We have been exploring the option to adopt from the Foster care system, however the responses we have received to our inquiries have not been positive, leaving us to wonder if it is at all possible for us to adopt from Foster Care while remaining in Korea. We are are prayerfully considering the option of adopting while residing in America. This would mean (after a period of saving and saving) we would move to a U.S. State and adopting within that State's Foster care system.
So now this give us 50 different systems to look at and determine which State's system will both meet our needs as well as the needs of the child being placed for adoption. Like the ad above says "You don't have to be a perfect person" Similarly there is not going to be one perfect State system. Each State offers different (for lack of better words) pros and cons to adopting. For instance some states don't offer a Foster-to-Adopt program and you first become a licensed Foster Parent and then if the child's parental rights are terminated (TPR) then you have first choice to adopt.
Oregon is one of the "better" States to work with for the ease of an adoption. They have a great case-worker network, state funding for the adoption, and great post-placement services for both you and the child. But other States offer a variety of different positive aspects. Florida, for example, offers a tuition waiver for Foster care and Foster adopted kids, to attend any of their State's Universities, Community Colleges or Vocational Schools. Hawaii, while offering an average amount of support for adoptions through Foster Care also mandates that any employer with full-time employees must provide health insurance. Hawaii is also one of the best States if you want an open adoption as the birth records are not sealed. (As an aside, a big thumbs up to Hawaii for revamping their Foster Care system and getting it back on track when, just a little more than 10 years ago, it was one of the worst systems in the United States.) Utah has one of the highest percentages of adoptions through Foster Care. Also we need to consider our network of support in both Texas and Oregon/Washington.
Having said all this, it is our firm belief that Foster Care is supposed to be a temporary placement and the overall goal should be a safe reunification for kids and their parents or relatives. Sometimes though, this is just not possible. That is where families who are willing to adopt step into the picture. It is a great desire of our hearts to not just add a child to our family, but to save, help, shelter, love and nurture a child in need. We believe this is what God has called us to do and that is why we were initially looking at adopting through an orphanage and are now considering Foster Care. However the dive into the Foster Care System has been a little daunting with each State having different requirements and regulations. One of the most beneficial links we have found has been through Focus on the Family at
other helpful links are
We are in the process of educating ourselves about our options and opportunities right now. We have not made any solid decision-just gathering information. The more information we have, the more we have to pray about and seek God's guidance. We are going to try to narrow down our State options to about 10 and then take an extremely close look at those States' Foster Care Systems. We ask that you will continue to pray for us and for clarity of information as well as the continued guidance of God.
We looked in foster parenting but lack of control and uncertainty in the process led us a different direction. You're absolutely right about the goal of the foster care system, to put kids back with their bio parents or other bio family if at all possible. To me, that's an outdated goal based on outdated assumptions that people should primarily raise children of their own DNA. DNA doesn't make a family. I'm sure in many cases the foster system works well, but I rarely hear about them.
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