Adoption

BRIEF SUMMARY

KEY POINTS

• There are four main types of adoption: 1. Adopting a child from the US 2. Adopting an infant in the US 3. Adopting a child from another country 4. Adopting a stepchild or stepchildren.
• A family does not have to be wealthy to adopt a child. There are financial resources available.
• In 2012, US families adopted more than 7,000 children.
• Anyone can adopt a child. The targeted age range is someone 25-50 years old and who has a stable living situation. Single people, married couples, or couples in committed relationships can adopt children.
• Adopted children don’t always have any emotional or social issues related to adoption. However, all adopted children can benefit from knowing they are not alone and having an opportunity to explore their story. Small groups are a great way to do this.

SHARED WISDOM

• What I have learned: Anyone can adopt a child. The targeted age range is someone 25-50 years old and who has a stable living situation. Single people, married couples, or couples in committed relationships can adopt children.
• What I have learned: There is really no way to tell if a child has been adopted, unless you have guardian paperwork or the family has told you.  Tread carefullya round this issuse as some adoptive parents choose not to inform their child that he/she has been adopted.

RESOURCES

• The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption: https://www.davethomasfoundation.org/
  Adoption.com: http://adoption.com/

  AdoptUSKids: http://www.adoptuskids.org/ 
  Adoption.NET: http://www.adoption.net/
  Child Welfare Information Gateway: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/adoption/?hasBeenRedirected=1
  National Adoption Center (promotes adoption from foster care): http://www.adopt.org/

Adoption Group Format and resources: adoption-group-format-and-resources

CONTACT TOPIC MANAGER

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