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Exploring Your Adoption Options

If you’re curious about foster care adoption but not quite ready to take the next step, you’re in the right place. This page is designed to help you learn more about the process, hear real stories, and explore opportunities at your own pace.


Two women hugging and smiling, with text "Meet Robin, Adoptive Mom (of a Teenager!) - The Forgotten Adoption Option Podcast."
Family photo featuring eight individuals, including adults and children, seated together. "The Forgotten Adoption Option Podcast" logo and text stating "Meet Pam, Adoptive Mom of a sibling group" are displayed in the image. The background has a pattern of heart shapes.
Podcast promotion featuring a man named Nathan described as an adoptive dad. Text emphasizes his role and mentions "The Forgotten Adoption Option" podcast. Red hearts surround the image.
A promotional graphic featuring three individuals. The text includes the message: "How to know if you can parent children with special needs," and "The Forgotten Adoption Option." It also introduces Crystal and Justin Hunter as adoptive parents.
Family standing in front of mountains, part of "The Forgotten Adoption Option" podcast promotion with text "Meet Jane, Adoptive Mom."
Two smiling women against a white background with text overlay. The blue text at the top reads, 'HOW to know you're ready to adopt.' Below that, 'The Forgotten Adoption Option' in white on a blue banner. At the bottom, 'Meet Lynn Stacy, adoptive mom and foster care adoption professional' in white and black text.
Smartphone displaying a podcast episode titled 'a look at the global orphan crisis' from 'The Forgotten Adoption Option Podcast' featuring America's foster care adoption mentor. The screen shows podcast controls and an image of a woman pointing to a shirt that says 'adopt.'"

Listen and be inspired!

I’ve been where you are! Join me on my podcast as I interview people who have adopted, been adopted, or work in the child welfare system. Each season brings unique perspectives and practical advice.

Meet the Children Waiting for a Family

Thousands of children in foster care are waiting for the stability and love of a permanent home. Each child has a unique story, dreams, and the hope of finding a family to call their own. Explore the waiting children list to learn more about the kids in need of adoption—you might be the family they’ve been waiting for.

Map of the United States showing the number of children waiting for adoption by state, color-coded from light blue to dark blue representing ranges from 500 to 4000.
A digital tablet displaying a document titled 'Overcome the 5 Common Fears About Foster Care Adoption.' It addresses fears such as emotional connection, expenses, things going wrong, addressing past issues, and being too old. The document emphasizes that adoption is not financially taxing and there's no age limit for adopting children through foster care. A website URL, ForgottenAdoptionOption.com, is at the bottom.

OVERCOMe THE 5 most COMMON FEARS
ABOUT FOSTER CARE ADOPTION

Comparison table of adoption types showing costs and length of process. Domestic infant adoption costs $34,000+ and takes 2-7 years. International adoption costs $30,000+ and takes 1-5 years. Foster care adoption costs $0-$5,000 and takes 6-18 months. Sources include American Adoptions and various organizations.

Adoption Costs & Timelines: What to Expect

Adoption is a big decision, and understanding your options is key. The chart below compares the cost and timeline for different types of adoption, helping you make an informed choice.

Why Consider Foster Care Adoption?

  • Lower Cost: Often free or low-cost compared to other adoption options.

  • Faster Timeline: Typically finalized within 6-18 months.

  • Thousands of Waiting Children: Many children in foster care are ready for a loving home.

Explore your options and see how foster care adoption could be the right path for you.