There is something about a baby that brings a smile to the face of most anyone. Perhaps it is the newness and the soft skin that makes people feel protective towards them. But there are older children in the world who desperately need good homes too, where they can be nurtured and protected. They have been abandoned, orphaned or neglected and need some tender, loving care. Sadly, older child adoption is a real issue with agencies and state institutions because most people do not choose an older child when they are looking to adopt.

Newborn adoption has always been very popular. Agency adoptions are usually what would-be parents consider. They are more likely to find a newborn or infant with an agency versus state adoptions, such as the Department of Human Services. Unfortunately, most agencies do not handle many older children because it is difficult to find families for them. Why? Because a potential adoptive family is afraid of the problems associated with bringing an older child into their home.

Is this the correct attitude to take? Is older child adoption really that bad? No it is not. It is giving a child or teenager a chance at a better life. Yes, there will be issues that a baby will not present, but you also have to look at the advantages. There will be no waking in the middle of the night to change a diaper. There will be a different bonding experience because the parents have the opportunity to really communicate and learn about the child.

Being a foster parent before adopting does hold its advantages over the typical adoptions. The potential adoptive family has an opportunity to see how they will interact with the child. This process will also help the child cope with being in the foster care/adoption system. Older child adoption is a true benefit to both the parents and the child, as a unique bond will be created from rescuing each other from loneliness and abandonment.