The Significance of Charity to The Adoption Process of Children

At this moment, there are more than 104,000 children wishing they had someone to tuck them into bed at night, wishing they had a family to sit down and have meals with, someone to make them tea when they are sick, and someone to love them that they can trust (The Adoption Exchange). These children are all children in the U.S. alone that are in the foster care system in need of permanent homes. The adoption exchange not only helps these children find homes, but also helps the families with the financial burden of taking in a child with different needs. You need to invest in the future generations of America by either adopting one of these children or by donating to The Adoption Exchange to help these kids get the help that they need.

In the United States alone there are more than 104,000 children that have been placed in the care of the state (The Adoption Exchange). These children have been placed here for reasons such as emotional, physical, mental, or sexual abuse, death of a parent or loved one, parent(s) are incarcerated, neglect, abandonment, and occasionally truancy (About Parenting). Most of these children have been taken from their parents because of various forms of abuse. These children often have never been treated correctly, or have experienced things that make it hard from them. Many of these kids require love, care, and therapy or other medical needs that need attention.

One way to help with this growing issue in the United States is by choosing to adopt. Adoption is in fact a better option than infertility treatment methods. In fact, “Infertility is a common reason why couples turn to adoption” (Adoption and Beyond). One of the reasons it is a better option is because adopting a child is usually less expensive than many infertility treatments. One form of treatment is In Vitro, and the average cost of this procedure in the United States is $12,400 (ASRM). Many times not much of this is covered by insurance, and often has to be performed more than once to be successful, with no guarantee it will be successful. However, a public adoption through foster care is usually around $2,253 (Creating A Family). Not only is it a way to raise children if it is not medically possible, but it helps raise the child’s odds at having a good future. “Young children who have been in foster care are less likely to attend college than their peers” (An Analysis of Foster Care Placement History and Post-Secondary Graduation Rates). It has been proven that even just being in the foster care system lowers the odds of a child receiving post-secondary education. Because the typical length of stay in foster care is 3 years, and generally in more than one house, it creates instability in these children (Colorado Cares). These children often have to change homes in the middle of the school year, and try to pick up academically as well as create new friends all over again. Generally these children suffer greatly in school, even though when tested they score the same as their peers. Not only are they at a disadvantage to go to college because their grades are typically not the best, but they have a financial disadvantage. Because creating a savings account requires a cosigner over 18, these kids can’t create an account to begin saving. Even if they could, it is harder for them to acquire and maintain a job because of the moving. Also, these children usually of come from parents who did not value an education, and have had no positive encouragement to receive an education themselves. In fact, “In 2012, 23,396 youth aged out of the U.S. foster care system without the emotional and financial support necessary to succeed. Nearly 40% had been homeless or couch surfed, nearly 60% of young men had been convicted of a crime, and only 48% were employed. 75% of women and 33% of men receive government benefits to meet basic needs. 50% of all youth who aged out were involved in substance use and 17% of the females were pregnant” (CCAI). This year, 2014, there are 500 youth in Colorado alone that have or are in danger of emancipating out of the system before they are adopted (Colorado Gives). It is estimated to cost $300,000 over the lifetime of every child that emancipates out of the system, which comes out of taxpayers’ pockets (Colorado Gives). This accounts for incarceration, lost wages, public assistance, and other costs. Many of these kids will then contribute to these statistics above of what will happen to them. Many of them have never been taught any better, and therefore will end up similarly to their parents and possibly contribute to the number of kids in the foster care system. They will repeat this cycle that they know. By adopting one of these children you can help them establish and chase after goals they might not have ever dreamed possible.

While adopting is a great thing, it is not the only way to contribute. Donating to the Colorado based charity, The Adoption Agency, also helps these kids. According to charity navigator, “11.5 cents per dollar donated is used to fund raise” (charity navigator) this is less than the 35 cents toxic charities delegates as reasonable to raise funds (Toxic charities). After that, 80% of donated funds goes directly to families to provide support (Charity Navigator). The Adoption Exchange uses the money fund raised to help families before, during, and after the adoption process. Their mission is to, “provide expertise and support before, during, and after the adoption process” (The Adoption Exchange). They provide help and support in the process of becoming a foster parent, and getting through the process smoothly. After successful adoption, they provide help through the forms of therapists, support groups, and mini-grants to assist with the cost of medical needs of the children (Charity Navigator).

Donating to the adoption exchange will help reduce the number of children who could possibly emancipate out of the system. Donating now to help these kids helps to ensure this generation will receive an education and give them a new start. It wasn’t these kids fault that they were put in this situation, but you donating now could help prevent more kids from landing in this same situation. Please help these kids who can’t help themselves, and donate to The Adoption Exchange.