By Ryan Yau

If you are placing your baby for adoption, you may be interested in finding LGBTQ+ adoptive parents for your child. A big part of the adoption process is choosing the right family to take care of your child. You have a lot of control over who your child will be raised by, though there are considerations to make about the process. Here’s a list of what you need to know about LGBTQ+ adoption in Las Vegas.

Can LGBTQ+ Couples Adopt in Las Vegas, NV?

Yes, same-sex couples can adopt in Nevada. This also holds true for single parents who are part of the LGBTQ+ community or even opposite-sex LGBTQ+ couples. The couple will need to be legally registered as domestic partners in Nevada or be legally married in the US. 

What are the Different Types of Adoption?

There are many types of adoption that you can pick from. Different options can give you varying levels of contact with the adoptive family. However, you will still be able to select which family you want to place your child with. This allows you to specifically choose LGBTQ+ couples if desired.

• Open adoption: In an open adoption, you have the ability to exchange contact information with the adoptive family. This allows you to visit your child and potentially remain in their life. You will have more control over the specifics of which family your child is placed with.
• Semi-open adoption: In a semi-open adoption, you receive updates about the child from the adoption agency. In this type of adoption, Adoption Choices of Nevada acts as a middleman between you and the adoptive family. You would be able to gain the family’s contact information if you desire more contact with your child.
• Closed adoption: In a closed adoption, you do not receive updates about your child. You still have the ability to choose your child’s adoptive family from a pool of families looking to adopt. However, they will also have chosen a closed adoption, and the family’s names will not be shared. This means that you will not be able to contact the family after the adoption process.

How are Families Screened by the Agency?

All families, including LGBTQ+ ones, are screened by the adoption agency to determine if they are a good fit to raise a child. Any potential families are screened to make sure they can commit to raising a child. This includes ensuring that the family will be financially secure for the time it takes to bring up a child. Additionally, background checks will be made to ensure your child will be raised with care. Therefore, you can rest assured that your child will be raised in a loving and stable environment.

What Considerations Should I Have about My Child Being Raised by a Same-Sex Couple/an LGBTQ+ Family?

Your child will not lack any necessary development being raised by same-sex parents. Current-day research finds that children raised by same-sex parents are just as well off as children raised by opposite-sex parents. The main way same-sex parents can be beneficial is that your child will be more likely to learn the values of inclusiveness. Your child will likely grow up to be more open-minded about love and relationships and be generally tolerant of others.

You may be concerned that with a same-sex couple, your child may lack either a mother or father figure. However, this is remedied by the fact that it is often not only the parents who contribute to raising your child. Your child will most likely be exposed to a wide variety of role models, such as teachers, neighbors, and family friends. If you choose an open adoption, you can even choose to act as a role model in your child’s life.

Where do I Start With the Adoption Process?

If you’re looking to start the adoption process, you’ve come to the right place. Adoption Choices of Nevada provides you with the tools to be informed and prepared for your adoption.

You will be assigned an adoption specialist who is trained to help you throughout the entire process. They will help you create an adoption plan, which tracks the steps you need to take before and during the adoption process. This plan will cover the type of adoption you choose, as well as any and all financial or medical considerations.

If you are considering adoption and want to start the process, Adoption Choices of Nevada has been providing adoption and surrogacy services across Nevada since 2012. You can call us to speak to someone now. Contact Us 24/7: 855-940-4673 (Toll-Free) | 702-474-4673 (Las Vegas) | 775-825-4673 (Reno)

Resources: https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthart/2023/03/06/kids-raised-by-same-sex-parents-fare-same-as-or-better-than-kids-of-straight-couples-research-finds/?sh=446e91ac7738