Foster Care

Adopting From Foster Care

ADOPTING CHILDREN WHO LIVE IN FOSTER CARE

The world of adoption has changed in many ways in recent years. We have seen an increase in the number of couples wishing to adopt, while the number of children available for adoption has not increased. Many couples experience longer periods of wait time and become frustrated with the adoption timetable.
We encourage couples to review all of their options for building a family. We recognize that foster care adoption may not be for everyone. We present it as an additional option for those seeking to adopt and for those who wish to make a difference in the life of a child. Include foster care adoption in your decision making process.
Also keep in mind that the goal of foster care is reunification. There are children in the system that parental rights have already been severed and they are needing a family right now.

REASONS TO CONSIDER FOSTER CARE AS AN OPTION

For those daunted by long adoption waiting periods, you will be happy to know that foster care adoption waiting times may be shorter than in private or international adoption. Remember that families who are willing to foster children typically have shorter wait times than families who wish only to adopt. For children in foster care, there is financial assistance to help cover the child’s living expenses and healthcare. For most children, a portion of that assistance continues after adoption. Children in foster care range in age from birth to 19 years old. Even adults need families and parents, so please consider adopting an older child! Last year alone, more than 600 children were adopted from foster care in Utah. Nearly 400 of these children adopted from foster care were age five or younger.