Adopting a child often brings permanent and necessary change to a child’s life, but if you wish to do so in North Carolina, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. The state seeks to ensure that its adoptive parents have the resources and knowledge needed to raise a child and advocate for his or her best interests. However, this does not mean you have to present yourself as a “perfect parent.”
Instead, AdoptUSKids reports that North Carolina residents who are 18 and over may apply to become an adoptive parent, even if they do not have much income or own their own homes. If you are over 18 and wish to move forward with the adoption process, you must prove how having a child join your family would affect your family and the life of the adopted child. You must also show a willingness to encourage that child’s physical, academic, social and emotional growth.
Debunking the marriage myth
Many prospective adoptive parents are under the impression that they must have a spouse to become an adoptive parent. This is not accurate, though. Marital status is not a deciding factor in North Carolina adoptions. Instead, you have a chance at becoming an adoptive parent regardless of if you have a spouse, got divorced, or are a widow.
Assessing your aptitude
Before you make any final decisions about adopting a child in North Carolina, ask yourself some important questions. Do you have the time to devote to a new child? Do you have your family’s support in your efforts to do so? Are you prepared to keep that child in your home until he or she reaches adulthood, even if things get tough?
Remember, the state’s goal is to figure out whether adoption is the best option for the child, not for you. When working to prove your worth as an adoptive parent, always consider the child first.
