For those in foster care awaiting adoption, the prospect of finding a forever family can seem nearly impossible. The longer one spends in foster care, the less likely they are to be adopted. The statistics of children aging out of care are devastating. The organization Children's Rights published the statistical data from 2017 which stated that over 17,000 children aged out of foster care. That's 17,000 children in 2017 alone. It was 17,000 children who were no longer eligible to receive services offered by social services because they reached the legal age of adulthood. For those unfamiliar with the process, it means no longer being provided with the most basic services, such as housing, meals, clothing, guidance for continuing education, and finding employment. This is a fate that older children in foster care spend years dreading. When reaching the legal age of adulthood means losing all sense of safety and access to the most basic necessities, the anticipation alone can be traumatizing.
Older children are just as much in need of love and permanence as younger children. There really isn't anything that can take the place of the type of love, support, and stability provided by family and community. All children, at every age, need to feel that they are loved, that their lives have purpose and meaning, and that they are safe.
For those looking to expand their family, please think about adopting an older child. See the links below for information about adopting an older child.
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