Adoption requirements in the state of Iowa are as follows:
Age: Varies per agency, however, to be a licensed foster parent/adoptive parent through the state, a person must be at least 21 years old. DHS can approve a waiver for someone as young as 18 only if that individual is an adult sibling of the child needing foster/adoption.
Marital Status: Single or married
Note: If you are a couple and not legally married and you BOTH plan to adopt, both must complete separate adoption applications.
Finances: Requirements vary per agency, however, foster/adoptive parents licensed through the state have to show they can provide financial stability and meet daily needs. DHS officials say there have been foster parents that receive most of their income through SSI, disability, and there have been some foster parents that qualify for food stamps. In certain situations, state officials believe even though their income is low enough to qualify for government assistance, they are using the resources available to them to provide for the needs of the children.
Housing: Rent or own residence (does not have to be a house)
Work: Employment requirements vary per agency.
Personality: Foster and adoptive parents can come from all racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds and sexual orientations. You may already have children already or you may not. According to Iowa KidsNet, the most important thing is that your home is safe and secure and that you can provide a stable and nurturing environment for a child.
Experience: No parenting experience required although trainings are available through the state.
Other Requirements in State: According to state law, an individual may not adopt if s/he has been convicted of any of the following crimes:
(a) Within the five-year period preceding the petition date, a drug-related offense.
(b) Child endangerment or neglect or abandonment of a dependent person.
(c) Domestic abuse.
(d) A crime against a child, including but not limited to sexual exploitation of a minor.
(e) A forcible felony.
