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I began the process when I was 41. I think if you are interested in an older child, you will not have to many barriers. I think I had a longer wait (American foster adoption) than couples. But I was eventually matched.

Peggles,

I am curious, if it is not too personal? Why do you feel you had a longer wait than married people do with the US Foster Care System?

I kept track with the people I took classes with, and I was the last one matched. I assumed it was because I was single, and preferred a girl. There are less girls available in through foster/adoption.

Me too -- and I'm 52! I'd love to hear from other single females who have adopted older children...nationally or overseas. I'm thinking that I probably shouldn't adopt children any younger than 9, as I may be too dimished in capacity to support them through their teens successfully. I enjoy teens now (boys or "tomboys"), and locally that can be a plus, because many of them have worked through mental health issues resulting from a traumatic childhood. I haven't a clue what adopting a teen outside the US might be like. And the expense! That's certainly something to consider so close to retirement . Youngsters available in the US also receive Medicaid, which is something I think about alot. Has anyone without health insurance been successful in adopting children internationally? Anyone with experience in adopting teens in general, or with special needs ... issues around coming into a family at an age when their biology pushes them toward independence and separation?

Hi LIsa,
How exciting for you! Go for it! It took me several years to feel like I finally had all my ducks in a row to become a single mom but keep plugging away at it, and if it's meant to be it will happen!
Something I haven't seen mentioned; everybody knows that the local social services do older child adoption; what I didn't find out until I was almost through the whole matching process is that many states also cooperate fully with private adoption agencies; that private agencies can also facilitate older child adoptions. So you might want to check out several local private agencies as well and see what happens between private agencies and the govt agencies responsible for fostered children, and see which agency you like best.
RL

I just turned 40 and am adopting from foster care thru public agency. My home study was completed at the end of Feb (2005) and I have been matched with a 13 y/o girl. She is coming to spend her first weekend at my home today! Because of abuse issues her case worker wanted a single woman. I think my girl will enjoy having my undivided attention, and it will be good for her. I also think being single and without other children gives me more flexibility to meet her needs.

My biggest obstacle was my family. I have been Aunt Lisa for so long (and available to babysit!), I faced a lot of resistance. Although I was quite annoyed by their questioning my decision to have my own family, I had to ignore it and do what was right for me.

Cheers,
Lisa