The ABC’s of Adoption and Foster Care

The process of fostering or adopting a child is multifaceted and comes with many questions, but it doesn’t have to be a daunting experience! Centerstone has highlighted some important terms to familiarize you with the language used in foster care and adoption to help inform you and your family, and ensure your journey is a positive one.

Adoption – Adoption is the process of taking a child into your home as a permanent family member when it is not possible for them to live with their birth parents.

Birth Parents – The biological mother and father of the child.

Compassion – Having compassion as a foster care or adoptive parent means not just meeting basic needs, but also providing emotional understanding, and love to children who often come from challenging or traumatic backgrounds.

Devotion – As a foster care or adoptive parent, being devoted means making an unwavering commitment to the well-being and healing of the child no matter the circumstances or challenges that may arise.

Education – Education and preparation are key to a successful foster or adoption experience. Working with adoption/foster counselors, attending workshops, and doing research will allow you to be well-informed and feel prepared as you start your journey.

Foster Care – Foster care is a temporary arrangement made when a child, who cannot live with their birth family, is placed in the care of a foster parent or family. The goal is to provide a safe environment until the child can either return to their family, be adopted, or find a permanent living situation.

Generational Change – Generational change in foster care and adoption refers to breaking the cycle of trauma, neglect, or instability that can be passed down through families. When foster or adoptive parents provide a stable, nurturing, and supportive environment, they can help children heal from past traumas, build healthy relationships, and develop the tools they need to thrive as adults.

Home Study – A home study is a process in which a social worker visits the home of the foster/adoptive parents to determine if their home is a safe space and if they are a good fit to raise a child. This may also include things like background checks, interviews, and providing important paperwork such as birth certificates or financial statements.

Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) – This is a law that allows the placements of children across state lines.

Juvenile Justice System – The juvenile justice system is a legal framework designed to handle criminal or delinquent cases involving minors. The primary focus of juvenile justice is typically rehabilitation, rather than punishment.

Kinship Care – Kinship care is when a child temporarily resides with a relative or another person with whom they have a pre-existing relationship, such as a neighbor or teacher, when they are unable to live with their birth parents.

Love – Love is essential in the foster care and adoption processes. It can help children feel safe, heal from past trauma, develop a sense of self-worth.

Making a Real Difference – In some cases, providing a safe and loving home for a child can be the difference between life and death. Being able to provide a space for them to express their emotions and heal can make all the difference in their development and how they form attachments as adults.

Never Alone – A crucial part of bringing a foster or adopted child into your care is making sure that they never feel like they have to go through life alone. This can be done by taking an interest in their lives and hobbies as well as making them feel at home in your space.

Open Adoption – An open adoption is when adoptive families maintain contact with the birth parents of the child. The type of communication and level of openness will depend on the family. This can include phone calls, letters, or in-person visits.

Progress, Not Perfection – This is especially important to remember when fostering. Focus on gradual, positive improvements to a child’s behavior, development, and emotional help rather than expecting everything to be perfect or for them to be well-adjusted right away.

Quality of Life – The majority of children in foster care or placed for adoption come from traumatic and sometimes even dangerous homes. By being patient and supportive while showing them love, you have the opportunity to greatly improve their quality of life while also making a positive impact on them.

Responsibilities – As a foster or adoptive parent, it is your responsibility to love and care for the child as if they are your own. It is up to you to advocate for them and their needs to ensure the best life possible.

Safety – Safety is a crucial element in both foster care and adoption, as children in these situations often come from environments where their physical, emotional, or psychological well-being may have been neglected. Ensuring that a child feels safe is the first step toward their healing and development, and is a major responsibility for the foster/adoptive parents.

Trust – It may take time for the child in your care to feel like they can trust you. They may come from a background that made it hard for them to trust adults and feel safe around them. Give it time and practice patience as you gain their trust.

Unconditional Love – Fostering or adopting a child is no easy feat. This journey can bring many trials and tribulations through which your patience may be tested. Just remember that at the end of the day, all this child needs is love and support. For some, being in your home may be the first time they have ever felt cared for. It’s up to you to ensure they feel at home in your care.

Value – Making a foster or adopted child feel valued is a crucial step in their healing. Taking interest in their hobbies, actively listening to them, spending quality time together, and respecting their past are all ways to make them feel valued.

Well-being – Ensuring a child’s well-being includes meeting their physical, emotional, psychological, and social needs. Doing so will help them thrive in their new environment.

eXpectations – It is crucial to set realistic expectations for yourself and your family as you navigate the fostering or adoption process. It’s important to remain patient and flexible as things can change at a moment’s notice, or take time to fully develop.

Youth – Any child ages 0-18 is eligible for foster care or adoption. As you bring this child into your home, keep in mind that their needs will vary depending on their age and they all need to feel safe and loved, no matter their age.

Zero Rejection – There is a principle in foster care and adoption that refers to the fact that no child should be turned away from receiving care or support. Every child deserves a chance for growth and healing.

Centerstone can help you learn more about our programs and answer your questions. Visit our website to learn more about Centerstone’s foster care programs and how you can get involved today.