By Dan Miller, Today’s Family

For some families, the word adoption brings to mind a newborn, a private agency and a long, expensive process. But another path to adoption exists right here in Cuyahoga County — one that can provide a permanent family for a child already in foster care.

November is National Adoption Month, an annual effort to raise awareness about children and teens waiting for permanent homes. For families who may be open to adopting an older child, a sibling group or a youngster with additional needs, adoption through the foster-care system can offer a very different way to grow a family.

“Children waiting for adoption don’t need perfect families,” says Beverly Torres, deputy director of the Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services. “They need adults who are committed to providing a loving, safe, stable home where they know they belong and their parents won’t give up on them.”

Why are children in foster care?
Children may enter county custody because of abuse, neglect, parental substance use or mental-health concerns, unsafe living conditions or other circumstances that make it impossible for them to remain safely at home.

The first goal is generally to reunify children with their parents or caregivers whenever that can be done safely. When reunification is no longer possible and parental rights are terminated by the court, the county works to find a permanent home through adoption, legal custody or another permanency arrangement.

“Every child who comes into foster care has experienced some form of loss,” Torres says. “An adoptive family can’t erase that history, but it can give a child the security of knowing someone is going to be there for the long term.”

What is the difference between fostering and adopting?
Foster parents are licensed caregivers who provide temporary homes while children-services professionals work toward reunification or another permanent plan.

If a child becomes available for adoption, the county looks for a family able to meet that child’s long-term needs. Often, the foster family already caring for the child becomes the adoptive family, although children may also be matched with other approved families.

Who can adopt?
Prospective adoptive parents in Ohio must be at least 18 years old and able to provide a safe, stable home and meet a child’s basic needs.

Adoptive parents may be single or married, and home ownership is not required. Income, education level, race and religion do not automatically determine eligibility.

“Some people may confuse the expense of private adoption with the cost of county adoption,” Torres says. “You don’t have to be wealthy, married or own a large home. As long as you can take care of their basic needs, what really matters is whether you can provide a safe, stable and nurturing family.”

How great is the need?
Cuyahoga County has permanent custody of approximately 800 children. The county currently has a permanency plan in place for roughly 500 of them, while the remaining children are still in search of permanent families.

Children of all ages need adoptive families, but older children, teenagers and sibling groups can face longer waits. Some youngsters also have medical, emotional, developmental or behavioral needs related to the experiences that brought them into foster care.

“Older children and sibling groups are often among those who wait the longest,” Torres says. “These are young people who need families willing to see beyond their age or circumstances and get to know who they really are.”

What does it cost?
Adopting through the county generally costs far less than a private adoption. Families may have expenses associated with items such as a required fire inspection or home improvements needed to meet state standards, but many of the major costs involved in becoming licensed and completing the adoption process are covered or reimbursable.

Financial assistance and other support may also be available for eligible children after adoption.

What is the process?
Prospective parents begin with preservice training to learn about foster care, adoption, trauma and the needs of children who have experienced separation and loss.

Applicants then complete a home study and required inspections and background checks. Once approved, county staff work to identify a child or sibling group who may be a good match.

Before placement, families receive available information about the child’s social, medical and educational history and spend time getting to know the child through preplacement visits. Following placement and a required adjustment period, the adoption can be finalized through probate court.

Support does not necessarily end at adoption. Families may have access to support groups, community resources and other services as their child adjusts to a permanent home.

Ready to learn more?
Cuyahoga County residents interested in foster care or adoption can call 216-881-5775 or visit the county’s foster care and adoption website.

For some children, the most important thing an adult can offer is not a perfect childhood or a perfect family.

It is the promise that this home is permanent.