There are so many couples considering adoption as a way to create or expand their family. While many of these couples might prefer newborn adoptions, others may be willing and eager to adopt infants, toddlers, and older children.
A recent survey showed that nearly half, or 45%, of adopted children initially lived with their birth families. In many cases, relatives will adopt another family member’s child, and this was the case in 41% of recent adoptions. When family is unwilling or unable to adopt another family member’s child, there are other options available.
In the United States, there are three different types of adoption:
- Private domestic: 38%
- Foster care: 37%
- International: 25%
While most adoptions that occur within this country are handled by private adoption agencies, adopting children from the foster care system is also quite prevalent. The choice to adopt children from other countries is often based on wanting to provide a home for an orphan living in poverty or from a war-torn area.
Married families tend to adopt more often than unmarried couples or single women and men. A recent survey showed the following results:
- Married families: 70.2%
- Unmarried couples: 1.6%
- Single women: 22.7%
- Single men: 5.5%
There are a variety of reasons why people choose to adopt one or more children. A recent survey shows that foster families, for example, wanted to provide a child with a permanent home. Others adopted to expand their families or provide a brother or sister for their child. Still others chose to adopt because they were unable to have a child due to fertility issues.
If you are pregnant and unable to care for your baby, you may be interested in learning more about adoption. While adopting may be a painful decision for you to make, there are resources available to guide and support you through this process.
When you think about your current situation, and whether or not you will be able to provide the best possible home for your child at this time, you could contact an adoption agency to ask a few questions. Just discussing this with a supportive adoption agency may assist you with making this important decision on behalf of your child.
