Foster Parenting E-Magazine, October 2010
Foster Parenting Announcements
Everyone has a story, and Adoption.com wants to hear yours. We are looking for stories from birth parents, from women who have considered or have had an abortion, or from women who have parented alone to include in our "real stories" area of our pregnancy topic. We're also looking for all other stories and submissions that share your opinions or your experiences. If you have something to share, we would love to read it. To share your story with us, please submit it here.
Foster Adoption 101
According to the Child Welfare League of America, over 117,000 foster children are waiting to be adopted. And out of those 117,000 waiting children, an estimated 18,000 foster children will age-out of the system--and will no longer be provided for or taken care of--before they can be adopted. There is an obvious and overwhelming need to help these foster children find their forever families.
Foster care adoption requires patience, perseverance, and determination. It can be quite a process and a journey. Because of this, it is important that you determine whether or not foster adoption is the right path for you and your family. You should study out the process and your options with your family. Here are some of the questions you should ask yourself while determining if foster adoption is the right choice for you:
- Can you afford to support another child?
- Does your life permit you to follow through with the entire adoption process?
- If the foster child has emotional or physical issues, do you have the resources--both physical and emotional--to parent effectively?
- Do you have enough space in your current home to add to your family?
When researching and studying your options and the foster adoption process, remember that it varies by each state. Make it a point to verify your state's foster adoption process and regulations. This can save you confusion and setbacks throughout the long and stressful process.
During the course of your foster adoption, you'll be required to complete a home study. And exactly like the entire foster adoption process, the specific requirements for the home study will also vary by state. You may be asked to fill out forms and provide documents to prove your adequate finances, adequate living space, and details about each person living in your household. You may also be asked for personal references and personal health information. It may feel invasive, but it is necessary.
It is also important to remember that some foster children have emotional or behavioral issues. Be certain that you and your family can handle these issues and that you can help, love, and be patient with the child. Remember that life is a process for everyone.
Because the foster adoption process can be stressful and difficult sometimes, it is important to have a stable and sturdy support system around you. Your support system can be made up of family members and close friends, support group members, professional counselors or therapists, and trusted adoption professionals. They will be there to support you, help you, and encourage you. Having a reliable support system can bolster your spirits, so you can continue with your foster adoption journey.
If you have any questions or concerns about the process or if you are qualified to adopt from foster care, contact your local foster care office. They will have the requirements specific to your state. They are truly an invaluable resource when researching and beginning foster adoption.
The Adoption Photolisting
Hoping to Adopt? Create Your Profile Today and get 30 Days FREE!
Find Your Family with Parent Profiles ®
Sign up with Parent Profiles to create your adoption profile today and start connecting with expectant and placing parents. Your profile will be featured on many of the best known adoption websites. Mention you saw this ad or when completing your paperwork use code PPCN and we will give you 30 days free*.
*Contact ParentProfiles.com for details.
How can ParentProfiles.com help you?
ParentProfiles.com is there to assist you as you navigate through your adoption journey.
ParentProfiles.com is an internet listing site dedicated to helping couples and birth parents with useful information about their options. We empower each side of the adoption triad with the ability to be actively involved in the process of choosing the best opportunity for everyone. We offer information for birth parents, listing services for couples who are hoping to adopt, and give agencies an avenue for their couples and birth parents to connect.
Our profiles are detailed and engaging. We offer options such as video, an audio recording, add-ons for additional exposure, and more. The profiles can be viewed 24/7 removing boundaries such as time, state, or agency availability.
Please feel free to visit ParentProfiles.com to see how we can help you in your journey.
The information and links displayed above relate to profile posting services provided on the ParentProfiles.com web site, which is a service of Adoption Profiles, L.L.C., who sponsors this section and is solely responsible for its content.
Foster Parenting Blogs from AdoptionBlogs.com
Anniversaries
There are anniversaries of things that are very hard for us as adults. The same goes for our kids. They have these amazing internal clocks that let them know when the anniversary is, even if they don’t realize what it is the anniversary of. [more]
Foster Parenting Community, News & Events
Foster Parent Support - Random question about your observations about foster parents
Foster Parent Support - Tomorrow is the big day... =)
Foster Parent Support - Just got back from the big meeting
Every Tuesday @ 8 PM CST Foster Parenting Chat: Learn more about Foster Parenting, Adopting from Foster Care and becoming a resource in your local area by connecting with other Foster Parents in our weekly Foster Adoption Chat Night.
Each week, Adoption.com hosts a number of online chats on many different topics. To learn more about the Hosted Chats, visit the Adoption.com Events Calendar.
Add your non-marketing adoption related event at no cost. Get started today by registering for an account.
Foster Parenting Tip of the Month
If possible, find out as much as you can about your foster child's background. This will help you to fully understand where he or she is coming from and what they may need from a parental relationship.In Your Words
"I foster adopted my beautiful daughter when she was 3 years old. In just a few weeks, she will be turning 10. Where does the time go. My awesome daughter was born pre-natally exposed to methamphetamines. She had sepsis and meningitus at birth (causing hydrocephally, and epilepsy). She is the greatest gift in the world to me. I am soooo blessed." - Eileen
Share Your Thoughts with Us
Have something to share in the next issue of the emag? Please use the form below to tell us about your thoughts, comments, experiences, feedback, etc. Your submission may appear in an upcoming issue of the emag.
for all of your adoption needs including:
