What is the adoption process for TN?

Question

I'm only a teenager. I was just wondering. I think that's what I want to do when I get older and want children. There's so many children w/ no homes or just temporary homes. Why add to the already enormous population? Why not spread the love to ppl who are alone? That's just my theory. But could I be single w/ a fairly good paying job and a small house or big apartment and adopt a older child? I have heard a few times that older children don't get adopted as much as younger ones. Is this true? If it is that's sad. I just wanted to know what the possibilities would be. Thx for any help you can give. Oh, and what about foster homes? Could I do that w/ all the info I told you at the beginning of this message? Sorry if this is too long. I have a very inquisitive mind. :)

Answer 1

I honestly worry about someone who, at 17 is even thinking about things like this...

I think you should be thinking about college, or finding a career that excites you.

Maybe join Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Answer 2

I decided to adopt children when I was about 12 years old, so I don't think it is odd for you to be thinking about the children who need families.

I grew up with at least 7 or more adopted cousins with several aunts and uncles on both sides of my family. Adoption was just a normal part of family building to me.

The greatest impact came with my Uncle Eddie who was raised in the 1930-1940's in an all boys orphanage--always wishing he would be adopted he never was... When he married my mother's sister they made their lives wonderful and had two biological children and adopted a little girl. Over the years my Aunt and Uncle provided foster care to more then 60 children...

The "Way" to adopt is a series of choices the adoptive parents make during their journey to adopt. The choices that the parents make along the way will be personal from is it important to have a newborn or infant or are you open minded to an older child? What about siblings?

If you are thinking of helping children in the Foster Care system, or adopting a child from the system there are some great websites with good information. AdoptUsKids. com and The Child Welfare Gateway and AdoptiveParentsNetwork. com...

You might also be interested in becoming a CASA (Court Appointed State Advocate) this is a volunteer position that members of the community agree to become a "Childs" advocate from the moment the child enters foster care...  The CASA is there to insure that the state laws are followed and that a child doesn't fall through the cracks....  

As for me, I had two children by birth and went on to adopt two more siblings from the foster care system... And I very much thought about the children at your age....

there are many ways that you can change a child's life.....

Single parents can adopt and adopting an older child is something more people need to do. Most states will want there to be an age gap between a child and parents ages when placing an older child...

As you go on in life you will find the right time to make the best decisions about adopting--but there are so many ways people can make a difference without adopting and that is where I hope more people like you will put energy.