A lot of what people think they know about adoption - especially adoption through the foster care system - comes from long-standing myths. We want families to have clear, encouraging and accurate information, so below we’re breaking down some of the most common misconceptions. Our hope is to help you understand whether adoption through the foster care system might be the right path for your family.
Myth: It costs a lot of money to adopt.
Fact: Not anymore. In the past, families paid an $800 home study fee that was refunded after their adoption was finalized. Today, that fee is gone. There are no charges associated with adoption through the foster system, making the process accessible to more families.
Myth: There are no, or very few, children available for adoption.
Fact: There are many children waiting for their forever families. The greatest need is for families open to sibling groups and children over the age of six. At Child Crisis Arizona, we believe every child has a match and every family has the potential to open their hearts to a child.
Myth: It takes years to adopt a child.
Fact: Most families complete the certification process within four to six months. The timeline depends in part on how quickly you complete the required steps. After certification, your wait varies based on your preferences, such as age range, openness to sibling groups and the needs you feel prepared to meet. Our team walks with you through each decision to help you find the best fit for your family.
Myth: You have to provide foster care to adopt from the foster system.
Fact: Not everyone feels equipped to support reunification, and that’s okay. That’s why Child Crisis Arizona offers an adoption-only program designed for families who want to adopt without the uncertainty of foster-to-adopt.
Myth: You’re on your own if challenges arise.
Fact: At Child Crisis Arizona, support is built into the process and everyone is connected to a support specialist. During the adoption journey, our staff provides weekly home visits in the first month and monthly visits until finalization, which usually takes about six months. Support Specialists are also available for calls, texts, and connected at anytime during the process to answer questions or provide resources. After your adoption is finalized, our team remains a resource for guidance, connection and support.
Myth: Your adoptive child can be taken from you after the adoption is finalized.
Fact: Once finalized, your child is legally and permanently yours, just like a biological child.
Myth: The best way to grow your adoptive family is one child at a time.
Fact: Many families thrive when adopting sibling groups. Siblings often bring each other comfort and familiarity, which helps them feel secure and settle more easily into their new home. Keeping siblings together also gives them the tremendous lifelong gift of growing up side by side.
Myth: Many adoptions fail.
Fact: Disruptions are traumatic for everyone involved, and thankfully they are far less common than people assume. Nationally, disruption rates range between 10% and 15%. Child Crisis Arizona’s disruption rate is just 4.26%. Our priority is making sure families receive the support they need to build strong, stable and lasting connections.
If you have more questions or are curious about next steps, we’d love to talk with you. Attend one of our upcoming foster care and adoption meet-and-greets or call us at 480.834.9424. We’re here to help you explore whether adoption might be part of your family’s story.
