How to Prepare for Adopting an Older Child
"Adoption is forever." That's an often repeated phrase that seems simple. Yet, many children that are in the adoption process don’t quite understand; especially the older children that may have been hoping for a forever family for some time. Preparation is the key to a successful transition for the child and the new family, whether the child is being adopted domestically or internationally. I read an excellent article recently which discusses this in detail: "Preparing Older Children for Adoption", by Rhonda Jarema, MA, in the National Council for Adoption Newsletter, Adoption Advocate , No. 54, 2012. From the child's perspective, they have lived in the orphanage or in foster care for their entire life. They are being asked to leave everything familiar behind. The process of bonding during the initial visit with the new family is somewhat artificial and leaves the child with unnecessary anxiety. Thoughts like, "Wha...