Adoption, what are the minimum requirements to sign up as an adopter?

You have to show that you are able and capable of raising the child in a safe and healthy environment.

- Financially secure enough to afford raising the child(ren)
- Emotionally secure enough to raise the child(ren)
- Be able to provide a adequate home (in terms of size, local schools, etc)

Adopting siblings, minorities, and older children should not be a problem through the foster system. There is always a high demand for foster/adoptive parents for such cases. Contact your local/state agency in charge of the foster system (DFPS, CPS, or some other acronym) and they will tell you everything you need to know. You will have to become certified as a foster parent/home, which includes classes, home inspections, background checks, and interviews (called a "home study").

A history of depression may or may not be a problem. If you can show that you are 'controlling' the depression through therapy or medication, and that you have not had a serious incident for some time, it shouldn't be a problem. (My wife has such a history and we didn't have a problem.)

Owning a house may not be a requirement. If you are renting a place large enough to house the children, you should be okay. It helps to own because it shows financial stability, but likely isn't a requirement.

I also agree that Peggy is completely wrong. My wife and I are both heavy and it was never an issue. Also, your religion is irrelevant; in fact, I believe it would against the law for the state to deny a placement on the basis of religion.