Adopting at the Riften Orphanage.

[Galthor]

I didn't get any of the letters, but I still was able to build a house. I have one child already off the streets but I want one from the orphanage. But when I go there I can't beacuase that old hag won't let anyone adopt. Also, if I kill her the assistant runs around screaming "I yield, I yield!"
What do I do???

 

[ianc1]

Grelod the Kind will not let you adopt them if she is still alive, you can start the darkbrotherhood quest line Innocence Lost. this will allow you to remove her.

 

[Nighthiker77]

You can also choose to destroy the Dark Brotherhood as well, but not nearly as fun in my opinion. Either way, kill her and talk to Aventis in Windhelm and that should fix it. Sleep well.