you have to have a good finical situation, and you have to show that you have a good steady job, and TIME for the child. Also, it costs a lot of money to adopt... You really should wait.

-- Aliicat --

I would wait a little longer, but I think it's great you want to do that! Maybe look into foster care. You have to be 18+, where I live. Check out your area's local foster care site for more info!

EDIT: I never assumed you were like those people who screw around, drugs etc. I wish you good luck in your wanting of a baby :)

Answer This!

No, usually they look for someone who can support a kid (ie. out of school, with a house) adoption can be a long and very tedious process.

Lynn

Too young to adopt a kid.

dlmrgnk

Make inquiries and complete an application. You might try sneaking up on it by being a guardian ad litem first.

Heather

I am 28 and looking to adopt as a single parent, and I have done a ton of research over the last few years. I haven't seen anywhere with an age limit less than 21. Your best bet is to wait a few years, but in the meantime you could show that you have a genuine interest in and talent for spending time with children by volunteering, such as with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Also, you need to think about what type of child you want to adopt. As a young, single male, your chances of getting a newborn would be pretty slim, but if you are willing to take an older kid, you'd have a better chance of adopting from foster care. Most importantly, though, don't feel like you have to be in a hurry. Being able to show that you have spent a fair amount of time thinking about and planning for adoption would go a long way toward proving that you are serious about it.

nancy botwin

i don't think so...i'm sure they want a couple with good jobs and a stable home..not saying u don't have this..but they might think that

Laura B

It depends. You could legally adopt say, your sister's kids, if she died or something like that, but they aren't going to give a baby to a 19 year old boy. Plus it costs upwards of $20,000 to adopt a child.

Ankhesan amun

Depending on where you are located it may or may not be allowed. Some adoptions require two parents (ie: married at least 2 years), while others like foreign (international) adoptions will take single parents but they have age requirements.

You could be biting off more than you can chew....but kudo's for thinking about it...maybe after you graduate you can revisit it.

Doodlestuff

In the US, the only way you can adopt under 21 is if you are adopting either a family member or the child of your best friend (and you were named). If there are exceptions to this, they are individual and quite rare.

americanfreeman

highly unlikely

They more more maturity. More financial stability
More experience...etc.

Unless it is a strange situation, I doubt it.

As an adoption agency about it.

niksie19

sorry dude, but unless you own your own house and have a steady job, theres no way in hell an adoption agency will recognize you as a suitable parent. especially if you are single and going to school. whos going to spend time with the baby when your in class? wait untill youre older. you have your whole life ahead of you. im 19 too, and i want kids, but not untill much later in my late 20's. no offense, but we still have so much to learn, (and youre full of yourself if you think you know it all). weres imply not prepared for that kind of responsibility. all the best though.

rocker mom

Prollt ABLE, but unlikely.

sizesmith

In many states, you can't adopt until age 25. I'd meanwhile try a program like big brothers, so you can get documented experience around kids. To be a single young dad, it can be hard to adopt. Mostly, because a young pregnant woman who can't keep her child is going to wonder, "how can he do this when I can't?"

Also, you might meet a girl who already has a child, or 3. I was a young, single mom at 22, and like a lot of other single moms, (I was married & my husband left me), I thought I was ready. We did good, however, it was very hard, and I wish I had celebrated my youth more, and had waited 7 or so years until I had him. Because I had him before my career took off, we didn't have the money to do a lot of things, and it took me a long time to get my life started financially.

softball_whitney_04

If you have a good job that you can support yourself and a child. And you can show that you are responsible for a child and can care for their basic needs then yes!

Best bet is to take a parenting class through your state first before you try so that you have that certificate showing the adoption agency and judge that you have passed classes showing you are capable of being a good parent. And have and hold a job (full-time, preferably that includes benefits) for non-less than 8 months!

My best friend (who is a guy) gained full custody of his biological son who was 1 1/2 at the time and adopted a non-biological son who was 6 months at the time when he was 19. Well the process started when he was 19 and he got them when he was 20. He was able to show he was responsible and could care for both of the boy while being a SINGLE father! He has had these boys for 8 years now and they are outstanding children, have always been well taken care of, loved, and dressed to the T! Up untill about 3 years ago he raised the boys on his own, in which at this time he met and moved in with the lady that is now his wife and have taken his boys on as her sons and they call her mom.

Good Luck, definatly do the new parenting classes first!

[[anthOny]]

you have to be 21 to adopt a child.

Julia Gulia ??? drama QUEEN

well it all depends.... if ur ready for it of course but if ur to overwelmed in ur school think twice about it!

bree

No. You have to be at least 21. Also, agencies prefer that you have been married for 2 years. Not mention they want to see steady employment, your savings, tax returns for the last 3 years, etc. There are so many requirements, all of which a 18 year would have difficultly satisfying. Why don't you volunteer for a kids organization instead.

Tiana M

Absolutely! A good friend of mine was able to adopt his first son when he was 19

â˜ kaylacherie<3â˜

i think so...............
because when you turn 18 you are legaly an adult
so im pretty sure

RaceBannonOwnsChuckNorris

I wouldn't recommend it. Adoptions are expensive, and a child needs care. If you aren't able to take frequent breaks from study, or intend to put off much of the responsibility and give it to your parents, or girl friend, why bother?

jm8783

why dont u just knock someone up and get full custody if you really want a kid? especially because most people will not adopt to a single parent that is still in college and WAY too young to raise a child

GSWfolife

yes cuz ur an adult

AmyMichelle88

Yes, but it will be very hard considering your age unless you have a soon to be wife or girlfriend.

Cedrica

you're grown, so i don't see why not.

blank.none

i think so so long as you have a good place to rais him or her

Bettee62

I HOPE NOT. THE CHILD DESERVES A FULL-TIME PARENT.

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