Can I Adopt from Foster care?

Children do not need perfect parents!

They need loving individuals who are fully committed to supporting them on their life’s journey, whatever that holds. The most important “requirements” for adults interested in adopting a child, teen or sibling group from foster care are: 

• Ability to offer a child unconditional commitment, love and support

• Flexibility and comfort tolerating the unknown

• A good sense of humor

• Advocacy skills

• Stability and self-confidence

• Good communication and problem-solving skills

There are many myths about who is eligible to adopt from foster care. You can be:

• An adult of any age, as long as you are at least 21 years old; there is no upper age limit to adopt from foster care

• Single, married, partnered, straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer

• Starting your family or have other children in your home

• A homeowner or renter

• Of almost any income level, as long as there is a stable source of income that can support the family; there is no cost to adopt a child from foster care and financial and medical subsidies may be available 

• Of any race, ethnicity and religion

• An adult with a medical or mental health condition and disability; disabilities or medical conditions are not reasons for automatic disqualification from the process; they will likely be a consideration when deciding what type of child you can best parent

• A permanent legal resident 

• A Background Record Check will be completed on all applicants; applicants with a charge on their CORI can apply for a waiver and if a waiver is granted, you will be eligible to proceed with the licensing process

For more detailed information regarding the Department of Children and Families’ standards for foster and adoptive parents, click here.

If you live outside of Massachusetts, please visit AdoptUSKids to learn about the policies and resources in your state.