Whether you are not yet a parent or are already a foster parent, you might consider adopting a foster child. “These young children and teens want a permanent, loving home, something most children take for granted,” says Emily Shields, a program consultant for Methodist Family Health.

Children enter foster care because they have been abandoned, abused or neglected. “All foster children have experienced trauma and may find it difficult to move forward with an uncertain future without a forever family,” Shields explains. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, chil­dren who have expe­ri­enced trau­ma have a greater potential for long-term emo­tion­al, behav­ioral and phys­i­cal health prob­lems.

The average age of children in foster care is 8 years and many are older teens. “A number of foster children are at risk for aging out of foster care completely, never having known a relationship with a stable, committed family,” says Shields. “Sadly, these young adults are then at a higher risk of going to prison, being unemployed or becoming homeless.”

Adopting a child from foster care allows them the opportunity to flourish. As an adoptive parent, you can give them the love and guidance they need to become successful adults.