This briefing reviews state laws regarding parties to an adoption. General information dealing with who may adopt, who may be adopted, and who may place a child for adoption is identified. In order for an adoption to take place, a person available to be adopted must be placed in the home of a person or persons eligible to adopt. All states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands have laws that specify which persons are eligible as adopting parents and which persons can be adopted.
Title: Guam Adoption Guidelines: Who May Adopt, Be Adopted, or Place a Child for Adoption? Introduction: Guam, a U.S. Territory located in the Western Pacific, has specific guidelines and regulations in place to ensure the well-being of children involved in the adoption process. This article will provide a detailed description of Guam's adoption regulations, including who may adopt, who may be adopted, and who may place a child for adoption. I. Background on Adoption in Guam: — Guam's adoption laws are regulated by the Guam Adoption Act and follow the requirements established by the U.S. government. — Adoption in Guam is aimed at providing stable, loving families for children who are unable to be raised by their birth parents. II. Who May Adopt a Child in Guam: 1. Married Couples: — Married couples, both heterosexual and same-sex, are allowed to adopt a child together. — They must meet the requirements set by the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services (DP HSS), including being at least 21 years old, mentally and physically capable of caring for a child, and have a stable home environment. 2. Single Individuals: — Single individuals, both men and women, may also adopt a child in Guam, but certain restrictions may apply. — Single adoptive parents must meet the same age and eligibility requirements as married couples and demonstrate their ability to provide a stable and nurturing environment for the child. III. Who May Be Adopted in Guam: 1. Children in Need of Adoption: — Children who require adoption in Guam are typically those who are orphaned, abandoned, or the parental rights have been terminated by the court due to abuse, neglect, or other reasons. — Children of all ages, including infants, toddlers, and older children, can be placed for adoption. 2. Eligibility Requirements for Adoptive Children: — The prospective adoptive child must be under the age of 18. — In certain cases, older children and teenagers may also be eligible for adoption if deemed appropriate by the court. IV. Who May Place a Child for Adoption in Guam: 1. Birth Parents: — Birth parents who are unable or unfit to care for their child have the right to voluntarily place their child for adoption in Guam. — They can choose to work with an adoption agency, private attorney, or the DP HSS to facilitate the adoption process. 2. Legal Guardians or Custodians: — Legal guardians or custodians who have been granted legal responsibility for the child can also initiate the adoption process in Guam if it is in the child's best interests. Conclusion: Guam's adoption regulations aim to ensure the best possible future for children in need of adoption. Whether through married couples, single individuals, birth parents, or legal guardians, the process is designed to provide a secure and nurturing environment for children to grow and thrive. By adhering to Guam's adoption guidelines, prospective adoptive parents and birth parents can navigate the adoption process with confidence.
