As a foster parent, choosing to adopt is a life-changing event that lets you grow your family while giving a foster child their forever home. Both of you will be experiencing a lot of thoughts and emotions. If you are considering adopting a foster child or have already chosen to do so, it is essential to understand how to talk to the child about it. An accredited adoption service provider can explain why you should bring up the discussion as early as possible and tailor it to children of different ages.

Talking to your child about the adoption process:

• Allows the child to understand their biological makeup. Your child may or may not have a relationship with their birth parents, but they should understand that their genetics are different from yours. This can be helpful as they get older and encounter health questions or medical issues.
• Let’s them hear the adoption story from you. As your child gets older, chances increase for a friend or family member to comment on their adoption in front of them. Learning that information from somebody else could be traumatic for both of you.
• Acknowledges the child’s feelings surrounding the relationship with their birth parents. As your child matures, they can make their own choices about seeking more information. Withholding adoption information takes that choice away and can lead to resentment later in life.

Accredited Adoption Service Provider Studies to Guide You

Research suggests beginning the adoption conversation right away, knowing that it will be an ongoing conversation throughout your child’s life. You don’t need to share everything immediately, especially when they are young. Adoption consultants recommend starting with some basic language and letting the discussion grow naturally over time. Professionals can help break down how to talk about adoption with your child based on age and emotional development.

Tips for Introducing Adoption to Foster Children of All Ages

Babies: You can begin introducing the topic just by using the word “adoption” around your baby. Use loving sentences such as, “Your mother and I are so happy we got to adopt you, and we love you so much.”

Toddlers: Children become very curious as toddlers, so your child might begin asking questions. Use simple statements that begin to share your adoption story. You can also start reading children’s books to them about adoption.

School-Aged Children: At this age, you can begin sharing more detailed information about their past. Prepare your child for questions they may get from classmates about why they make look different from you. Your child will begin asking you more specific questions about their birth parents or the adoption.

Teenagers: If you are adopting a teenager, understand they are forming their identity as a person. Always be transparent but give them space to grow. Recognize that they are heavily influenced by various factors, including social media and peers at school.

Patience Builds Healthy Adoptive Families, Not Perfection

Regardless of age, continuously remind your child that they are loved and a valuable part of your family. You do not need to have all the answers, and keeping an open line of communication will help everyone work through issues. These are opportunities to strengthen your relationship, learn, and grow.

Continue to have patience and grace with yourself and your child. You decided to adopt out of love and a longing to grow your family, so keep that at the center of all conversations. You can always reach out to Heart of Adoptions Alliance at 866-432-7860 or [email protected] to speak with our adoption consultants and ask about additional resources.

What is the vision for the Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act?

Our vision is a world in which every child has the love and security of a permanent family.

What does this legislation do?

This legislation will make the current adoption tax credit fully refundable to help make adoption a supported option for more families! This legislation will make the current adoption tax credit fully refundable, removing income barriers to adoption for low and middle-income families, which represent the majority of families who adopt from the foster care system. Every year, more than 20,000 youth age out of the foster care system. We believe this bill can help to change that, bringing more vulnerable children and youth into permanent, loving families.

Who supports this legislation?

Thank you, Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL), Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN), Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA), and Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), and Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) for sponsoring H.R. 3031 to reintroduce the Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act.

How can I help support this legislation?

According to the Adoption Tax Credit Working Group:

“Here is what you and your organization can do to turn this bill into a reality for children and families:

• Encourage your lawmakers to support the Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act of 2021. Find your Member of Congress by clicking here.

• Spread the word and share the press release however you can (social media, newsletters, etc.). Encourage every to contact their members of Congress today to ask them to cosponsor the bill. Check out the ATCWG social media posts here and here.
• Tweet your own messages and retweet the ones we will be providing (@AdoptTaxCredit). Tag your Members of Congress.
• It’s particularly important to reach out to Members of the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways & Means Committee.”

Are there other resources regarding the Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act?

You can find out more information here:

https://adoptiontaxcredit.org

https://walorski.house.gov/adoption-tax-credit-2021/?fbclid=IwAR1y-PnbL96y41pM8eqjIgX0IY55_dm2kPXN7fcd4Fj4EU8Yi2I3wTFf1cQ

https://davis.house.gov/statements/reps-davis-walorski-bass-and-bacon-honor-national-foster-care-month-with-bipartisan

*All information provided by the Adoption Tax Credit Working Group*

At Heart of Adoptions Alliance, children are at the very heart of what we do which is why spreading awareness during National Child Abuse Prevention Month is integral not just in April, but year-round. Here are some need-to-know FAQs surrounding child abuse to assist in spreading awareness. 

Q: What is National Child Abuse Prevention Month? 

A: Since 1983, the United States has named April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month in order to raise awareness on preventing child abuse. With over 4.4 million cases, it is our mission to help bring awareness and put an end to child abuse. 

Q: What should I do if I suspect a child is being abused?  

A: Always report any instances of suspected child abuse to the proper authorities. Even if you do not know the child personally, you may be that child’s only hope of getting out of a dire situation. For more information on how to report child abuse, click here. 

Q: What are the effects of childhood exposure to domestic violence/child abuse? 

A: Domestic violence encompasses a range of manipulative, controlling, and violent behaviors exerted by one partner in order to maintain power over the other partner in an intimate relationship. While domestic violence is often recognized as being within a partnership between two people, DV can also be reflected in the wider family dynamic involving children. When situations are growing violent between current or former spouses in a household, children are at risk of exposure to violence in the form of verbal arguments and physical altercations. Witnessing violent acts between parents can have a tremendous impact on children. Click here to read more on an in-depth blog regarding this subject. 

Q: What are some child abuse prevention resources for families? 

A: There are many helpful resources on the internet. We’ve listed a few below:

The Children’s Bureau Website Resources 

Child Abuse Prevention: Florida Department of Education 

Childhelp: National Child Abuse Hotline  

Adoption Questions Regarding Child Safety 

Q: Why are home studies required to adopt a child? 

A: Home studies are wonderful tools to help birth mothers and caseworkers get to know more about the intended parents and the living environment that the child will be placed in. State and Federal Law requires background checks and fingerprinting for intended parents as checkpoints to help ensure the safety of the child(ren). As another step of precaution, intended parents will need to provide references and speak with a counselor to determine if they are physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared to parent a child. These policies are precautions are put in place to ensure a safe, loving environment is provided for all adopted children. 

Q: I don’t live in an environment that is safe for a child, and I am looking to give up my child for adoption. What should I do next? 

A: As you consider your unplanned pregnancy options, especially adoption, you may come across the common use of the phrase “give baby up for adoption in Florida.” This phrase has become popular through media, movies, television, podcasts, and is now practically synonymous with adoption. However, when choosing adoption for your baby, you are not “giving them up.” You are giving them the opportunity to have the best life possible, full of opportunity and happiness. It means you are making a selfless decision to put your baby’s safety and needs before your own. In other words, it means that you are a great mom. If you are ready to choose adoption for your child, we will help you create an individualized adoption plan that is right for you. You may also be eligible for assistance with living expenses, depending on your circumstances. We can help. Please call us day or night at (866) 432-7860.