Single adults are allowed to adopt children under Arkansas law — but what about adopting in Arkansas as a single man? A guy may be want to be a dad even though he hasn’t met Miss Right. He may have a friend or family member whose child needs a home, or a child he has met through volunteer work or other community circumstances whom he wants to bring into his family. He may already be a single dad with a plan to grow his family through adoption. He may also be in a committed relationship but not planning to marry. In Arkansas, unlike some other states, married couples are not allowed to adopt a child together.
Whatever the reason, you can feel confident going into the process that single people, male or female, are allowed to adopt children in Arkansas.
Why do so few single men adopt?
Just about 3% of adoptive parents are single men. That small a number suggests obstacles. One is the possibility of stigma or suspicion. While this reaction is unfair, it is still the case that some adoption agencies will not work with single men who want to adopt a child. Some men who’ve tried to adopt report being met with suspicion.
Not only is there fear that a single man wanting to adopt a child may have nefarious motives, there can also be stereotyping about a man’s ability to care for a child, keep house, and otherwise provide a home, especially for a baby. There are lots of TV shows and movies about men who inadvertently end up taking care of or adopting a child, and they usually have a lot of slapstick elements focusing on the man’s incompetence.
These reactions to the idea of a man adopting a child are stereotypes, and they should not discourage men from adopting…but sometimes they do.
What concerns might you have about adopting in Arkansas as a single man?
Many of the concerns you may have as a single man wanting to adopt will be the same ones a single woman might have. You may not be sure that a one-income household can afford to bring up a child. You may wonder whether there will be enough support from the people around you to see you through the stressful, difficult, or just plain exhausting parts of parenting. You might worry, if you want to adopt a newborn, that expectant moms considering adoption will be less likely to choose you than a married couple.
It’s important to think seriously about these issues, and to work out a plan for dealing with them before you complete your home study. Be prepared to answer questions about how you plan to care for your child during your work day, what kind of help you expect to have, and who can step up for you if you become ill or have an emergency. This is also a good time to think about estate planning and who could take your place in the event of your death.
As for your home, make sure it’s safe and that you have adequate space for a child. You don’t need “a woman’s touch” or traditional nursery decor, but baby-proofing is important.
In preparing your portfolio and talking with expectant moms or birth mothers, it’s important to be transparent and authentic. Most adoptions nowadays are open adoptions. Moms may care about the future relationship with the adoptive parent, and it is possible that a woman might feel less comfortable with a single dad in that context. This is your opportunity to show respect for moms, recognition that she can change her mind until the adoption is final, and openness to her questions.
The home study and communication with expectant moms also give you a chance to show that you are a member of a supportive family and friends circle or community.
Ready to talk about adoption?
Heimer Law offers a free consultation on adoption. As an Arkansas adoption law firm, we’re ready to answer your questions.
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