Our blended family story is one of adoption. I recognize adoption and/or fostering isn’t for everyone, but perhaps you’re interested in learning more about what’s involved. Thank you for asking the questions.
I’ve included a few links to local and national organizations. This material is for informational purposes only. It’s a place to start. I would encourage you to seek out and have conversations with families of adoption. Most people I know who have walked this journey are more than willing to share their stories. We are more than eager.
Adopt VA Kids – Foster Care Adoptions in Virginia
Christian Alliance for Orphans
Hope this helps to answer a few questions and more importantly to create some new ones. There’s definitely a need. Just look at a few of the foster statistics (www.childrensrights.org):
- On any given day, 402,000 children are in foster care in the United States
- In 2013, 640,000 children spent time in foster care
- On average, children remain in state care for nearly two years – eight percent spend five years or more
- The average age in foster care is nine
- In 2013, more than 58,000 were living in foster care waiting to be adopted had their biological parental rights permanently terminated
- In 2013, more than 23,000 young people aged out of foster care without permanent families