Involving your current children in the process will be key as there will be challenging times but again it is worth it.
Our girls did find it stressful at first, but they also really enjoyed having an older sister they could talk to about 'teen stuff'.
For people who are struggling with that concept, can you answer the following question?
It is the question below submitted by Sweetlifenow1
For sure! AFABC offers workshops, and support groups. Our goal is also to help you find and build your own support network to help you through the rough patches.
Prospective parents come to understand that we can be ok and no ok at the same time about something going in our family. Relationships can be complicated
Yeah, every adoptive family needs another adoptive family who understand the adoption journey
You need this because most other people will think you are either crazy or a saint for adopting a teen. ha ha
If you have kids now, think about times when they may be driving you crazy, but you still love them, and you are still 100% committed to them, and to maintaining your family.
Thank you. Going back to the requirements issue, we have the following two questions that a lot of people submitting questions are asking.
A lot of people are wondering about a "cut-off" age...
no, but social workers will look for an appropriate age spread on the low end and on the upper end there is no cut off
I think you need to be able to offer a genuine parent-child relationship. You can adopt at 19, but will a 17 year old really see you as a parent?
Again, each child is unique and the social worker will look for the best match for that child - age is just one factor.
Thank you. And the second question right here.
Heck, if you can keep up with a teen then you are young enough
only that you are able to meet the ongoing cost of raising a teen
The MCFD can help some teens
with education assistance after the child turns 19
The education assistance program is called YEAF, and it can be great. Amy was able to receive YEAF for 4 years to cover some of her university tuition cost.
I think YEAF may be available up to the age of 25
YEAF stands for Youth E
ducation Assistance Fund
Thank you. The following is a very unique and interesting question. It may not apply to many people, but we still wanted to include it.
And is the process different in this case?
yes, provided they meet the requirements and the match is considered a good one.
Karen, would this be a family placement?
It can also be used for post secondary and other training. The 22 year old who lives with me used it to qualify as a paramedic last year.
Would their chances of getting approved as an adoptive parent be higher?
Karen - do you know the anser to this one? I'm not sure.
It is ok. We can follow up on that later.
Moving right along. The next batch of questions has to do with the logistics of getting a "forever family" and having to move.
We got this question a lot. "We live in a remote region of BC. Could the teenager move here?"
They could move, but again this would have to be worked out pre-placement. There are teens available in all parts of the province who need families
Some teens will move and some won't. I would guess that there are teens either in your community or close so don't count yourself out.
JudyM, we have an adoption support coordinator, and adoptive parent, in the Peace region who lives on a ranch with horses. Again, each child is unique - some kids would love horses!
Shelley, there are definitely teens waiting in the Interior
I am looking for a family with horses. Do you live in the Interior?
