AN OPEN LETTER TO THOSE CONSIDERING FOSTER CARE ADOPTION

 

Dear Family,

You are one of the 48 million Americans who have considered adoption from foster care, more than any other type of adoption including private infant adoption and international adoption.  Even still, there are over 100,000 kids in the U.S. foster system who wait for their forever family. Over the past 41 years, Children Awaiting Parents has worked hard to debunk the myths that can act as a barrier between a successful placement.

We have had hundreds of prospective families contact us under the misconception that you have to be rich to adopt out of the foster care system. This is simply not true. Many agencies do not charge for the services they provide to families who are adopting a child from foster care. In addition, a growing number of companies and government agencies offer adoption assistance as part of their employee benefit packages, including time off for maternity/paternity leave, financial incentives, and other benefits. Congress has also made federal tax credits available for foster care adoptions to help offset required fees, court costs, legal and travel expenses.

Not only do you not have to be rich, you don’t have to married, own a home, or be of a race to become an adoptive parent (Nearly one-third of adoptions from foster care are by single parents). In fact, families are as diverse as the children who are available for adoption. Patience, a good sense of humor, a love of children and an unconditional commitment are the most important characteristics.

Another myth is that all children in the foster system are saddled with “baggage.” Please keep in mind that the term “special needs” is somewhat misleading because it can mean that the child is older, a minority or requires placement with his/her siblings. While some children are dealing with physical or emotional concerns, they need the nurturing support only a permanent family can provide.

State agencies are legally required to provide full, factual information about a child to any potential adoptive parents. Agencies have an invested interest in ensuring that parents have a positive experience with foster care adoption so they will continue to adopt and recommend others do the same. For children who have physical, emotional or behavioral problems, agencies seek to provide the most comprehensive services available to help the children transition into their new homes. Financial assistance does not end with the child’s placement or adoption. The vast majority of children adopted from foster care are eligible for federal or state subsidies that help offset both short-and long-term costs associated with post-adoption adjustments. Such benefits, which vary by state, commonly include monthly subsidies, medical assistance and social services.

No matter where you are at in the adoption process, we encourage you to contact us. Together, we have more than 40 years of experience in adoption and foster care. We are advocate for both children and families. Take the next step and call us at 888-835.8802.

Children Awaiting Parents