Background Statement
Raise the Future, formerly known as The Adoption Exchange, was founded in Colorado in 1983 by concerned social workers and child advocates to provide safety and permanence in the lives of foster children. In its history, Raise the Future has become a leader in best-practice for children in foster care, with seven member states, three state offices, and programs that impact national trends in child welfare. Today, more than 9,000 children have the love and stability of permanent families thanks to the work of Raise the Future.
The value of adoption from foster care is enormous both in terms of a child's general well-being, and in the benefit to society. In the United States, children in the foster care system waiting to be adopted spend an average of nearly three years in care (AFCARS 2012). These children have some of the greatest challenges, and have been classified by the child welfare system as "hardest to place." Often, these children are survivors of abuse and neglect, have disabilities or special needs, or have complex behavioral and emotional needs resulting from past trauma. Demographically, the children tend to be older (primarily age 12 or above), belong to a minority group, and/or be part of a sibling group.
These very children are in danger of being released from the foster care system when they turn 18. They leave without a caring, committed, adult support system to help them prepare for life as productive, independent adults. When they reach the age of 18, they face imminent emancipation from the system without the support and love of a family. Children who age out of care face a difficult and often dangerous life. Many of them encounter homelessness, poverty, substance abuse, interrupted education, unintended pregnancies, and crime. Without help, they will be left alone, struggling to survive physically, emotionally, academically, and financially.
Compared to children who are fostered long-term, those who are adopted achieve more academically, are healthier physically and psychologically, have fewer social and behavioral issues, and are more likely to become productive members of society.