Ready for Foster Care Adoption? The Guidance You Need to Begin

Ever wonder what it really takes to adopt from foster care? Here’s the truth: if you’re willing to learn, grow, and build the right support system, you can change a child’s life. As Rita Soronen from the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption shares, success isn’t about being perfect – it’s about being prepared.

Why Your Journey Matters

Right now, thousands of children in foster care are hoping for a family. Many are older kids who’ve been waiting far too long. “No nine-year-old, 10-year-old should think, ‘I’m just going to have to age out of foster care and do this on my own,'” Rita emphasizes. She’s seen countless success stories, like Marisol finding her forever family at 19, proving it’s never too late for family. These children need people like you – people willing to open their hearts and homes.

Starting Your Journey

The first step? Be honest with yourself about what you can offer. Rita encourages prospective parents to consider critical questions: Are you open to siblings? What age range feels right? Most importantly, are you ready to commit to a child’s healing journey?

“Come in with eyes wide open, but come in with your heart wide open too,” Rita advises. This balance of realism and hope is what successful adoptive families share.

The Support You Need

Support makes all the difference on your adoption journey. Find professionals who understand adoption trauma – from pediatricians to therapists. “This isn’t so they can be negative,” April explains. “This is so you can get help early. They see it earlier because they know what they’re looking for.”

Your support system should include:

• Adoption-competent therapists who understand trauma
• Pediatricians experienced with drug abuse in utero and abuse
• A community of adoptive families who’ve walked this path and are solution based
• Post-adoption resources for ongoing support

The Truth About Older Children

Can older children really attach? Absolutely. Rita and April both emphasize that every child can thrive in a permanent family. Yes, children from hard places need time to trust, but that’s where your preparation and support network come in.

“It might be fine for six months or a year,” Rita explains, “and then they begin expressing doubts or fears… particularly when they finally feel safe.” This isn’t failure – it’s part of healing, and you’ll be ready for it.

Taking Action

Ready to start? Here’s how:

1. Visit davethomasfoundation.org
2. Contact local child welfare agencies
3. Ask about Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruiters
4. Consider mentoring while you explore adoption
5. Join support groups for adoptive families

You’re Not Alone

Remember April’s crucial advice: find a community that offers both understanding and solutions. “This isn’t about us wanting something for ourselves,” she says. “This is about a child.”

When challenges arise, remember you’re not failing – you’re learning. Rita emphasizes that asking for help isn’t weakness; it’s what makes great adoptive parents. “To the contrary,” she says, “asking for help is a sign of success.”

The journey won’t always be easy, but with preparation, support, and an open heart, you can provide the forever family a waiting child needs. As both Rita and April remind us: every child deserves a chance at family, and with the right support, you can be that chance.

Want more guidance? Listen to the full episode of ADOPTION NOW with Rita Soronen. Your journey to changing a child’s life starts here.