Comments on: What is the minimum age you must be to adopt a baby?

By: Wierdwisewonderful

Wierdwisewonderful — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:31:04 +0000

21 in most countries but realistically most adoption agencies say 25.

By: charisma

charisma — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 06:19:38 +0000

I know people would assume 21 but I have looked into it and most of the time Its actually 25.

By: MrsMarshall=)

MrsMarshall=) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 21:27:59 +0000

In most cases it’s 21 years old. Some agencies go as far as 25 though depending on what country/age of child you want. There’s also several that requires you to be married a certain length of time and China has restrictions on BMI and other health issues (as do some other countries).

It pretty much depends on what kind of child you desire. I know the foster to adopt program allows you to adopt at 21 whether you’re married or not.

By: Emma

Emma — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:12:15 +0000

Its definately 21!!

By: sixcannonballs

sixcannonballs — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 03:06:33 +0000

I think age should be the least of your concerns in this area. There’s so many more important details that lie within this process.

By: Blake

Blake — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 01:06:20 +0000

None younger than 18 and depending on the adoption agency some may require you to be as old as 25. Furthermore if you a single parent, don’t have a good income, don’t live on your own and support yourself you’ll be on a waiting list indefinitely. If you willing to take an older child, or child with some type of problem (leaning disability, small handicap, ect..) that will increase your odds.

By: Lucinda L

Lucinda L — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 02:27:35 +0000

In the UK you have to be 21 to adopt, but you can start the adoption process sooner (at 18) because it can take years before you get to the stage where you get given a child.

By: El Samuel

El Samuel — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 07:18:55 +0000

In general you must be 21 years of age before even be considered a candidate for adopting or fostering a child. The actual process of adoption is much more complexed then simply be “old enough.” There are some rare exceptions, which would be, someone under the age of 21 wanting to adopt their spouse’s child/children.

Answer

I’d also add that, apart from legal considerations, adopting often (always?) comes with significantly more issues than having a child biologically (which certainly has enough of its own!) … while a minimum “age” may or may not be terribly important, having some years of perspective and life experience under your belt will serve you well. Don’t rush into adoption!