Adoption is affordable - Part 2

(Adoption is such a complex issue.  This installment will focus on the adoption of older children.  My words are meant to inspire and encourage, never to guilt.)

I have had several conversations lately with people who are older (meaning they are beyond child-bearing age and/or are empty-nesters) who have expressed a desire to adopt but feel like it is too late for them.  On the contrary, it may be the perfect time to adopt.  Sure, you don't want to have a baby when you turn 50, but how about a teenager?  Older children are less likely to be adopted.  In fact, one of the "special needs" children have is being a teenager.  Yep, you read that right.  Just being an older child causes the likelihood of adoption to drop and therefore earn the label "special needs".

They still deserve a forever family.  Can you imagine your life from age 18 on with no one to call family?  No where to go for holidays; no father to walk you down the aisle; no grandparents for your children?  Yet that is precisely what happens when children age-out of the foster care system.  They turn 18 (age varies by state) and find that they have no family and often no where to go.  In 2011, approximately 40,000 children were emancipated.  Emancipation - an ironic term that sounds like freedom but freedom from what?  Freedom from love and security?

What does this have to do with adoption being affordable?  I think many people may hesitate to adopt an older child at least partly due to financial concerns.  Not only the anticipated cost of an adoption, but also the costs associated with caring for a child.  A child that will soon drive, and go to college, and get married, and ... we may start to see $$$.

Here are some little known facts about how the foster care system wants to HELP you adopt.
1.  Adoption Assistance - Some children qualify for adoption assistance, which is a set amount of money that you receive each month to help cover the costs of caring for the child.  The amount varies greatly based on factors such as age, medical needs and other special needs.
2.  Health Insurance - Most children will qualify for Medicaid until they turn 18 even after they are adopted.  This means free health care, such as doctor visits and prescriptions.
3.  College Tuition - Some states (including mine) have amazing college tuition funding for older children that are adopted from foster care (typically those over 12).

With 104,000 children in the U.S. foster care system currently waiting to be adopted, it's time we dispel the common myths about adoption from foster care.  If you have ever thought about adoption but have questions or hesitations, feel free to comment or contact me directly - I'd love to hear from you.