This briefing reviews state laws regarding parties to an adoption. General information dealing with who may adopt, who may be adopted, and who may place a child for adoption is identified. In order for an adoption to take place, a person available to be adopted must be placed in the home of a person or persons eligible to adopt. All states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands have laws that specify which persons are eligible as adopting parents and which persons can be adopted.
The District of Columbia has established specific guidelines for determining who may adopt, be adopted, or place a child for adoption within its jurisdiction. These guidelines focus on creating a safe and nurturing environment for children and ensuring that prospective adoptive parents meet certain criteria. Here is a detailed description of the District of Columbia adoption process, including the different types of individuals who may be involved: 1. Who may adopt a child in the District of Columbia? — Married couples: Married couples may adopt a child jointly if they meet the eligibility requirements, which include being at least 18 years old, having a significant relationship with the child, and being deemed suitable by the adoption agency or court. — Unmarried individuals: Single individuals, regardless of gender, are also eligible to adopt a child in the District of Columbia. They must meet the same eligibility criteria as married couples. 2. Who may be adopted in the District of Columbia? — Minors: Children under the age of 18 may be adopted in the District of Columbia. Any child who has not been adjudicated delinquent or emancipated is eligible for adoption unless a biological or legal parent retains parental rights. — Stepchildren: Stepchildren may be eligible for adoption in cases where at least one biological parent retains parental rights, and both biological parents consent to the adoption. 3. Who may place a child for adoption in the District of Columbia? — Birth parents: Birth parents, either individually or jointly, may place their child for adoption. They must voluntarily and in writing consent to the adoption, which is revocable within ten days after the consent signing. — Guardians: Legal guardians may place a child under their care for adoption, provided they obtain the necessary consents from the child's biological parents or termination of parental rights through legal proceedings. — The District of Columbia Child and Family Services Agency (CSA): In certain circumstances, CSA may initiate the process of placing a child for adoption if it determines that the child cannot return to their biological parents due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The District of Columbia seeks to match adoptive families with children in the best interest of the child, taking into account factors such as the child's age, health, and emotional needs. Prospective adoptive parents are required to undergo background checks, home studies, and parenting education to ensure they can provide a safe and loving environment for the child. Additionally, the adoption process in the District of Columbia involves legal procedures that are overseen by the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. By adhering to these guidelines, the District of Columbia aims to facilitate adoptions that prioritize the well-being and future prospects of children. Whether through married couples, single individuals, birth parents, or guardians, the adoption process in the District of Columbia strives to find permanent and loving homes for children in need.
