Understanding Older Child Adoptions

Today, potential adoptive parents face many decisions about which type of adoption is the best fit for their new family. Among many other choices, adoptive parents must consider the age of the child they might adopt.

The definition of “older child” varies within the adoption community, but it generally involves adopting a child at the toddler stage or beyond. Older child adoption can involve a unique set of rewards and challenges, and therefore involves special preparation. 

Adopting an older child is quite a different experience than adopting an infant. Older children have developed a sense of individuality with their own hobbies and interests and history. This provides a great opportunity for new families to bond and learn even more about one another. Because older children do not require the same kind of attention as newborns, the initial bonding period is quite different. Whereas infants have no ability to help themselves, depending on the age of an older adopted child, they may be able to play, do chores, and keep up with school work on their own.

In addition to gaining a new, beloved family member, there are many benefits to adopting an older child. The average waiting period for older child adoptions is between twelve and eighteen months, after the completion of a 30-hour educational course and a home study. Older child adoption often involves little or no cost to the adoptive family. Many older children are also eligible for subsidies, special post-adoption services (including counseling for the family), and Medicaid assistance.

You can learn more about the over 3,000 Texas children awaiting adoption by visiting the Texas Adoption Resource Exchange, a division of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Adopting a child is an important decision that requires much careful consideration. Are you contemplating adoption or are you already planning to adopt a child? Do you have any idea about how or where to start? Methodist Mission Home has made the adoption process simpler for parents who are considering adoption. Methodist Mission Home offers adoption services for birth mothers, birth fathers, adoptive families for children, and adoptees. They also provide other helpful services like supportive services, post adoption services, and much more. Methodist Mission Home is a national leader in open adoptions.  Visit MMHome.org today to learn more about adopting a child.