Prospective Adoptive Parents

The State of Georgia is dedicated to finding forever families for the numerous children available for adoption within our permanent state custody. Our state has an increasing need for adoptive parents. The most important requirement for being an adoptive parent is the willingness and capacity to care for children and meet their varying needs. Prospective parent(s) in Georgia should also be:

  • At least 21 years of age or married and living with his/her spouse.

  • At least ten years older than the child, except when the individual is a stepparent or relative of the child.

  • A resident of Georgia at the time the petition for adoption is filed. OR a resident of the receiving state when the child (adoptee) was either born in Georgia or is a resident of Georgia at the time of placement for adoption and was placed in another state in compliance with the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC); NOTE: A non-resident of Georgia is deemed to have complied with the ICPC if the compact does not apply or if the individual is a resident of another country.

  • Be financially, physically, and mentally able to have permanent custody of the child. NOTE: If the individual seeking to adopt the child is married, the petition for adoption shall be filed in the name of both spouses. However, when the child is or was the stepchild of the individual seeking to adopt, the petition shall be filed by the stepparent alone.