Adoption from foster care is expensive. Fact: At Children’s Home Society, it’s virtually free. Thanks to a generous grant, there is no charge for services, including the home study and counseling.
Prospective families must be rich and own their own home. Fact: You must be older than 21 and earn enough money to support your child’s needs. Apartments and homes must be safe and nurturing.
Adoptive parents must be married. Fact: You may be single, married, divorced or widowed to adopt. Patience, a good sense of humor, a love of children and the commitment to be a good parent are the most important qualifications.
Children in foster care carry too much “baggage.” Fact: This is perhaps the biggest myth of all. Children in foster care – just like all children – have enormous potential to thrive given love, patience and a stable environment.
It takes years to adopt a child from foster care.
Fact: At Children’s Home Society, the process usually takes six to nine months. After the child is placed, counseling is provided to help with adjustments and six months of supervision is provided for additional support.
A child with “special needs” has physical or emotional problems.
Fact: “Special needs” can mean that a child is older, a minority or requires placement with siblings. While some children are dealing with physical or emotional concerns, just like other children, they need the nurturing and support only a permanent family can provide.
It’s difficult to find information on how to adopt. Fact: Children’s Home Society has resources available to help you take the first steps toward adopting a child from foster care. We’ll be with you every step of the way. For information or to register for an upcoming orientation, visit www.chsva.org or call (804) 353-0191.