Written by: Rory

Edited by: Katarina

Looking at the Numbers

The numbers are staggering when evaluating how many teens are being adopted from foster care. It is said that only about 5% of children that were adopted were between the ages of 15-18 years old. The majority of people thinking of giving a child a home see themselves with younger children and not nearly enough parents consider adopting teenagers. But why? The idea of adopting a teenager brings about many different thoughts of what that experience would be for both the parents and teens. 

Reasons for Adopting a Teenager

Although many adults quander the idea that adopting a teen comes with issues, it is of utmost importance to remember the reality that no child, no matter their age, ever grows out of wanting to be loved and have a family of their own. Many of these teenagers are in situations that are no fault of their own and are deserving of finding the love and support that younger children receive from an opportunity of adoption. The difference an adoption can make for a teenager is priceless and so meaningful because it could change their entire path and outcome for a healthy life path as an independent adult. In return, this child’s life will also affect the parents life in some many unforeseen ways. 

Reasons Teens are Awesome for Adoption

Even though a young child is the best for certain families who might want to start a family, there are also those families who have already raised their own children and are ready to help as an older child fits best in their household. If you are that type of family these are some reasons why a teenager is the best fit for you: 

  1. There will be things you can share with a teenager that impact the way they see themselves and their future. This age group is not quite an adult but also beyond childhood. They are so in tune with themselves and are so smart at analyzing their circumstances and with love, support and trust, would be ready to take in suggestions and guidance. This is a great time to give kids tools to help them succeed. Also, they are at an age where an adult could share certain interests with them and their time together is enjoyable. Plus they are great at conversation!
  2. At this age teens are also more independent and self-sufficient. They can take care of themselves. Adopting a younger child requires much more time and money in certain aspects such as childcare if you are a working parent. Teens tend to themselves and for certain adults, the lifestyle of a younger child may not fit their lives. 
  3. Many teens have been in the system for some time and they want to be part of a family and feel loved and supported. So when you adopt a teen, you will get their appreciation for all that is given to them. They are great at not taking it for granted. And because they are great at communicating you will always know how they are feeling and they will tell you exactly what they want and what they will need from you.  

Breaking the Cycle, Reaping the Rewards

Ultimately, a home is one of the most desired qualities of life a young foster child is looking for. They just want someone to care about them and support them. This is incredibly important especially for young teenage girls. It is said that here in Texas, “In a given year, one out of every 20 girls ages 13 to 17 in Texas foster care becomes pregnant.” (Texans Care for Children, 2018) This number is almost triple to the average teen girl who is pregnant in Texas. It is overwhelming to see the number of these foster teen girls and the older they get, the higher the number will go. 

Adopting a teenage girl could break this cycle. The cycle that ultimately leads to these young women becoming part of the welfare system and it becomes more difficult for them to finish an education and experience a healthy life in the future. Along with pregnancy, many teenagers face homelessness. This number becomes higher once they are aged out of the system. It is said that “1 out of 5 who age out of foster care become homeless.”  (NCSL 2020) And so, when looking to adopt a teen, you are looking to help them solve these issues and situations and break the cycle by supporting a teen through difficult hurdles they will need to jump. The support system will help them with teen pregnancy, becoming homeless and unemployed, because many teens going through these situations will not keep finishing school as a priority. 

The rewards are endless because adopting a teen will help you understand the fragile lives that have been living difficult times at no fault of their own. It will give your life meaning while giving love to a young person that will change their lives forever. You can be the role model that shows them what a loving and supportive family looks like so they can create healthy relationships of their own.