As humans, because fear and uncertainty tend to scare us, its only natural that something as life-changing and foreign as adopting a child into our family would concern us in more ways than one. Unfortunately, for some reason, this apprehension seems to double when people discuss adopting a child from the foster care system. So why is there so much more uncertainty when it comes to adopting from foster care? Let’s discuss some of the most common concerns.
It’s expensive. While taking in any child is expensive, adopting from foster care is actually much more affordable than traditional adoption. It has been said than infant adoption in the U.S. runs from $20,000 to $45,000, and adoption from foster care is usually only a couple thousand. Children adopted this way also receive some benefits, such as health coverage from Medicaid until they are 18, and possible eligibility for free college tuition.
Children in foster care tend to get a bad rep, such as having bad behavioral issues, addiction problems, and family trauma. Unfortunately, this steers a lot of potential adopters away. While these are all very possible and do happen a lot in foster care, it is not at the fault of these children. These kids did not choose their situation- they are simply responding to the environment they have been put into. As adoptive or foster parents, we have the power to give them the love and support they need to grow up and make a positive change in their life.
Many people are worried about the possibility of biological parents petitioning to get their children back. However, once a child is released from the foster care system and has been legally put up for adoption, the birth parents cannot claim the child. Of course, communication is still allowed. It is entirely up to the adoptive family to decide how to go about communicating- if at all- based on what is best for the child.
Adoption is about extending our unconditional love and support to these kids and taking them in as their own. It is a promise to make them a part of your family, forever. While this is not something to take lightly, we encourage you to open your heart to the wide range of children that need a place to call their own. Adoption from foster care is an option that a lot of people overlook – we hope to shed light on it and encourage those considering taking the next step.