Whether you are single, divorced, or widowed, if you suffer from infertility you may choose to explore the option of adopting a child instead of or after unsuccesffuly pursuing infertility treatments.

Adoption agencies are often very open to single parents now. Whether you are interested in adopting an infant or an older child, whether you prefer to adopt internationally or domestically, there are many children in need of good homes. Question the agency well and ask to speak to other single adoptive parents who have used the agency. You can get referrals for cooperative agencies through online single adoptive parent groups.

Adoption is sometimes an option with foster care as some children are not able to return to their families of birth. Usually this means adopting an older child who may have been hurt emotionally or physically by their first family, although it may also mean adopting a baby who has been drug exposed for for some other reason can not be returned to their family of birth. Adopting an older child or a special needs child can be very challenging, so be sure you have done your research and you know as much as possible about what you are getting into.


Be prepared to explain your marital status and your motivation to adopt. Agencies can and will question you in great detail on many subjects. As a single person you can expect to be questioned in greater depth on many issues. Be prepared to talk about the back up system you will have for times when you are ill, whether you have a guardian picked out in case something happens to you, and how you will deal with work and childcare issues. The more you can demonstrate that you have thought through the details the more likely that the agency will see that you are sure of your decision and ready to commit to a child.

There are many online resources for single adoptive parents and many large cities have single adoptive parent groups. Single parent adoption is becoming more and more common and the number of resources is also growing.