Adopt-Foster vs Foster to Adopt

The common term that adoptive families will hear when adopting from the foster system is “foster to adopt.” The reason for this term has both a quasi legal reference, and an outdated way of looking at adoptive families.

 

Often pre-adoptive families are placed with children that are not yet legally free and available for adoption; you may also hear this referred to as “concurrent planning.” This means that while the child may be moving towards adoption, there is still a possibility of reunification with the birth family. Where the quasi legal reference comes into play is the placement of words. Putting “foster” first refers to the family as a foster family, not as an adoptive family. In court the birth family may raise concerns that the “foster – adopt” family isn't supporting reunification because their goal is adoption. So, you are simply referred to as the foster family.

 

However, outside the court room you should always refer to your self as an adopt-foster family regardless of how your agency refers to you. You want to always make it clear to everyone that your goal is adoption, not temporary care. The easiest, and best way to remind them is simply stating your goal up front, that being Adopt-Foster (adoption of a child(ren) that is currently in the foster care system and moving towards adoption).

 

Social Service foster system persist on the outdated thinking that adoptive families think, look and act the same as foster families. They do not. Adoptive families cannot be and should not be treated as a temporary placement for a foster child, that is a traditional foster parent. This is how we lose current and potential adoptive families, as well as current and future foster families.