According to the most recent data reports, there are over 400,000 children in the United States’ foster care program. At Family Care for Children and Youth (FCCY) in Pennsylvania, we are dedicated to helping children find the stability they need in safe, warm homes with families who will be able to provide all the care and affection they need. Adopting a child who you have been fostering is one of the most rewarding experiences for both the child and the adoptive parents due to the unique bond they have formed. If you are considering adoption through fostering, or if you are thinking about becoming a foster parent, keep reading to learn more about fostering to adopt.
What is Fostering to Adopt?
Fostering to adopt means that the foster parents become a foster family to a child in need, in the hopes that one day that child will be adopted permanently into their family. Adopting from foster care can only happen if a child’s birth parents’ parental rights have been terminated. In most cases, the ultimate goal of FCCY is for the reunification of the child with their biological parents. Unfortunately, if reunification is not possible, other arrangements will need to be made such as subsidized permanent legal custodianship, adoption, or other planned permanent living arrangement or placement with a relative.
As a foster parent, you may have a child in your care for a significant time where you both grow close and form a special bond. While fostering before adoption does present a stronger case for the adoption, it is important to keep in mind that your primary goal is to support reunification for the child’s best interest even if it is hard emotionally.
What is a Foster-to-Adopt-Program?
Many foster care agencies have specific programs for foster care parents who would like to adopt given the opportunity. At FCCY, we offer a variety of adoption services along with resources for anyone interested in adopting through the Pennsylvania child welfare system.
How Long Does Fostering to Adopt Take?
Unfortunately, there is no “right timeline” for adopting through foster care. There are so many variables and moving parts involved in the termination of biological parents’ parental rights. Adopting from foster care is possible, but it can be emotionally overwhelming as it is never a guarantee that parental rights will be terminated.
What is it Really Like to Foster to Adopt?
Every fostering experience is different. While working with foster agencies can produce rewarding results, there are a few things to keep in mind when adopting from foster care.
The number one goal of foster care is reunification. A child that is placed in your care may not become part of your permanent family. It is your responsibility to provide them a safe, stable, caring environment to thrive while their biological parents complete the necessary processes and programs for reunification. If you go in with a mindset that every foster child placement is going to lead to an adoption, you may end up disappointed and emotionally burnt out. While it is natural to form a bond with your foster child, you should always support the reunification process with their biological parents even if it is emotionally difficult. While adopting from foster care can be challenging, it is also very rewarding. These foster children may have experienced physical or sexual abuse, drug addiction, abandonment, or other neglect or trauma and need a loving, positive role model as well as a safe home to thrive emotionally and developmentally. Just keep in mind that your foster to adoption journey will be unique and don't compare your journey to others.
.
The Next Steps
Adopting a child through foster care can be challenging, but at the end of the day, you are making a difference in the life of a foster child. If you are interested in becoming a foster parent in PA, please contact the FCCY office closest to you. Or if you are considering adopting a child from foster care, please connect with us for adoption assistance. We look forward to hearing from you.