As a single mother or LGBT couple, you may be considering adoption. Adoption has many challenges socially, legally, and emotionally, so you'll want to understand the whole picture when you enter into this arena. 

One of the most asked questions is if single mothers and LGBT parents face a longer wait time when being matched with a birth mom for an adoption. Let's explore this in detail to give you a better understanding. 

Domestic Adoption Wait Times

On average, most adoptions take between 1 to 5 years to complete the legal process, many of which can be shortened with private adoptions. However, beware of agencies advertising quick adoptions. Working with a licensed and reputable national agency can be extremely helpful, as you can ask these questions and more up front to understand exactly what to expect. 

Crunching Numbers and Statistics

• Nearly one quarter of all adoptions are by single mothers, and LGBT parents make up over 65,000 adoptions in America each year. 

• Same-sex adoption was made legal in all 50 states in 2016. 

• It is estimated that 6 to 14 million children are now being raised in the United States by same-sex parents, so it is becoming commonplace to have LGBT parents.

• While different-sex parents do make up the majority of domestic adoptions, many birth mothers will specifically choose LGBT or single mothers as prospective parents. 

• Young birth mothers between the ages of 18 to 29 are the most likely age group to support and prefer LGBT adoptions and choose a single-mother for their child's placement.

With reputable agencies, there are babies who are placed within 18 months of birth with the right fit and legal domestic process. Finding a birth mother to match with you can be challenging but not impossible, so do not lose sight of the end goal: your happy family.

Be Authentic When Interviewed By the Birth Mom

Many single prospective mothers and LGBT parents want to put on their best performance when meeting the birth mother. While this is understandable, what is most important is to be yourself. Be true to who you are. Know what you want to convey to the birth mom. Share information about yourself, your hobbies, the town or city you live in, your support system in place, and all those things that make you real. Be genuine. 

It can be very nerve wracking to try to convince someone to choose you when you want to adopt a child, but it should happen organically, and you'll feel it click when it occurs. Not every interview with a birth mother will go the way you expect, but there will be more. 

You have what it takes to be a supportive and loving parent, so be honest and transparent. The statistics show that you're going to find a match with a birth mom, so prepare for your child to enter your family and make it the best experience it can be.