Same-sex partners in Minnesota, just like any other couples, may someday decide they want to start a family, and some feel that adoption is the right choice for them. After all, adoption provides a means to give a child a loving home where he or she can grow and thrive.
According to some estimates, there are approximately 500,000 children in our nation’s foster care system and 100,000 children in need of a permanent home, making same-sex adoption more essential than ever. In fact, as of the past 10 years, anywhere between eight and 10 million children are growing up in a household with two gay or lesbian parents.
These days, same-sex adoption is legally allowed in every state in the nation. However, some states still place certain impediments on same sex couples becoming foster parents, and other restrictions in the same-sex adoption process may remain.
For example, some social workers still have concerns about a child being raised by same-sex parents. They may be concerned that the child will be confused, embarrassed or teased. They may also wonder how having two same-sex parents will affect the child as he or she grows up.
However, studies have demonstrated on a consistent basis that children raised in a home with same-sex parents do just as well as those raised in a home with different-sex parents. Therefore, same-sex parents should have the same rights as any other parents to adopt a child. And while legally they do, it is unfortunate that certain prejudices still remain. Because of this, same-sex couples wishing to adopt a child may want to speak to a family law attorney who can educate them on their rights, and represent their interests when needed.
Source: FindLaw, “Adoption and Same-Sex Couples: Basics,” accessed Oct. 3, 2016
