Have you adopted through the foster care system.?

Question

I live in canada, and am considering adopting a younger child. My youngest is three, oldest is 8. Are you glad that you adopted. How long did it take your child(ren) to adjust to their new home. Any insights would be wonderful. Thank you.

Answer 1

I was a foster child.. nobody ever adopted me (guess i was a bad egg) lol. I think its a great thing to do! TOo many kids without homes, and Im sure that if you talk to your kids they will be ok with it. I say go for it! :)

Answer 2

We adopted our oldest two children through the foster care system in Indiana. The oldest was 5 years old, and the youngest newborn when they came to our home. It took two years to finalize the adoption, but we are so glad that we did. 8 months after they came to live with us, my wife gave birth to a biological child as well.

There are a lot of considerations to make, especially since you have a three year old at home. You must consider the age of the child you are bringing home, how long they have been in foster care, and what sort of trauma (both pre and post natal) they have experienced. This can all have an effect on long-term behavior and attachment. I strongly recommend that you speak with a child psychologist that works with foster children and/or specializes in attachment issues so that you can make a completely informed choice.

Our oldest has done well with the transition, but will always have significant needs and need a LOT of supervision, counseling and support throughout his childhood. But to be honest, we wouldn't change anything if we could.

I also recommend the two sites below to read up on attachment disorders. The first is more professional, while the second is more personal. Both provide great information.

Best wishes to whatever choice you make!

Answer 3

I personally have not, but, my husbands parents have. He has two amazing siblings that were adopted through foster care. One sister and one brother. The whole family including my husband and myself adore these children and would never have done anything different. The girl, was adopted at 18 months and has adjusted almost completely, her only issue is that she is an African American child in a caucasian family, so that does take some adjustment, she is now 8 years old. The boy was 5 when he came to our family and was officially adopted two years ago at the age of 7. He has had a harder time adjusting because of what he went through as a young child. At any rate they are both happy and healthy and enjoying life. I wish you the best with this endeavor if you do choose to go through with it!

Answer 4

I'm in Florida and adopted 2 children through the state foster care system. I'm very glad I did. they adjusted quickly to living with me and each other. (I got them at different times, but they are half siblings.) the state agency helped me with the paperwork, so I didn't need a lawyer. all I had to pay for was filing the papers with the clerk of the court. my son was 2 1/2 yrs when I got him. he was almost 5 when I adopted his 14 month old half sister. it hasn't been perfect, but normal problems that anyone could have with children. I let them know from the day I brought them home that they were adopted and that I was very glad the judge said they could be mine. the only problems I've heard of have occured when the child finds out they're adopted either by accident or as an older child, like a teenager. if they grow up with it, it's no big deal. I heartily recommend it for anyone. I have 2 cousins that also adopted and are very happy.

Answer 5

First of all, I think that it is awesome that you are considering adopting a foster child. I grew up in foster homes until I was 18 years old. I have a lot of respect for those that are willing to open up their home to a stranger. I was adpoted, and it was the best thing that ever happend to me. It gave me a sense of security. I think that with any child, they will need time to adjust, however with younger children, they seem to adapt much faster. Good Luck, and God Bless you....