According to recent statistics, there are approximately 102,000 children in the foster care system in the United States who are available for adoption now. In addition to this, there are many children in foster care who may become available for adoption when legal proceedings have been completed.
It is reported that the average age of these children is 7.7 years. 13% are younger than two years of age. 42% are Caucasian, 24% are African-American and 23% are Hispanic. Just over half are boys.
Adoptive parents are actively sought for these children. There are no special requirements. All that is needed is to provide a good, safe and loving home. About 30% of those adopting from foster care are single parents.
The legal cost of the adoption procedure is usually paid for by the local Department of Social Services who has custody of the child. Also, there are subsidies which are provided to assist the adoptive family. The subsidies generally include a monthly stipend and medical or psychological services as may be required.
Anyone interested in adopting a child from foster care should contact their local DSS office for information, or go to AdoptUSKids.org to get more information.