Many people confuse adoption with foster care. However, the two are very different. Adoption is a permanent relationship, whereas foster care is often temporary.
To understand the difference between the two, it’s essential to take a closer look at the adoption process vs. how children enter foster care. There are pros and cons to both.
What Is Adoption?
Adoption is the legal and permanent placement of a child with adoptive parents. The biological parents lawfully give all parental rights and responsibilities of raising a child to the adoptive parents. It’s not co-parenting.
By choosing to place a child for adoption, a birth mother may be choosing a plan that provides long-term stability for their child, even if parenting does not feel possible right now. Whether it’s an unstable home life, a lack of finances or emotional support, or the need to take care of other children, adoption can be the best option for some families.
What Is Foster Care?
Foster care happens when a child is temporarily removed from their home by Child Protective Services (CPS) due to safety reasons. If relatives or others close to the family can’t provide a stable living environment, the court gives CPS temporary legal custody of the children and places them in foster care.
The court makes the final decision on where to place the child. They remain in foster care until circumstances change and they can safely return home, or until they are adopted. The courts do not take the birth parents’ parental rights away.
The Vetting Process for Adoption
Adoptive families are subject to background checks and home studies to ensure that they will provide a safe environment for their adoptive child.
Birth mothers have all the power when choosing the adoptive family, and will pick one they know will be excellent providers and caretakers. Many stay in contact with the adoptive family and their child through an open adoption plan.
The likelihood of a private infant adoption through a reputable adoption agency leading to foster care is rare due to rigorous screenings. The adoptive parents are usually 100% ready and committed to care for their adoptive child after waiting for months or years.
While nothing is guaranteed, it’s important that you are comfortable with whatever pregnancy option you choose. Some women decide that parenting is the best path for them when they are not comfortable with the idea of giving up control.
Are You Facing an Unplanned Pregnancy?
If you have discovered an unplanned pregnancy or you’re wondering if you are pregnant, contact Ohana Health for free and confidential services. We can verify your pregnancy with no-cost pregnancy testing and a limited obstetrical ultrasound.
Although we are not a licensed child-placing agency, we can give referrals for reputable adoption specialists in our area. They can thoroughly explain the process to you to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Schedule a no-cost appointment today. We’re here for you.
Ohana Health does not perform or refer for abortion.
