Adopting a Teen

It sounds crazy to some, adopting a teenager - especially an older teen who's about to be an adult. It sounds crazy, but is it? I don't think so.

In fact, the more I think about adopting teens, the more excited I am at the prospect.

Why?

• Teens are fun. Remember what you were like in high school (think about the good stuff). Recall how passionate you were about the things you liked, how every cause you cared about really mattered, how you experienced everything so intensely....those are some of the things that make teens great.
  
• Teens are fascinating. They have started to really know themselves. High school is often a time of introspection. Teens start to learn who they are and how they might fit in in this world. It's a great experience to share with a child.
  
• Teens on the waiting children lists want to be adopted and understand what that means. When a child is over a certain age (~15), they have to consent to their adoption. So if a teenager is available for adoption, it means they are looking for a family and they want to be adopted.
  
• Teens' caseworkers and mentors have a really good idea about who the teens are and what difficulties they face. So you'll have a better chance of being fully prepared for the challenges that lie ahead as you build your family. You'll know a lot about their resiliency and how they handle their emotions. Hear one adoptive mom's story and encouragement for adopting a teen.
  
• Your chances for adopting quickly are greatly increased because there are so many teens waiting for a home. If you are looking for a younger child, you could wait many months or years. But if you open your home to a teen, your adoption dreams could be fulfilled in a few months - the time it takes for you to complete the home study process.

A Family = A Chance

But for me, the most important reason is that adopting a teen means giving that child a chance to be part of a loving, stable, safe family. 

It can help them beat the odds.

It can give them a real, fighting chance to reach their potential.

It is a gift beyond measure. 

Teens who age out of the foster system face all sorts of obstacles, and they are at risk for so many things, including:

• Homelessness
• Joblessness
• Pregnancy and teen parenting
• Poverty
• Depression
• Substance use and abuse
• Prison stays
• Health problems
• PTSD

But when a teen finds a family and a safe place to call home, those risks are greatly reduced. Together, people who open their hearts and homes to teens can make a real, measurable difference in the lives of children and in the future of our country.

I haven't adopted a teen - yet. But I have opened my home to two of my son's friends who needed homes. They were 17 and 18. A boy and a girl. It was difficult. Really difficult at times. But it was so rewarding, and it was fun! And the best part? These kids, now young adults, still look to me for advice, and they still tell me, many years later, how grateful they are that I gave them a home, some help, and a chance. I know I didn't do much, but I did what I could. And I'd like to think it made a positive difference. I'd like to continue doing that by adopting a family full of teens. I hope you'll consider it as well. The teens need us. And, really, I think in some ways, we need them. There's no greater gift than a family who gives unconditional love - and that type of love can be given and received.

Every year, more than 28,000 children age out of the foster system. Can you commit to reducing that number by one?

If you think you would like to adopt an older child or a teen, get in touch with a caseworker in your state today. Or start by learning more about adopting teens.