Adoption is a legal process that permanently transfers parental responsibility from a child's birth parents to their adoptive parents. After reunification, it is the next most secure permanency option for children in foster care. In 2023, over one in four children (27%) exiting foster care — around 50,000 kids in the United States — were adopted.

Context Explanation

Consistently, the vast majority of these ... This post shares the latest statistics on foster care, adoption and transitioning youth. Explore the data. In 2021, over 113,754 kids were in foster care and awaiting adoption.

Insight Material

Get the data details on these children. This 2-day training guide for social workers focuses on achieving and sustaining permanency for children and youth in foster care through adoption. States Speeding Up Adoption Wait Times - The Annie E. Casey Foundation This case study shows how the Lifelong Families model helped Wanda achieve permanency through adoption while in treatment foster care. Key Takeaway Adoption Services When adoptions fail, it takes a toll on the children and families involved.

Final Conclusion

Children are returned to their state's system of care, and are often cycled from one foster home to another. Providing services to adoptive parents and children before and after adoption can help make the process work for everyone.