Today in the United States, more than 123,000 children in foster care are waiting for a permanent home through adoption. Nearly 45 percent of these children are ages eight or older—and desperately need the stability, guidance, and love that only a family can provide. Learn more of the myths and realities surrounding older child adoption.
Parents Share: Deciding What Age Child to Adopt
From newborns to teens to sibling groups, adoptive parents share the thought process behind their age preferences when adopting.
“My Cardiologist Opened My Heart to Adoption”
The defective structure of my physical heart ultimately led my emotional heart to pause and consider—do I try for pregnancy, or for parenthood through adoption?
“Opting Out of IVF”
As I dove into research about in vitro fertilization, I kept waiting to be excited about this wondrous technology. But the excitement never came. When our talk turned to adoption, however, I felt the rebirth of hope.
Parent-to-Parent: My Best Advice to Myself
Adoptive parents share the best adoption advice they would give themselves if they could go back five years, whether that would take them back to the adoption process or the early days of parenting.
Making the Decision to Grow Your Family Through Adoption
Have you been wondering whether to bring a second (or third) child into your home? An adoption social worker helps parents contemplating adoption to unpack their motivations and make the decision with eyes wide open.
Adopt Again?
Adopting a second child is a big step. Here’s some been-there, done-that wisdom from parents to help you decide.
Ask AF: Should We Adopt Our Child’s Birth Siblings?
A mother of three seeks advice on adopting her child’s birth siblings. She worries that her child will feel hurt if they don’t, but also that they won’t have the energy or resources to parent more children.
“The Red Thread of Fate”
More than a decade ago, I was hopefully working my way toward an adoption from China. After a tragedy derailed my plans, I wound my way to family in an entirely different way.
Ask AF: Feeling Excited and Scared as We Begin the Process
“We’re just beginning the adoption process, and are waffling between excitement—and terror. Is this normal?”
10 Lists to Help You Prepare for Adoption
A list of lists to help you through the adoption process and wait.
“Slipping into Parenthood”
I bought that stuffed animal — and that book, and that baby hat — in a moment of weakness. But as the wait stretched on, I realized those slip-ups are what kept me going.
Back to Work?
New adoptive parents have special concerns when it comes to child-care choices. Here’s how to make an informed decision.
The Second Time Around
You’ve decided you’re ready to grow your family — again. Here’s help with answering the questions you didn’t have to ask the first time you adopted.
The Reluctant Spouse
Don’t be surprised if your mate resists adoption even as you are embracing it.
“Our Agonizing Decision to Decline a Referral”
We thought accepting a referral would be the easy part. It wasn’t.
“Negotiating a Workable Schedule After Adoption”
I assumed I’d be offered the same leave and benefits as moms who give birth. When I wasn’t, here’s how I negotiated with my employer.
“The Second Half of My Life”
I had been a hard-driving reporter and happily single. But now, I was ready for something more.
The Reluctant Family
You’re ready to adopt, but your spouse is reluctant. How can you get your “other half” (and family members) on board?
“Getting Past Working-Mom Guilt”
A new mother learns that she can go back to work and still retain the title of “Mom.”