Myth #1

Since most agencies view single people as a "placement of last resort", singles are only able to adopt older children or children with special needs.

No longer true. While many single people choose to adopt children who are older or have special needs, this definitely is not always the case. Many single people adopt healthy toddlers and infants from the U.S. as well internationally.

Myth #2

You have to be rich or at least have the same income as most couples to adopt.

This is definitely not the case. Single people of all economic classes adopt. Single people on public assistance are able to adopt. Your income may affect the type of adoption you choose, but in most cases if you can show that your expectations are realistic and you can manage well on what you have, you can still adopt.

Myth #3

It isn't fair for a child to be raised by one parent and children will resent not having a two-parent home.

Today, nearly half of all children under 18 are being raised by one parent. There is no guarantee that a child who is adopted by two parents will, in fact, be raised by two parents. As the number of single-parent homes has increased, the stigma surrounding them has lessened. Professionals in the mental health field have become increasingly aware that stress and disruption - not single parenthood itself - have the most damaging effect on children. Every child needs one mentally healthy, economically stable parent who loves them unconditionally. Many single people are capable of providing this. Some people have talent and great skills for parenting and this is true whether they are single or in a couple. There will always be things our children resent as they grow up. Children's feeling about being raised by one parent differ. At times they may feel sad or angry that they don't have a mother/father. Some of it will depend on your own feelings about raising your child on your own and how you deal with your child's feelings when they arise. Have you resolved your own feelings about raising a child without a partner? Can you empathize and listen to your child's feelings about not having a mother or father?

Another variable is the community in which you live. What is the norm? The number of other children being raised in one-parent homes, will vary depending on where you live. How are these one-parent homes viewed? Are they included and validated? What about your family and friends? Does your family feel positive about your decision to adopt and parent on your own? Are your friends supportive?

A child's feelings about being raised by one parent will also be affected by his or her temperament. Just as children's feelings about adoption vary and are influenced by their own personality, so too will their feelings about being raised by one parent. The availability of opposite-sex role models can affect your child's feelings. All children need to develop a healthy attitude about both sexes. Providing role models of the opposite sex whether through family, friends, school or other avenues, is an important part of raising a child in a one-parent home.