There are so many misconceptions surrounding adoption as to who can adopt and who can’t. One of these myths is that you can’t adopt if you’re single, which isn’t the case at all. If you’re single and have your heart set on adopting a child, then your relationship status won’t be a factor that counts against you.
In fact, during the year ending March 2024, around 13% of children adopted were done so by single adopters. It’s estimated that there are around 3 million single-parent households across the UK, accounting for around 15% of families. As long as you’ve got a loving home to offer to a child in need, then the fact that you’re a single parent absolutely won’t prevent you from adopting.
We wanted to tackle this myth in more depth and to give you a few things to think about if you’re considering adopting as a single parent.
Can you adopt a child if you’re single?
Yes, you can adopt a child if you’re single. Your relationship status won’t disqualify you from adopting. As long as you meet the initial criteria, have a good support network behind you and are financially stable, you’ll be able to apply to adopt a child.
As a single adopter, you’ll go through the same adoption process as a couple would. Some children may even be better suited to a single-parent household as they won’t have to compete for the attention of a parent. This can be particularly crucial for children with attachment issues.
There will be several factors that you’ll need to consider when you start the adoption process if you’re single:
- Support network – do you have people nearby that you can rely on in an emergency? Would your parents, close friends, or other relatives be able to give you a helping hand in a pinch? Having a solid support network will be an important bedrock for you in your adoption journey.
- Finances – this is a factor that will be discussed with you during the assessment process, but it’s important that you’re financially solvent and able to support a child. Does your adoption leave pay give you enough to support both yourself and your child? And will your income be enough to cover all of the essentials once you’re back in work?
- Adoption leave – once you’ve adopted your child, you’ll be entitled to adoption leave. This is the equivalent of your employer’s maternity leave, and gives you essential time to bond with your child. Find out if you’re eligible for adoption leave in your current role.
- Lifestyle and career ambitions – welcoming a child into your life is a big decision. Remember that this will change your lifestyle in many ways, as your child will need to become the priority in your life. Make sure you think carefully about any ambitions you have for your career or lifestyle and whether you’ll have to adjust these expectations to care for a child.
- Future romantic relationships – just because you’re currently single doesn’t mean you will be forever. However, it’s important to remember that your child will always need to come first, and that you’ll need to think carefully before introducing them to anyone new. The bond they form with you will need to be paramount.
Can a single man adopt a child?
Yes, if you’re a single man, you can adopt a child. Your gender won’t be a barrier to adoption, and neither will your sexual orientation. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, so as long as you’ve got a loving, caring home, then you’re welcome to adopt a child of your own.
Can you adopt if you’re not married?
Yes, you can adopt if you’re not married. As we’ve explored in more detail above, your marital or relationship status won’t be a barrier to adoption.
Can you adopt if you have pets?
Yes, you can adopt if you have pets. In fact, having pets in the home can be a positive tool for helping your child to settle in. We would need to carry out a pet assessment in the home first to make sure there aren’t any health and safety issues. Also, bear in mind that if you have any dogs listed on the banned pets list, such as an XL bully, this could pose a barrier to adoption.
What disqualifies you from adopting?
Several different factors can disqualify you from adopting, but these won’t include things such as your relationship status, your sexual orientation, if you’re renting your home rather than own it outright, or if you’re on benefits.
Things that will disqualify you from adopting include:
- Convictions involving violence, abuse, or crimes against children.
- If you’ve ever been found responsible for abuse or neglect, even without a criminal conviction.
- You’re under the age of 21.
- Your animal is on the banned pets list, such as an XL bully dog.
- You don’t have a spare room.
- You’re not a permanent resident or a UK citizen.
- Refusing background checks or home studies.
We understand that everyone comes with a past and that this doesn’t necessarily reflect who you are now. If there’s anything you’re concerned about that might affect your application, speak to one of our friendly advisors on 0800 5877 791 who can advise you in more detail.
To be able to adopt with Adopters for Adoption, you need to:
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Have a spare room in the home for your child
- Be a permanent resident or a UK citizen
What support is available to me throughout the adoption process?
We’re passionate about the adoption support that we offer our adopters, both during the process and in the weeks after you’ve been matched with your child. We’ll support you through introductions and through the first months once your child has moved in with you, and tailor the help we give you to suit your needs.
Post-adoption services that we can assist with include:
- Help you to apply for an adoption order.
- Assist you with accessing the adoption support fund if you feel your child would benefit from therapeutic services.
- A free 12-month subscription to Adoption UK.
- Free membership to New Family Social for LGBTQ+ adopters.
- Access to a wide range of resources and professionals through our connection as part of the Polaris Community.
- Help you meet other like-minded adopters for an extended support network.
Adopting siblings
Keeping siblings together can have a phenomenal benefit on their mental health. For many children, their siblings are the only constant that they’ve had in their short lives. Not only will you have a complete family with a shared familial bond, but you’ll only have to go through the adoption process once.
If adopting siblings is something that you would like to consider, your dedicated social worker can talk you through your options in more detail.
Adopting children with additional needs
Children who have complex needs or have a disability typically have to wait longer than other children to get adopted, with the average waiting around 11 months or more.
Adopting a child with a disability may sound daunting; however, the emotional reward when you see your child thriving in their new environment will be worth it.
A massive benefit to this type of adoption is that you’ll know of your child’s needs in advance and what kind of help they’ll require. If they develop any additional needs after the adoption order has been granted, you’ll have to do more research into these at a later date, and may not be aware of what support you’re entitled to.
Do you want to know more about adoption?
Your relationship status shouldn’t be a barrier to welcoming a child into your life if you have your heart set on being a parent. As long as you’ve got love to give and want to make a difference to a young person’s life, then that’s all that matters.
Are you a single parent who is looking to adopt? If you’ve got any questions about adoption and what this could look like for you and your family, then we’re happy to help. Simply fill out an enquiry form on our website or give us a ring on 0800 5877 791 to speak to one of our friendly advisors. They can answer any queries you have about adoption, no matter what stage of the process you’re at.
