State Waiting Adoption

The Need for Adoptive Families

There are thousands of older children in foster care who are waiting for a permanent, loving home. According to the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS), there were 391,098 children in foster care in the United States as of September 30, 2022. Of these children, 99,839 older children are needing adoption.

The statistics for older children are particularly significant. Children who are 8 years or older make up a large portion of those waiting for a family. Data from AFCARS indicates that in 2022, the median age for all children in foster care was 6.4 years old, while the median age for children waiting to be adopted was 8.1 years old. Additionally, the data shows that 6% of children in foster care are ages 16-17, many of whom are at risk of aging out of the system without a permanent family.

The need for families to adopt children of all backgrounds is also clear. The number of children waiting for a family includes:

  • 44% White
  • 21% Black or African American
  • 23% Hispanic
  • 2% Asian
  • 1% American Indian or Alaska Native
  • <1% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
  • 7% two or more races

These statistics highlight the urgent need for adoptive families who are open to welcoming children of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances into their homes.

What is an Older Child Adoption?

An older child adoption is the adoption of a child who is typically age 5 and over from the state foster care system. These children, including sibling groups and teens, are waiting for a permanent family to provide them with stability, love, and a sense of belonging. Many have experienced abuse or neglect, but they all deserve a supportive home to help them thrive.

The Process for Adopting an Older Child

Adopting an older child from foster care can be a long and emotional journey, but Building Blocks Adoption Service is here to guide you every step of the way. We help Ohio residents navigate the process of adopting a child from foster care, both within Ohio and across the country.

Here’s an overview of the steps:

  • Complete the Application: Fill out our Application for Adoption to begin the process.
  • Start Your Home Study: A home study is a crucial part of the process, and we will provide the necessary information to complete it.
  • Find Your Match: We help you locate children available for placement through photo listings and other resources. When you find a child you’d like to learn more about, we’ll send your home study to their caseworker for consideration.
  • Finalize the Adoption: Once you’re matched with a child, our team works with the child’s caseworker and you to complete all legal and paperwork requirements, including interstate compact documentation if the child is outside of Ohio.

Program Details

  • Parent Eligibility: We are licensed to work with Ohio residents who are single women, single men, or married couples. One parent must be a U.S. citizen or national. Only Adults can adopt from the State Waiting Program.
  • Criminal Records: Certain criminal convictions, such as felony child abuse, neglect, or violent crimes, may prevent you from adopting. Contact our office for a detailed list of disqualifying offenses.
  • Timeframe: The adoption timeline can vary greatly, from six months to a couple years. It largely depends on your flexibility regarding the child’s characteristics and how quickly state and county agencies respond to inquiries.
  • Travel: If you adopt a child from outside Ohio, you should expect to travel several times for visits and bonding before the child can come home.

Support for Adopting Families

Adopting an older child can come with unique challenges, but it also comes with a lot of support. The state often provides resources to help with the transition, including:

  • Medicaid for medical needs.
  • Adoption Subsidies to help with costs like tutoring, special education, and other activities.

These resources are in place to help your family and your child succeed. Our agency will also be there to provide ongoing support and guidance during and after your adoption placement.

It’s time to make a difference in the life of a child waiting for a family. We are here to help you begin that journey.

If you have additional questions about the process or would like to learn more about a specific part of it, please contact us by requesting an adoption information packet.

Adopting an Older Child