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ADOPT: Permanent families wanted

| November 27, 2019 12:00 AM

November is National Adoption Month and on behalf of the Idaho Youth Ranch, I would like to thank all of the prospective adoptive parents who have recently expressed an interest in adopting older children.

There are thousands of children in foster care who need the commitment and care of a loving family to help them transition into adulthood with the foundation and support that they may never have experienced. Having a permanent family connection provides these individuals with the critical legal and emotional support that all young people need as they navigate relationships, seek employment and perhaps continue their education.

Although teens are often difficult to recruit adoptive families for, they are as much in need of permanency as younger children. These young people are at increased risk of exiting the foster care system without the legal tie and emotional support that all youth need as they mature into adulthood.

According to The American Council on Adoptable Children, there are more than 123,000 children and youth in the U.S. foster care system that are waiting for a permanent family. The average age is 8 years of age and 11 percent of these children are between 15 and 17 years of age. The average time spent in foster care is 31 months.

The need for adoptive parents who will consider adopting an older child is great. If you have ever thought of adopting an older child, please take a look at the Northwest Adoption Exchange or call a licensed adoption agency such as the Idaho Youth Ranch.

DONNA EULER

Adoption Program Supervisor

Idaho Youth Ranch