Adopting Teenagers

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Comment by MamaPoRuski on December 8, 2012 at 10:56pm

For anyone who has ever had their adopted teenager yell this at them...

Comment by Leticia Barnes on March 23, 2012 at 3:10pm

Thank you for sharing your experience with me MamaPoRuski . We were thinking of using a Christian adoption agency in our area that does foster adopt . So it probably is the right way to go rather than to feel our way through the system on our own.

Comment by Leticia Barnes on March 23, 2012 at 3:08pm

Thank you so much for sharing Laurie ! Please do tell me more about your experience. I have heard a lot of people say they felt pushed to sign up as foster parents first. I really don't want to do that. Was that something that you dealt with at all? My cousin adopted from foster care a few years ago but her situation was different because she adopted the children she was already fostering.

Comment by Laurie Henry on March 23, 2012 at 1:56pm

Leticia, my adoption of my 2 daughters (17 & 8) from foster care was just finalized this past December. I agree that adopting a teen can be difficult but worth it. My girls are siblings who were in and out of the foster care system for 5-6 years.

 

Often times teens from foster care have been through a lot in and out of the system. Many have thick walls built around them that take many months to years to get through. It is very key to recognize that the walls exist and don't take it personal when you run into one. Many use those walls to "protect" themselves from getting hurt again.  You will also find that many foster care teens are super manipulative. They have had to be to survive in both their birth homes as well as foster homes. The beauty is when you see them letting you in slowly but surely.

It is certainly not for the weak at heart. I personally set out to adopt an older child even thought so many people tried to discourage me from doing so.

There is so much more I could write about my experience but I do need to get back to work. I will try to write more this weekend. Please let me know if there are specific questions you would like me to answer.

Comment by MamaPoRuski on March 23, 2012 at 7:51am

Leticia, My foster system experience is over 13 years old, so hoping someone else can give you more updated information. I know it might vary state from state on the process, for us there are agencies that subcontract with the state that are easier to deal with than the actual department of human services.  Bringing home a teen is difficult but worth it if you are ready to help get them ready to be launched as a successful adult. Our daughter has been home 3 years, adopted at 15 1/2 from Ukraine.  It takes more parenting energy than our other three kids combined, but she she is progressing!

Comment by Leticia Barnes on March 23, 2012 at 12:13am

My husband and I are about a year away from our youngest child leaving for college and we are interested in adopting teens out of the foster care system. I would love any advice or suggestions about what to expect. I would love to hear about your adoption journeys. Smiles : ) Leticia

Comment by Kryston Pearce on November 29, 2011 at 9:03pm

I'm here. I haven't been on in a while. Waiting to adopt another child, possibly a 14 yr old. Any advice?

Comment by MamaPoRuski on November 28, 2011 at 10:49pm

LeAnne, we are still here! I have tried to access this site a couple of times in November and it's been down.  

Our oldest adopted teen just turned 18 two weeks ago and we went through with getting DPOA/POA of health care and finances for her as she is no where near ready to manage anything independently.  It's been the year!

Comment by LeAnne Gallick on November 5, 2011 at 3:46pm

Anyone still out there?

Comment by MamaPoRuski on October 22, 2010 at 10:58pm

Does anyone know of current blogs of families adopting teens this year or early next? We love following them! Thanks!

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