Can Same-Sex Couples Adopt in Colorado?
If you are a birth mother facing an unexpected pregnancy and you are considering adoption, you may be debating what type of adoptive family is a viable to adopt your child. Have you ever considered LGBTQ+ adoption? You may be wondering what rights same-sex couples have in Colorado. Same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ individuals can petition for adoption just as any other individual or couple does. The procedures and requirements are the same for every petitioner regardless of their race, gender, or religion. Aspiring parents can petition for various types of adoption. Adoption Choices of Colorado is here to tell you the various ways in which same-sex couples can adopt in colorado.
If you need adoption help now, please call or text us at 303-670-4673 (HOPE) or visit us at Adoption Choices of Colorado.
- What are your Pregnancy Adoption Options in Colorado?
As a birth mother, you may be wondering what your adoption captions are, especially when it comes to adoptive parents for your child. Know that you have complete control over who will adopt your child. If you want to be involved in choosing the adoptive family, you can. We will help you sort through profiles so that you can find a match that you feel is perfect for your child.
Know that same-sex and LGBT+ adoptive families are an option. At the end of the day, you will have the final say on who will adopt your child if you choose to be involved in the adoptive family selection process.
- Is it more difficult for Same-Sex Couples to Adopt in Colorado?
Same-sex couples can petition for various forms of adoption regardless of their sexual preferences. The main requirements for all potential adoptive parents are that they are 21 years of age or older, and have not been convicted of a crime involving child abuse, violence, or unlawful sexual behavior.
- Can Single LGBTQ+ Individuals still adopt in Colorado?
Yes. In Colorado, the law states that any single individual is allowed to petition for adoption regardless of gender, race, or religion.
- Can Same-Sex couples petition For a Joint Adoption In Colorado?
The Colorado Civil Union Act states that same-sex couples can experience the rights of married couples in a civil union. If an LGBTQ+ couple is married or in a civil union then they can petition for joint adoption. If they are not married, then they would have to petition and go through the adoption process as separate individuals.
- Second Parent Adoption for LGBTQ+ Couples Colorado
A second-parent adoption allows a marriage partner to adopt their partner’s child without the first parent losing any parental rights. In Colorado, same-sex couples may petition for a second parent adoption. However, this is only possible when the child only has one legal parent and that parent is the partner of the petitioner. Once completed, the petitioner will have the same rights and responsibilities to the child as their partner, the first parent. It is important to note that second parent adaptations are more strict to petition for. They require three rounds of background checks, a home visit, a visit, and a training course in parenting must be completed. Although this option is a little more complex, it is one other way that an LGBTQ+ adoption is an option when it comes to an adoptive family.
- Step-Parent Adoption for Same-Sex Couples in Colorado
Step-parent adoption is when a person legally cares for their partner’s child as their own. In Colorado, LGBTQ+ couples can petition for Step-parent adoption. However, they must be already in a civil union or married for them to become a step-parent. Once completed successfully, in this adoption the petitioner would be taking over the responsibilities and parental rights of a non-custodial parent.
- Parenting a Child In a Civil Union in Colorado
If same-sex couples are married or in a civil union under Colorado law, any child confided within this union is presumed to be theirs. However, it is important to note that it is possible to refute this presumption, like if someone else claims the child as their own. If a person is not the birth parent, they may want to obtain a court order to legally solidify their parental rights to the child.
Can Same-Sex Couples Adopt in Colorado?
Same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ individuals who wish to be parents can adopt in Colorado. Know that members of the LGBTQ+ community can participate in the various forms of adoption stated above. Are you ready to choose LGBTQ+ adoption for your child? LGBTQ+ parents are waiting to welcome your child into their home. Adoption Choices of Colorado is here to show you how.
If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and want to learn more about your adoption options, contact Adoption Choices of Colorado by email, phone, or text: Email Us, Text us: 720-371-1099, Call us: 303-670-4673 (HOPE). If you are hoping to adopt, please contact us here.
Hunter Frederick is a graduate of Siena College with a degree in English and a Theatre Certificate. She is the co-author of the virtual reality play, Paneless, along with the play, the Little Vagabond, based on William Blake’s Songs of Innocence and Experience. She is also the co-author of a historical play, Yours, for the Oppressed, based on the lives of Albany Abolitionists, Harriet and Stephen Myers, who toured Underground Railroad Sites of New York State.
In her free time, you can find Hunter cooking in the kitchen while listening to Musical Theatre songs
Stephanie joined the Adoption Choices family in 2014 as the Child Placement Supervisor. Her love for adoption began in first grade when she made friends with twins adopted from Vietnam. Her heart grew strong over the years for adopted children and ultimately led her to graduate school where she continued her focus to her dream of working in the adoption field. Stephanie earned a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Denver in 2001. Over the past 15 years, Stephanie has worked as a pregnancy counselor and as an adoptive parent counselor for foster care, international adoption and domestic adoption, writing hundreds of home studies for families, and helping build their forever families. Stephanie is married and has three boys ages 12, 9, and 5. Together with her family she enjoys riding bike, playing games, watching her three sons compete in their various sporting and musical activities and go on vacations.
Christy Ikeler, is our Executive Director and Birth Parent Director. Christy has been with Adoption Choices Team for 18 years, since opening the doors in 2002! Christy has a true passion for what she does and her true love is working with and helping each birth parent. Whether she is up all night on the phone talking with them, taking them to doctors appointments, out for their favorite treat, providing counseling or at the hospital during labor and delivery, Christy is very involved every step of the way. She has a contagious laugh and a spunky personality that our birth moms all can bond with and relate to. As an adoptive parent herself, adoption holds a very special place in her heart and she can relate on every level with both birth parents and adoptive parents. In her free time Christy loves spending time with her daughter, gardening, baking and taking vacations with her family. Christy is an excellent leader for our team at Adoption Choices and is truly one of a kind!! As Executive Director, Christy spends time with the staff, birth parents and adoptive families in order to ensure that the agency is running smoothly. She has placed a huge emphasis on community outreach and programs for birth parents. Christy loves the opportunity to lead the agency into a brighter future.
Ms. Mackenzie has built a successful counseling career over the past 20 years, supporting mothers and families, people of all ages and genders, students, community professionals and fellow clinicians. Liv values a diverse professional focus, including the entrepreneurial life of a sole proprietor, the evaluative process of certifying foster/adoptive homes, the insightful and mindful one-on-one one work with enthusiastic clients, and serving as an advocate for underserved populations. Liv is a Licensed Professional Counselor and holds a BA in Pre-Law and Economics from American University, an MA in Counseling from Adams University and a certificate in Human Resource Management from Villanova University. Away from work you will find Liv spending time in nature, biking to the farmer’s market and adventuring with her family.
Catherine A. Madsen, joined the Adoption Choices family as legal counsel in 2013. Catherine is responsible for providing legal guidance to the Agency, training and updating staff on developments in adoption law and legislation, and program development. Catherine
Virginia Frank is an adoption attorney accredited since 1991 with the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys. Ms. Frank is a leader in the field of private adoption and has completed over 4,000 adoptions in her career. Ms. Frank has a law degree from Oklahoma City University and a BA in both Political Science and Communications from the University of Oklahoma.
Cassidie has been with Adoption Choices since 2015, she has her bachelors in Interdisciplinary Affairs with concentrations in both Sociology and Business Management. Cassidie has additional training in Victim Advocacy, foster care and has been working in women’s services for over 10 years. Cassidie has always had a heart for adoption and it was her career dream to work in adoption. She started off doing volunteer work for advocacy programs, adoption organizations and worked in High Risk Maternal Fetal Medicine through the University of Colorado Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Colorado. Cassidie is also blessed to have personally experienced an adoption of her own in 2012, completing her family of five! Cassidie loves what she does as a case worker from initial phone calls, meetings, doctor appointments, interaction with the adoptive families to delivery and counseling. Cassidie has a passion for those in need and strives to help make a difference in the lives of the people she meets. She is a firm believer in being kind, compassionate and open minded in all situations. “Unless you’ve walked in their shoes, there’s no place for judgment. A kind word or compliment can go a long way!” The bittersweet moments in adoption reminds Cassidie each and every time, why she loves what she does!