Children are more than just statistics, but the numbers are staggering. As of 2009, there are 114,556 children waiting to be adopted from the US Foster Care system. The goal is adoption for these children. Many of these kids have already had their parental rights terminated and just waiting for the right family to come along. They are about evenly divided by gender and race. Their average age is 8 years, but 40% are under the age of 6 years (many of these are part of a sibling group). More information can be found at the Child Welfare Information Gateway. Where to Start: Back to Top General Information and Educational Resources: - To find the name of the local child welfare agency that places children from foster care, go to Child Welfare Information Gateway, a service of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, click on the National Foster Care & Adoption Directory.
- A Beginner's Guide to Adoption is a free booklet from the wonderful folks at the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. It's a great introduction to the foster care adoption process. It is also available in Spanish and there is a separate book for Canada.
- "Forever Families—Support for Families of Children with Special Needs: A Policy Analysis of Adoption Subsidy Programs in the United States" published by The North American Council on Adoptable Children in 2002 contains useful information, but may by more academic than you are looking for. Also, it is a bit outdated, but it provides good background information and history.
- Foster Parent College provides online training for foster and adoptive parents. Some of the course topics include ADHD, Dealing with Attachment issues, and Working with the Schools.
- Adoption Assistance: 89% of families that adopt from foster care receive assistance post adoption to help with the expenses of raising a child. The state pays this subsidy because it costs them less than maintaining children in foster care and because it helps kids! If you are adopting from foster care, you should definitely look into getting monthly assistance. Some states also cover the child’s medical insurance and college tuition. Be a smart parent and check this out.
- Basics of how to foster or adopt from foster care
- State specific information on how to adopt or foster from foster care, including the requirements, contact person, and support groups.
- The Best on the Web for Foster and Adoptive Families. A listing of resources for foster and adoptive families.
- Great blog written by Adam Robe (adopted from foster care, social worker, and author of the Robbie Rabbit series - tools to help kids in the foster care/adoption system) Lots of good information for foster/adoptive parents.
- In My Child's World is a great blog that focuses on strategies for Foster and Adoptive parents to reach their child.
Back to Top Books and Videos: - Another Place at the Table by Kathy Harrison. Great book written by a foster mom of many years. She gives an honest, heart- warming and heart-wrenching portrayal of fostering.
- One Small Boat: The Story of a Little Girl, Lost Then Found by Kathy Harrison. OK, be prepared to be inspired by this well written story about one child and one foster family who loved her.
- Check out some of the foster care adoption videos we have listed on our Adoption-Videos page.
- Robbie Rabbit Series by Adam Robe - Great books to help children in the foster care/adoption system and the adults that care for them.
- The Road to Adoption and Foster Care, produced by Rich Newman in association with AdoptUSKids. Watch this video to learn the seven basic steps to adoption and foster care and hear stories from families who have walked the road to adoption and foster care
Back to Top Support Groups: Back to Top |
