Children enter foster care when Child Protective Services (CPS) determines their home environment is unsafe or if CPS determines their caregivers are neglecting them. It is a state-run system designed to provide a child with a temporary home.
Adoption is not foster care. When you place your child for adoption, it is a permanent decision.
You provide your child with the safe, secure, and loving family that you choose.
What Are the Reasons Children Go to Foster Care?
Life is totally unpredictable. One day, things are running smoothly, and the next, you find your life completely out of control. Changes in relationships, employment, or your health can all determine how well you can provide for a child.
Focus Foster Care gives the following reasons why children enter foster care:
- Neglect. The neglect can be physical, educational, emotional, or medical.
- Parental Illness. The illness can be either physical or a mental health condition.
- Domestic Abuse. Domestic abuse within the family home can harm a child’s mental health and emotional development, as well as put them at risk of physical harm.
- Drug or Alcohol Abuse. Addiction may prevent a parent from adequately caring for their child.
- Breakdown Within the Family. A job loss, eviction, homelessness, and arrest can all lead to a family’s breakdown.
- Death of a Parent or Guardian. The death of the primary caregiver requires a new living situation.
According to statistics, there were over 343,000 children in foster care in 2023. The goal is always reunification, but sometimes that isn’t possible.
Choosing Adoption Instead
Every child deserves a safe, loving home. If you are an expectant mother who faces some of the above circumstances, you may want to consider making an adoption plan for your child.
Even if you have already given birth and are now realizing that you are unable to care for your child properly, placing your child for adoption is a possibility.
The following are some of the benefits you receive if you choose adoption:
- You select the adoptive parents. If you’re concerned about who will raise your child, know that it is possible to review and select the adoptive parents. Take a closer look at some of our waiting families today.
- You establish your child’s future. By selecting the adoptive couple, you set in place the future you want for your child.
- You determine the amount of contact. An open or semi-open adoption plan lets you communicate with your child and their adoptive family.
- You can receive assistance free of charge. If you decide to make an adoption plan, you receive help with all pregnancy-related expenses, such as medical bills, housing support, groceries, maternity clothes, etc.
- All adoption services and legal expenses are provided free of charge. We’ll ensure you understand the adoption process thoroughly.
- It’s your choice for your future. We will not coerce or manipulate you into making one choice over another.
Need More Information?
If you’re concerned about your child’s future, reach out to New Life Adoptions. Like you, we want your child to live in a safe, loving home. If you are currently in an unsafe situation, please contact the National Domestic Abuse Hotline at (800) 799-7233.
To learn more about adoption, please fill out our online contact form. Your safety and your child’s success are important to us. Let’s find the best solution for your future.