Adoption is an incredibly personal process that is different for every family. Many families, when they consider adoption, think about bringing a baby or young child into the home. However, if you’ve been thinking about adoption or know that you have room in your heart for another child, consider the benefits of adopting an older child and how it can improve not only their lives but yours, too. Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation has been helping those in need for over 40 years, and today, we’d like to go over some reasons why families should consider adopting an older child.

Youth Who Are Adopted Do Better Than Those Who Age Out of Foster Care

Aging out of foster care often means that young adults are on their own, without a family to fall back on. They are less likely to go to college, may have poor performance in high school, and have higher odds of homelessness, drug and alcohol abuse, and unemployment. Youth who are adopted, even at an older age, are much more likely to have positive outcomes.

Older Children in Foster Care Can Have More Difficulty Being Adopted

In many cases, families who are considering adoption are interested primarily in younger children. The older a child gets while in the foster system, the less likely they are to be adopted: at the age of 8, adoption rates decrease substantially, and teens may have even more trouble finding their forever homes. Those older kids and teens, however, are still looking for their forever families–and still need the support those families can bring.

There are Many Myths Around Older Children Who Haven’t Been Adopted

There are many myths associated with adopting an older child–many of which can leave potential adoptive parents on the fence about bringing those children into their lives.

Myth #1: You Won’t Build a Strong Relationship If You Adopt an Older Child

Older adoptive children are often highly involved in the adoption process and very invested in finding their forever families. As a result, they frequently form powerful bonds with their new parents.

Myth #2: Older Kids Haven’t Been Adopted Due to Behavioral Issues

Older children may be available for adoption for any number of reasons. They may not have been separated from their previous families until they were much older, or they may have never found the right fit for them.

Myth #3: Older Kids Have More Mental Health Issues

Foster care and adoption can be traumatic for any child, even children adopted as babies. Talk with caseworkers about the types of issues you’re prepared to handle.

Preparing for an Older Child Adoption

There are several steps you can take to prepare to adopt an older child.

  • Know what resources are available to you. For example, your child may be able to participate in the Keys to Success Program, which can offer information about how to build future career opportunities.
  • Prepare your home. Make sure there is a space for your child. Give them a chance to select some of the elements of that room or plan to work together to decorate it during the adoption process or once they arrive.
  • Discuss the timeline for adoption. Keep in mind that adoptions do take time, and it’s best to prepare yourself for potential delays.
  • Have a therapist or trusted individual to talk with about the emotions and challenges you may experience as you move through the program and adopt your child.

While adopting an older child can open your family up to a great deal of love and joy, it can be a highly emotional process. Preparing ahead of time can make it easier for you to integrate the child into your family.

Be The Change Needed in Someone’s Life 

Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation has been helping children and youth in foster for over 40 years in Arizona.

We understand that every child needs a family, regardless of their age.

AFFCF is a nonprofit that offers youth in foster care by funding a variety of educational, athletic and social activities that aren’t otherwise funded by state programs.

Contact Us if you wish to help one of our community’s most underserved populations. No matter what amount you give, rest assured 85% of your donation will go directly to improving the lives of children in foster care in Arizona.

Image Credit: Pressmaster / Shutterstock

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