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International Adoption in North Carolina
by Eve Lopez
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Overview
People who live in North Carolina and wish to adopt from other countries must comply with their state laws as well as the rules of the adoption agency they're working with. Additionally, each country with which the United States has adoption agreements has its own rules and regulations regarding who may adopt.
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Age
Adults between the ages of 21 and 65 are allowed to adopt in North Carolina, but if you are adopting from overseas, you must be at least 25.
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Marital Status
Singles and married people are both allowed to adopt in North Carolina, but if a couple is married, they must be married for at least 1 year before pursuing adoption.
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Home Study
Prospective adoptive parents must pass a home study evaluation. A home study for adoption is a lengthy interview process and also includes several visits to the home by a licensed social worker. Prospective adoptive parents must pass background checks, submit fingerprints, and have their home checked for adequate space. If you have family members older than 18, they must be fingerprinted as well.
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Other Issues
Some adoption agencies will only work with certain groups of people. For example, some adoption agencies may choose not to work with same-sex couples, or couples who are pursuing fertility treatments. Check childwelfare.gov for a list of licenced adoption agencies in North Carolina that will work with you and your family. It is not necessary to use an adoption agency to adopt internationally, but it may make things easier. Prospective adoptive parents may choose to work with an adoption attorney instead.
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Country-Specific Laws
Check the U.S. State Department at adoption.state.gov to determine the country you want to adopt from and review federal requirements for international adoption in addition to state requirements. Each country has a different set of criteria for adopting. According to Adoption.com, popular countries to adopt from include Mexico, China, Russia, South Korea and Colombia.
