Fredericksburg Parent

November 2020

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www.FredericksburgParent.NET 15 "Virginia has a higher percentage of older youth in foster care (21%) than the nation as a whole (16%)." WHY IS VIRGINIA RANKED (ALMOST) LAST IN ADOPTION? According to the Children's Home Society of Virginia, one of the factors that contributes to the high percentage of children going unadopted in Virginia is that, "Virginia has a higher percentage of older youth in foster care (21%) than the nation as a whole (16%). Sadly, older youth are adopted at a much lower rate than young children." There are hundreds of children waiting for an adoptive parent in the Virginia foster system right now. If you're considering adopting a child you can reach out to the Virginia Department of Social Services online at: https://www.adoptuskids.org/states/va/index.aspx or by calling 800-DO-ADOPT. ADOPTION MISCONCEPTIONS AND FACTS There are a lot of misconceptions about adoption that might prevent people from even exploring it as an option. Here we will look at common misconceptions and facts about adoption. FACT MYTH: Adoption fees are too expensive. If you adopt a child from foster care you can do so for little to no cost. Most adop- tions from foster care are free or require minimal fees, many of which are reimburs- able. You can also receive post-adoption resources like medical assistance and finan- cial adoption assistance, which are based on the needs of the child. MYTH: You have to adopt children of your race. You can adopt children of any race or ethnicity. There is a federal law that prohibits denying adoption placement based on race or ethnicity. MYTH: You have to be married to adopt children. If you're 18 years old and have the time and energy to give a child a lifetime com- mitment, you can adopt a child. You can be single, married, widowed or divorced. FACT FACT MYTH: If you foster a child you can't also adopt them. In Virginia over 60% of kids in foster care are adopted by their foster parents according to the Virginia Department of Social Services. If you foster children that do not return to their birth families, you can adopt them. MYTH: If a child you know personally, such as a neighbor or friend's child, goes into foster care for adoption you can't adopt them. If a child you know personally or professionally is in need of adoption, you can apply to adopt that child. Social workers prefer to place children with adults they already have relation- ships with in the community. MYTH: You can't adopt children if you're older. Seasoned parents and empty-nesters make wonderful adoptive parents and are highly encouraged to apply! Anyone over the age of 18 can apply to adopt. MYTH: Once I adopt a child the birth parents may take the child back. Once the adoption process is complete the birth parents may not regain custody of the adoptive child. FACT FACT FACT FACT

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