Every child deserves to grow up in a safe and loving home, and more than 100,000 children in foster care wait for a family of their own. 

The process of adoption can be extensive, emotional, and often challenging. However, it’s also a rewarding journey.

“There were so many emotions in the process of adoption. My husband and I had to go through a year-long process of classes. During that time, you have to make sure your house is ready, because you never know when you’re going to get a phone call,” said teacher Diane Tucker, who adopted 2 children through the foster to adopt program. 

There are three main ways to adopt a child within the United States: through foster care, a private attorney, or an agency.

Foster care is when parents welcome children into their homes for a period of time without becoming their official legal guardians. 

 According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, over 391,000 children are living in the U.S. foster care system and that number has since risen. Over 113,000 of these children are eligible for adoption and they will wait, on average, almost three years for an adoptive family.

“It takes patience, you have to wait about two years for what is called ‘gotcha day’ to legally adopt and sign papers. But, the universe has a plan so even if something weren’t to work out, there is always time,” said Tucker. “It was a pretty spectacular moment for us. Even though biologically they aren’t ours, I can’t even imagine [it any other way]. He’s [son] so me and she’s [daughter] so my husband.”

A private attorney is often referred to as “independent adoption.” This path is when a lawyer leads the way in the whole process. 

An agency adoption is when parents adopt through a private licensed agency, like an orphanage. Adoption agencies exist all over the world. Making them a great resource for international adoption.

 No matter how a child is adopted some difficulties are expected and international adoption is no exception to this occurrence. However, due to cultural differences, this process may prove to be challenging. 

“As a Chinese person adopted by a white family, I feel like I have a harder time connecting with my cultural roots. Because of that, I spend time learning more about Chinese culture and traditions,” said junior Macy McClellan.

Children adopted at a young age often struggle to understand their background and family history. Sophomore, Gwyneth Lyon, knew from a young age that she was adopted, but has had many curiosities about her biological family.

“Not knowing if you have a family out there is something that is on my mind a lot. Some people get to know where their parents are in life and if they have siblings. Knowing very littles always has my mind spinning,” said Lyon. 

Lyon doesn’t know much about her biological family since she was adopted from China when she was only a year old. Being the only true family she has ever known, her adopted parents have given her the love and support every child deserves. 

“I am super grateful to have the family I have and I wouldn’t change a thing. It doesn’t feel like I am adopted, they’re just my parents,” said Lyon.