When most people think about adoption, they think about babies and young children.
The truth is that a lot of older children and youth in BC are also waiting for a permanent family. Most older children and youth who have been adopted thrive in their new families.
Teen adoption at a glance
Around half of the children and youth in BC who are waiting to be adopted are over the age of 12. That means there’s a huge need for families who want to adopt teens!
To adopt a teen or pre-teen in BC, you must apply through the Ministry of Children and Family Development. The process is the same as adopting any other child from government care. Learn about the process.
What’s it like to adopt a teen?
There’s no question that adopting a teen or pre-teen is different from adopting a baby or a younger child. That doesn’t mean it’s better or worse. It’s just different! Teen adoption can be a wonderful experience.
10 things you may not know about adopting a teen (West Coast Families magazine article written by the Belonging Network staff)
MCFD’s page on teen adoption is a great overview of what it might be like to add one of BC’s wonderful waiting teens to your family.
Karen and Mike knew they wanted to adopt an older child from foster care. They welcomed their pre-teen daughter Tanisha home through the Belonging Network. Watch their video to find out what it was like for them to adopt a pre-teen.
Learn more
Education and support are crucial to learning more about the joys and challenges of adopting and parenting teens.
The Belonging Network offers an online Adopting Teens & Tweens workshop. It’s a great way to start your journey.
Further reading
Adoptee finds a nest of her own
Teen finds being loved isn’t always easy
Most teens do want to be adopted
Really good reasons to adopt a teen
Unconditional commitment: The only love that matters to teens
