Domestic Adoption Eligibility

(Nightlight maintains two Domestic Adoption Programs: one in Southern California, and the other in South Carolina. The information presented here is general and applies to both programs. For the specific details of the two programs, please download the program information packets on the main Domestic Adoption page.)

Nightlight Christian Adoptions is licensed by the California Department of Social Services to select suitable families for children needing adoption. The selection of adoptive parents is based on their eligibility to meet state and agency requirements, their capacity for adoptive parenthood, and the availability of children whose needs they can meet.

Adoption of Subsequent Children

In order to have adequate time for attachment and bonding, it is important to have a minimum of one year with the child/ren in the home before beginning another adoption.

Religion

Applicants must be committed to providing their child with a constructive, wholesome and spiritual home environment.

Health

Adoptive applicants must give evidence of good health, both physical and mental, which will be verified during the application process by medical examinations and psychological evaluations.

Marriage

Adoptive applicants are encouraged to have been married a minimum of three years when the homestudy begins. We hope this period will provide the couple sufficient time to establish a home, financial security, and to adjust to the marriage as well as to each other. Married applicants must have a satisfying and secure marriage. Single parents are eligible to adopt if they meet the qualifications of a stable home environment, financial security, and have a strong support network of family and friends.

Age

None; however, birthparents tend to prefer families in their 30’s or early 40’s.

A young couple with a son sit in front of their home

Education

Classes and reading are required of adoptive families pertaining to parenting skills and adoption issues. Our goal is to prepare you to be the best parents possible for your child.

Finances

Adopting parents must be able to provide a financially stable home, demonstrated by a solid credit history and ability to live within their means.

Pregnancy

Before you begin the adoption process, you need to complete all your infertility treatments so you can truly be ready to be the best parent for your adopted child. If you become pregnant while in the adoption process, notify our office immediately. We will place your file on hold. When you are ready to consider adoption again – generally at least when your child is nearing their first birthday – call us to discuss re-activating your file.

If you have any additional questions that were not addressed, please send us a message using our contact form or give us a call. If you live near or in South Carolina, you can call our SC office at (864) 268-0570. Otherwise, call our CA office at (714) 693-5437.

Adoption Services Menu

Nightlight Christian Adoptions is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) adoption agency, licensed by the states of California, Colorado and South Carolina to provide adoption services, and is Hague Accredited through COA. Nightlight can perform adoption homestudies for residents of Colorado, South Carolina and Southern California (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura counties).