ZIPPY DOO DAH DAY
Photo by Shanna Hullender Photography


"Adopting one child won't change the world; but for that child, the world will change."




Tuesday, July 6, 2010

WWW.MYTURNNOW.COM

The other day I looked at the photo listings of children in the state of Georgia that are available for adoption through the foster care system. I wasn't looking because we are interested in adopting again but more that I was curious about how many of the kids are still sitting on the roster from over a year and half ago when I was trolling the website frequently. I'm glad to report that a lot of the kids are gone from the website. Hopefully, that means they have found their Forever Families. Of course, there were still a few that I recognized on there just growing older in the wretched foster care system. Anyway like Shania Twain sings, I "gone and done it" although I shouldn't have. Now, my mind is running wild with thoughts that I'm too scared to share! Get the drift?

My heart breaks for the older kids. There were a few teenage boys that were looking for Christian homes and are scared of getting too old and aging out the system. Wouldn't it be sad to turn 18 years old and released out in this nasty world without loving parents to guide you? How about holiday weekends just like we had but without any family to share it with? Seventeen years old and wanting a CHRISTIAN family to call their own, wanting their own dog (remember they probably have been bounced around all their lives and have never had the opportunity to have their OWN pet), and part-time job so that he can save to buy a car. Seventeen years old and still holding onto the sliver of hope that one day they will be adopted by their Forever Family. Wouldn't you hate to know that society gave up on you because you were too old even at the tender ages of 8, 12, or 17 years old? Goodness, it breaks my heart into a millon pieces.

I would like to see those teenagers find homes. Just in case you don't think you can adopt, I would like to throw out some info about adopting from the Georgia foster care system for you to consider. Most states have similar guidelines.

You don't have to own a home to adopt from foster care. Apartment living is completely fine.

If single, the adoptive parent must be at least 25 years of age and at least 10 years older then the child. If married, at least 10 years older then the child.

I know of people in their late 50's/early 60's that have adopted from Georgia foster care so don't let age hold you back!

Foster adoptions costs very little if any money at all to the adoptive family as the state covers most, if not all, or the expenses.

The adopted children are eligible for Medicaid until they turn 18 year old (even after the adoption is complete).

The adoptive parents even qualify for monthly financial assistance if the child meets one of the criteria below that qualifies the child as "special needs":

1. A child who has been in the care of a public or private agency or individual other than the legal or biological parent for more than 24 consecutive months.

2. A child with physical, mental, or emotional disability, as validated by a licensed physician or psychologist.

3. A child who is a member of a sibling group of 2 or more placed in the same home.

Basically, the state is trying hard to make adoption possible for all of those that are interested. Sadly, more people need to open their hearts and homes for these kids that need families.

1 comment:

  1. So glad to have found this blog. I wonder if the State of TX follows these same "special needs" guidelines. I NEVER knew any of this info!

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