You might find that some adoption agencies have age limits on their websites. While some agencies are strict about older adoptive parents, others are more lenient. We recommend contacting the agency and speaking to them personally about your age and your willingness to adopt. What matters the most is that the child will be placed in a safe and loving home where parents will take care of him and meet his needs.

According to an article written by Susan Kreimer, an AARP Bulletin writer, “Couples and singles in their 50s, 60s and beyond are embracing parenthood, according to adoption and child welfare agencies. And older adoptive parents may be best suited to guide school-age children or teens toward adulthood.”

The reason for age restrictions when it comes to adoption is the stipulations that could make raising a child difficult for older parents. Sometimes, the waiting times can be an issue with older couples wanting to adopt. Often, a closed adoption can take a couple of years.

Other options that could be a better route, or alternative, to adoption are:

Foster Care: U.S. states often do not have age limits when it comes to foster care. The state will usually consider older couples first when they are interested in fostering.

International Adoption: Often, when looking into international adoption, it is very common for older parents to adopt from abroad successfully.

Independent Adoption: If you are an older couple that already knows of a mother that is willing to place their child in your care, the state will usually approve it because they don’t have an age limit.

Adopting or fostering as an older couple can be very beneficial for those that you take in. If you have the desire, means, and ability to care for children that need good homes, we strongly encourage you to look into it and decide for yourself if that is something you are willing to do. These children need good homes, and parents that will be encouraging role models for them. It helps with their development and mental and emotional health.

If you or someone you know is interested in helping children in foster care, we encourage you to look into your local agency, and even international agencies, to see what you can do. It is a worthy cause that can change and improve lives, for both the children and the parents.

Rebekah Lewis is currently a college student studying social work and sociology. She wants to be a voice for foster kids as well as a child abuse victims advocate. She is a co-founder of a nonprofit organization designed to prevent abuse in the rising generation. She loves to write, hike, and throw random dance parties.