After teh adoption, depending on the child, there might be Post Adoption Assistance funds available to the family.
Thank you. Next up -- a question about marital status required to adopt.
We need all kinds of families because we have all kinds of teens, musical teens, athletic teens, funny teens.
Single, two parent, there are no requirements.
yes, single is ok and for some teens may be ideal. Attaching to one parent can be easier than two.
each teen needs one person who is crazy about them and will commit to them whatever comes along
Remember it is all about finding the best family for a particular teen.
Thanks. Next question is about success rates.
yes adoption match sometimes don't work.
When things fall apart it is hard on everyone especially the teen.
Just like having a birth child, there are no guarantees. Education before adoption, and support during all phases of the process are really important. Committment is the key, and taking enough time in the 'courtship' phase.
In some case the courtship phase can be years
Yes, it was 4 years for us with Amy.
To go with this question, here is a comment from Lyle.
it is the relationship that provides the foundation for the teen to grow into a healthy adult.
I know more than a few 20 - 22 year olds who still want to be adopted.
My husband was very concerned about integration when we first met Amy.
We talked it over together, and then with our daughters, who were 10 & 12 at the time. We decided that we could definitely be there as her support system.
is is a common and real concern.
It can upset the family order, feel and culture.
We let her know right from the start that we were willing to adopt her, but that she would be in control of when she felt ready.
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
