Who May Adopt a Child ​ in New York State?

In New York State, any adult may adopt, regardless of their marital status, as long as they are certified by the Court.  

All potential adoptive parents must be certified prior to taking custody of a child in New York Court . The Court will certify prospective adoptive parent in private adoptions. In agency adoptions, the adoption agency will approve the family as qualified to take placement of a child.

The private certification process includes filing the following in the Court to be approved as a qualified prospective adoptive family: : a home study conducted by a licensed social worker, criminal and child abuse clearances , letters of references,  medical clearances, financial disclosure and marital affidavits.