South Carolina Domestic Adoption Program

Eligibility Requirements

sc collageNightlight® Christian Adoptions is licensed by the South Carolina Department of Social Services to select suitable families for children needing adoption. The selection of adoptive parents is based on their eligibility to meet state and agency requirements, foreign country requirements (if applicable), their capacity for adoptive parenthood, and the availability of children whose needs they can meet.

RESIDENCE

Nightlight can perform Agency Adoptions for families living anywhere in the United States. Please refer to the “Domestic Adoption Services Agreement” in the Domestic Application PDF for details regarding the types of domestic services available.

RELIGION

Applicants must be committed to providing their child with a constructive, wholesome and spiritual home environment.

HEALTH

Adoptive applicants must give evidence of good health, both physical and mental, which will be verified during the application process by medical examinations and psychological evaluations.

AGE

None; however, birthmothers tend to prefer families in their 30’s or early 40’s.

MARRIAGE

Adoptive applicants are encouraged to have been married long enough to provide the couple sufficient time to establish a home, financial security, and to adjust to the marriage as well as to each other. Married applicants must have a satisfying and secure marriage. Single parents are eligible to adopt if they meet the qualifications of a stable home environment, financial security and have a strong support network of family and friends. However, few birthmothers will choose single parents when married couples are available.

EDUCATION

Our goal is to prepare you to be the best parents possible for your child. Therefore, we require classes and reading pertaining to parenting skills and adoption issues.

FINANCES

Adopting parents must be able to provide a financially stable home, demonstrated by a solid credit history and ability to live within their means.

PREGNANCY

Before you begin the adoption process, you need to complete all your infertility treatments so you can truly be ready to be the best parent for your adopted child. If you become pregnant while in the adoption process, notify our office immediately. We will place your file on hold. When you are ready to consider adoption again – generally at least when your child is nearing their first birthday – call us to discuss re-activating your file.

ADOPTION OF SUBSEQUENT CHILDREN

In order to have adequate time for attachment and bonding, it is important to have a minimum of one year with the child/ren in the home before beginning placement of another child in the home. Please take this into consideration when starting the adoption process.

DOMESTIC ADOPTION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For answers to your questions about domestic adoption, visit the Domestic Adoption FAQ’s Section

SOUTH CAROLINA DOMESTIC ADOPTION GETTING STARTED CHECKLIST

We would love to see you at one of our free information seminars! These seminars are an excellent way to have your preliminary questions answered, get to know the Nightlight staff and meet other families beginning the adoption process. Seminars are held every 2 months. Call the office for more information and to RSVP for an upcoming seminar.

How do we get started?

  • Contact Sarah Brunt for a link to the Online application
  • Read our Domestic Adoption Booklet found on the Domestic Adoption page and sign the Domestic Agreement w/ fee schedule.
  • Begin the Home Study.

Once we receive your Application paperwork, we will send you the orientation packet, which contains the necessary paperwork to get started on your adoption journey.

Please read the information provided and FAQs before submitting your application. If you have questions, contact Sarah Brunt, Domestic Adoption Coordinator, by phone at (864) 268-0570 or by e-mail at sarah.brunt@nightlight.org.