Adopting From Foster Care
ADOPTING CHILDREN WHO LIVE IN FOSTER CARE
The world of adoption has changed in many ways in recent years. We have seen an increase in the number of couples wishing to adopt, while the number of children available for adoption has not increased. Many couples experience longer periods of wait time and become frustrated with the adoption timetable.
At Forever Bound, we encourage couples to review all of their options for building a family. We recognize that foster care adoption may not be for everyone. We present it as an additional option for those seeking to adopt and for those who wish to make a difference in the life of a child. Include foster care adoption in your decision making process.
REASONS TO CONSIDER FOSTER CARE AS AN OPTION
For those daunted by long adoption waiting periods, you will be happy to know that foster care adoption waiting times may be shorter than in private or international adoption. Remember that families who are willing to foster children typically have shorter wait times than families who wish only to adopt. For children in foster care, there is financial assistance to help cover the child’s living expenses and healthcare. For most children, a portion of that assistance continues after adoption. Children in foster care range in age from birth to 19 years old. Last year alone, more than 600 children were adopted from foster care in Utah and Idaho. Nearly 400 of these children adopted from foster care were age five or younger.
THE FOSTER CARE ADOPTION PROCESS
The requirements can vary from state to state. In Utah, your best resource is Utah Foster Care at www.utahfostercare.org.
In Idaho, your best resource is: Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.
ADDITIONAL READING
- Child Welfare Information Gateway: Foster Care Adoption
https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/permanency/adoption/ - Foster Care Adoption: State by State information
http://www.fostercareadoption.us/ - Adoptive Families Magazine: Foster Care
https://www.adoptivefamilies.com/category/how-to-adopt/foster-care-adoption/ - North American Council on Adoptable Children
http://nacac.org/