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Adoption from Foster Care

Description

There are an estimated 500,000 children in foster care in the United States, and about 118,000 of these children are considered available for adoption. These children vary in age and have been placed in the system for a number of reasons including neglect, abuse, and abandonment. The fact is that many of these children have endured tremendous pain and need someone to love them with the unconditional love of our Savior. Generally, the adoption of a child from the U.S. foster care system would take place through a state's human services department or (in some states) a private agency.

Advantages

  • Cost is free or almost free. Many of these children qualify for monthly subsidies that may continue until 18 years of age.
  • Little to no chance of custody issues after placement

Cautions

  • Limited availability of infants
  • Higher incidences of long-term emotional and medical issues. Sometimes these issues are unknown at the time of placement.
  • The process can differ from state to state.

Other Considerations

Post-adoptive help and counseling may be limited in your state, so you will need to take the initiative in seeking counseling if necessary.