Information sheet 3
Eligibility criteria (single people)
Background
On 2 November 2016, Queensland Parliament passed the Adoption and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016, making important changes to Queensland’s adoption laws.
What are the changes to eligibility criteria?
Changes to the Adoption Act 2009 (the Act) commenced on Friday 11 November 2016.
Changes made to the Act include expanding eligibility criteria to enable same-sex couples, single people and people undergoing fertility treatment to have their name entered or remain in the Expression of Interest Register.
As a single person, will I be able to continue the adoption process if I enter into a relationship?
If you enter into a relationship while your name is in the Expression of Interest Register as a single person, you will be removed from the register. However, you may submit a new expression of interest with your new partner.
Changes to the Act enable you to make a new expression of interest with your partner immediately upon entering into a new relationship, should you choose to do so.
This includes if you marry or enter into a de facto relationship.
The quality and stability of your relationship with your partner will be a key consideration by 
Adoption Services in assessing your suitability as a prospective adoptive parent. 
As a single person, will I be expected to remain home with an adopted child for the first 12 months?
The first year of placement is a critical time for an adopted child to bond and form a secure attachment to their adoptive parent/s. The child requires a stable and available primary carer to support them through this period of change.  
As part of the decision making process to be selected as a prospective adoptive parent, Adoption Services recommends that it is in a child’s best interests to receive full-time care by the child’s adoptive parent/s, for at least 12 months after placement. 
This applies to both single people and couples who wish to adopt a child.
It is a requirement that single people and couples, who wish to adopt a child, must demonstrate they are aware it is in a child’s best interests to receive personal one-on-one care, for at least 12 months after placement. 
By remaining at home for the first 12 months, the primary carer can meet the child’s health, educational, social and behavioural needs.   
All of these factors are important for providing a secure and safe environment for the child.
I am a single applicant — do I have to pay the same fees as a couple? 
Yes. The same adoption fees apply for single people and couples seeking to adopt. 
Single people seeking to adopt will be required to go through the same rigorous assessment process that presently applies to couples.
There are three types of fees charged by Adoption Services — application fees, assessment fees and post-placement supervision fees. 
Go the Queensland Government’s Community Support web page for the schedule of fees www.qld.gov.au/community
Where can I find more information?
For more information about the changes to Queensland’s adoption laws, go to the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services:
Website: www.communities.qld.gov.au/childsafety
Phone: Adoption Services on 3224 7415 or    1800 647 983 (free call within Queensland)
Email: ads@communities.qld.gov.au