The following information is as basic as it gets. Regardless of which state you are in, you will run into agencies who are homophobic and would rather not work with GLBT singles or couples. Follow the links for further gay adoption resources by state. This information will become more valuable as the site ages and users share more of their personal stories. So keep checking back.
About the answers: a “yes” or a “no” means that there are laws on the books in the state addressing the issue. An “unknown” means there are no laws that specifically address the issue and there are no known cases that have set a precedent. A “precedent set” means there have been cases in the state where a court has issued a ruling. If you have information to add, please contact me.
AdoptionPride.com does not give legal advice. The information on this site comes from my personal experience, my own research, and AdoptionPride.com’s visitors’ experience. It is true to the best of our knowledge, but you should consult a legal expert to be sure.
If you have experience with gay adoption, spread the word at AdoptionPride.com.
South Carolina
Allows single gay adoption petitions? Yes
Allows same sex couple petitions? Unknown
Allows same sex second parent petitions? Unknown
Gay Adoption Resources in South Carolina
South Dakota
Allows single gay adoption petitions? Yes
Allows same sex couple petitions? Unknown
Allows same sex second parent petitions? Unknown
Gay Adoption Resources in South Dakota
Tennessee
Allows single gay adoption petitions? Yes
Allows same sex couple petitions? Unknown
Allows same sex second parent petitions? Unknown
Gay Adoption Resources in Tennessee
Texas
Allows single gay adoption petitions? Yes
Allows same sex couple petitions? Unknown, but a precedent was set to allow
Allows same sex second parent petitions? Unknown
Gay Adoption Resources in Texas
Utah
Allows single gay adoption petitions? Yes
Allows same sex couple petitions? No
Allows same sex second parent petitions? No
Gay Adoption Resources in Utah
Vermont
Allows single gay adoption petitions? Yes
Allows same sex couple petitions? Yes
Allows same sex second parent petitions? Yes
Gay Adoption Resources in Vermont
Virginia
Allows single gay adoption petitions? Yes
Allows same sex couple petitions? Unknown
Allows same sex second parent petitions? Unknown
Gay Adoption Resources in Virginia
Washington
Allows single gay adoption petitions? Yes
Allows same sex couple petitions? Unknown, though the state department of human services targets same sex couples in their promotional materials, and we can assume, based on their non-discrimination policy (see link below), that this is a yes.
Allows same sex second parent petitions? Precedent set to allow
Read about the Washington State Children’s Administration’s non-discrimination policy.
Gay Adoption Resources in Washington
West Virginia
Allows single gay adoption petitions? Yes
Allows same sex couple petitions? Unknown
Allows same sex second parent petitions? Unknown
Gay Adoption Resources in West Virginia
Wisconsin
Allows single gay adoption petitions? Yes
Allows same sex couple petitions? No, but there are agencies that will work with LGBT couples to complete a single parent adoption, then apply for guardianship for the second parent.
Allows same sex second parent petitions? No, but a second parent may apply for guardianship, though this information will not appear on the child’s birth certificate.
Gay Adoption Resources in Wisconsin
Wyoming
Allows single gay adoption petitions? Yes
Allows same sex couple petitions? Unknown
Allows same sex second parent petitions? Unknown
Gay Adoption Resources in Wyoming
