No matter the motivation for adoption, prospective parents usually go through a screening process. In general, adoption agencies prefer married couples, although adoptions among well-qualified single parents are becoming more common. Usually, the minimum age for pursuing an adoption is 18. Upper age limits vary, but agencies often give preference to those under 40. The couple needs to be financially stable and in good health.
Some agencies even prefer to place children in homes with nonsmoking parents.
Homes will be screened for safe, clean accommodations. Would-be parents usually must submit to a criminal background check. In most recent adoptions, parents are given a brief medical background of the birth mother and father. However, for older adoptees, vital medical information is often missing or incomplete. Adoptees starting their own families may not know if they carry defective genes which can be passed on to their children.