November is National Adoption Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the adoption process and the importance of finding forever families for children in foster care. Adoption is more than just a legal process; it’s a transformative journey that provides children with stability, love, and a sense of belonging.
10 Surprising Facts About Adopting From Foster Care
- Roughly 100,000 kids in foster care are waiting to be adopted in the United States. Most of them are teens or sibling groups.
- Out of the child’s best interests, a diligent family search is required to identify a potential family member placement option before other adoptive options will be considered.
- Once adoption by a non-family member is identified as the plan, the current foster home will be asked if they are a permanent placement option before seeking adoption from someone unfamiliar.
- Typically teams will seek to keep children as close to familiar surroundings as possible. Adoption by out-of-state families is possible, but usually only after all other options have been ruled out.
- It is important for the child’s well-being and healing to support whatever ties to their bio family can safely be maintained, including visitation with siblings in other placements.
- The state shoulders the adoption costs, so adopting through foster care is essentially free to the adoptive family.
- You need to have a completed home study to be considered by child welfare. Get started with your home study here.
- In most cases, you’ll take a child as a foster placement before beginning the adoption process.
- You can adopt as a single parent. Learn your state’s requirements here.
- Adoption is a lifelong commitment. Families should be well-versed in trauma, grief and loss, and be prepared to commit to the “marriage of adoption” through thick and thin.
The Impact of Adoption
For many children, adoption means a chance for a brighter future. Studies show that children who are adopted experience better emotional and psychological outcomes than those who remain in foster care. They benefit from stable environments and the love of committed families, which can help them thrive.
Ways to Find Your “Yes.”
1. Educate Yourself and Others:
2. Share I Belong Project Videos: We recruit families for 500+ kids a year through our I Belong
Project. Follow us on social media and share the posts to help us reach as many people as
possible. You never know whom you might inspire!
3. Start Fostering: Foster care offers many models from long-term placements that can last
several years to provide a few days of respite care for a family to emergency custodial care
which is less than 72 hours. Explore the options in your area and get licensed.
Fostering Resources by State
4. Consider Adoption: Meet some of the kids in our I Belong Project and learn the process in your
state to get a home study. Watch our webinar, Fostering Permanency which shares stories,
steps, and important information about fostering to adopt.
5. Donate: Support our work by becoming a recurring donor at $18/month so every child in foster
care can #Belongby18. Donate
National Adoption Month is a powerful reminder of the difference that love and support can make in a child’s life. By raising awareness and taking action, we can help ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and loving environment. Every year, 20,000 youth age out of foster care. While some of the youth choose to not be adopted, many of them age out without the family they desire and need.
Let’s come together to celebrate adoption and advocate for children in need this November and beyond!
