In the last 20 years there has been an increase in the number of single parent adoptions. Approximately 25% of the adoptions of children with special needs are by single men and women and about 5% of all other adoptions are by single people. The future for single-parent adoptions is promising as it is becoming more and more accepted.

Single parent adoption has become more accepted for many reasons. One of the biggest reasons is the growing number of one-parent households due to divorce and to unmarried women having and keeping their children. With so many children living in this type of home environment, adoption agencies have been more willing to consider unmarried men and women as prospective adopters. Most single parents prove that they are able to work full-time and maintain financial responsiblity for their families.