Adopting an older child?

HappyMomAnna

In the US there are about 130,000 children currently waiting in foster care for a permanent growing up family. Every year about 17,000 children age out of foster care without having a permanent family.

In order to become the permanent placement for these children families need to contact the DHS or CPS office in their area and ask for the Adoption Unit or Program.

The requirements vary by state and county as well as by the ages and needs of any children you are open to parent.

Generally, the training, home study, placement matching, post placement supervision and legal fees are Free or a less then a few hundred dollars.

There are a few different option to take while working with the state and there are post finalization supports offered to the child and family depending on the needs.

This process has a lot of "things" that make each placement unique and there are a lot of choices along the way for everyone involved.

The best place for good information is the Child Welfare Information Gateway:

http://www.childwelfare.gov/

Randy B

The criteria for adoption are the same regardless of the ages. As for the costs, they vary by the form of adoption you use and the agency(s) involved.

My suggestion to you, both from a need perspective and from a cost perspective, is to consider adoption through your local Dept of Social Services, the foster care program. You don't need to be a foster parent, what it means is that there are children currently cleared for adoption that are living in temp foster homes till they are adopted. Adoptions through these means are normally free or IF there is a charge its +/- $1000 or so.

sweetjane

You can adopt any aged child through your local Child Protective Services/Dept of Social Services office. It is free or nearly free in every state. You will need to complete some paperwork and have a homestudy, then you will be matched with a child who will fit in with your family and lifestyle.

Annabelle

Contact your state department of human resources. And please please do a lot of research on attachment and bonding before you bring the child home.

Why adopt an older child at the same time you are having a baby?

mandy

Not exactly sure, but I would start by calling Child Protection Service Or CHildren and Youth Services...Since why investigate abuse...I am sure they could give you info on foster parenting and adopting. I think its noble what you are willing to do. Its a bumpy road ahead sometimes but keep your chin up.

mary jane g

The process to adopt an older child is much the same as a younger child. The positives are many! I adopted 3 of my 5 children when they were 7 years old, 1 at 13 years old and 1 at birth. My 13 year old is now 21 and in Med School. I had him as a respite care situation. I was making dinner and he was talking to me, he told me he was okay not getting adopted, as he was aware how slim his chances were then he said "I just wonder if when I'm 25 where I will go for Christmas", 2 months later he moved in for good!
It warms my heart to hear of people considering an older child! Best of luck to you!

twisten

if you contact the community children s services in your county/state,
they will direct you and your spouse to training,
there should be no other fees involved in the process through the county or state.
the fees (as sad as this sounds)are normally only with a private adoption agency that is selling baby's for a profit under the asumption that you are paying a acquisition fee .
there are a bunch of children that would love to come home with you as soon as you finish training.

rotti15

sadly the cost are usually the same. but what a wonderful thing you want to do. i don't think people realize that once the kids turn 5-6 that they stay until there 18. then of course we just dump them on the street.most people only want little kids. call the state, they'll give you all the info you need. good luck.

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