There are approximately 6,000 children awaiting adoption in Texas. Sadly, there are too few foster homes currently to provide some children with any sort of stability whatsoever.
Most children are moved on average 2.8 times before any formal adoption takes place. For older children lost in the family law court system, this number can be as many as 8 moves prior to any adoption taking place.
Adoption is more than a rewarding experience for parents seeking a child. Many children come from horrible surroundings and are dealing with abandonment issues. To find a permanent home for such children could be considered almost a life saving experience.
It should never be assumed that the awards of adoption come along with little effort. Parents will need to deal with a great many issues in raising these children as these children may be dealing with emotional baggage that comes along with a harsh upbringing.
Attorneys working in the family law area understand the obstacles parents will face in adopting a child – both before and after the adoption is finalized. Considering what is best for the child will always be a primary concern of any practitioner that handles adoption cases on a regular basis, and attorneys will continue to look at the totality of the circumstances in making such a determination – rather than looking at one isolated factor.
Family law attorneys also understand the resources available for adoptive parents. It is because of the importance of foster care and adoption that so many different organizations have popped up around the Houston area. The goal of these organizations is to bring together potential foster care parents, parents that are willing to go through the actual process of adoption, social workers and other officials.
Source: Cleburne Times-Review, “Foster parents needed,” by Matt Smith, Oct. 5, 2012
