Arkansas Adoption Requirements

Do you meet the requirements to adopt in Arkansas?

Adoption requirements vary from state to state, and because the process has so many different laws and steps, familiarizing yourself to requirements to adopt in Arkansas is key for a successful adoption journey.

When you move forward with your adoption journey, you not only need to assess your own readiness to adopt, you also need to make sure you meet the requirements to adopt in Arkansas. This can to unnecessary stress for some hopeful adoptive parents who may wonder, “Can I adopt a child in Arkansas? What is needed to adopt a child in Arkansas?”

First, you should remember, you don’t need to be a “perfect” person in order to adopt. Arkansas adoption requirements are in place to ensure that all children are placed in safe, stable homes with adoptive parents who are fully prepared to meet their needs. The qualifications that you will have to meet will depend on what type of adoption you wish to pursue and which professional you choose to help you do it.

Each state has its own requirements for adopting a child, but as a national agency, American Adoptions has its own set of adoption qualifications that meet all state laws. If you’d like to speak with an adoption specialist at American Adoptions to help you understand more about our criteria, you can always reach out to an adoption specialist at 1-800-ADOPTION or get free information online to learn more.

In the meantime, here are some answers to five frequently asked questions about Arkansas adoption requirements:

1. How old do you have to be to adopt a child in Arkansas?

The state itself has no legal adoption age limit. However, American Adoptions prefers that prospective adoptive parents be between the ages of 22 and 50, however this may depend on the adoption program you choose to pursue, and exceptions may be made.

2. Do you have to be married to adopt a child in Arkansas?

No, the state of Arkansas does not require that a person be married to adopt a child. However, to work with our agency, you must be married for at least two years. If you are unmarried and considering adoption, you can always reach out to one of our adoption specialists to see if an exception can be made.

3. Can a felon adopt a child in Arkansas?

If the felony committed was a violent crime involving the abuse or neglect of a child, you will most likely not be able to adopt. This doesn’t mean that having a felony bars you from adopting a child completely, it just means that the answer to this question depends on the nature of the felony. If the felony was non-violent, a social worker will determine your eligibility to adopt on a case-by-case basis. They’ll want you to tell them about the crime, getting a better understanding of what happened.

4. What do I need to adopt a child in Arkansas?

In addition to meeting legal requirements to adopt in Arkansas, your adoption home study will take other types of preparedness into account when determining if you’re eligible to adopt in Arkansas. To be approved for adoption, you will need to meet:

• Health Requirements: You will be asked to submit recent physicians’ statements verifying that you are physically and mentally healthy enough for adoption and parenthood.

• Financial Requirements: Your home study professional will want to make sure you have the financial stability and means to meet the needs of raising a child. You will need to submit certain financial documents proving your ability to adequately provide for a child.

If you’re interested in adopting with our agency, our adoption specialists will ask you a few more questions before approving you for one of our adoption programs:

• Have you grieved from any infertility issues you may have experienced?

• Are both spouses fully committed and excited to grow the family through adoption?

• Are you ready to handle the highs and lows that come with the adoption journey?

5. What Are the Requirements to Adopt a Child from the Arkansas Foster Care System?

While American Adoptions only provides placement services for private domestic adoptions, we support families interested in adopting through the Arkansas foster care system. For the most part, the requirements to foster parent or to adopt from foster care are the same as the above adoption requirements. If you’re interested in foster parenting, Arkansas Department of Children and Family Services staff members will work with you to determine the type of child that’s best suited to stay in your home in terms of health issues, gender, age and more. 

If you’re interested in adopting from foster care, you’ll need a home study just as you would in a private adoption. This will determine whether you’re prepared to adopt by investigating whether your house is clean and safe, whether you have experience with children, whether you can afford to properly care for the child, and if all members of your household are eager and ready to adopt. Because we are a fully licensed Arkansas adoption agency, American Adoptions can provide home study services for your foster care adoption.

Start Your Adoption Process Today

Adoption can be an amazing way to start or grow your family, and American Adoptions of Arkansas can help. You can experience the best possible version of your adoption journey with support, guidance and encouragement from our specialists.

If you have any questions about whether you meet American Adoptions’ and adoption requirements in Arkansas, or if you’re ready to start the adoption process today, contact 1-800-ADOPTION to speak with an adoption specialist. 

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