Day 178 - Foster Care Adoption

Usually because of neglect, kids end up in the foster care system.  There are close to half a million children in foster care in this country.  Of that number, around 115,00 of them are in foster care awaiting permanent homes, adoption.  To adopt a foster child you don't have to be married.  The median age child is 8.1  Foster kids average 3 different placements and 30 months in the system.  Before a foster child is adopted, potential parents must complete 4-12 weeks of parenting classes, depending upon their state law.  The vast majority of foster care adoptive parents receive an adoption subsidy, guaranteeing them financial assistance until the child becomes an adult, age 18-22.  Putting money in a jar at Wendy's opened my eyes to these facts.