We all deserve a forever home, with a family who loves and cares for us unconditionally.
Each year, 23,000 American children age out of foster care system with no permanent home to go to. They face a tough reality: approximately 20% of them become homeless, one-third become incarcerated, and 50% of them become unemployed following their transition from foster care.
This is clearly a problem that needs to be addressed, and adopting an older child who has been through the foster care system is one way to help solve it.
Adopting an older child from foster care also comes with a lot of benefits for you, as the adoptive parent. Here are the benefits you should expect after adopting an older child from foster care.
Older children are often more stable and independent
Older children are often more independent and easier to manage than younger children, meaning they will require less care and supervision. On top of that you will also have the support of an existing foster care system that will provide you with help and guidance when needed.
There is enough information available about them
Adoptive families who know their child’s backstory can better understand and respond to their needs. Child welfare agencies always have information about the child, including their education history, mental health, placement history, and the reason why they were removed from their birth family.
With this information, you can develop a deeper understanding of your child and learn how to best support them.
Older children are more aware of their surrounding
Older children in foster care typically understand why they can’t return to their birth families and may have a say in the adoption process. This means that by the time you are ready to adopt, your child will have likely already made a choice to be adopted, and is already aware of the fact that you will be their forever parent.
Its rewarding to guide a child into adulthood
Every year, thousands of children age out of foster care and face various difficulties as they attempt to transition into adulthood. They are often likely to struggle with obtaining a stable job, finding permanent housing and staying out of trouble.
If you adopt an older child from foster care, you can help them develop into successful adults by providing love, support and guidance they need.
Conclusion
All children, regardless of age or past difficulties, deserve a loving family that will be there for them forever. With the support of caring adults, any child can grow into a successful adult.
At 2Ingage, we are passionate about finding families for all children in foster care, regardless of their age. If you’re interested in adopting an older child from foster care, please contact us today.