According to the most recent U.S. data, there are approximately 124,000 kids awaiting
adoption in the U.S. Of those 124,000 kids needing adoption, only about one–quarter of them
are welcomed into a forever family each year. (AFCARS 11/2022).
Older Kids Awaiting Adoption
Every year, approx. 20,000 youth age out of the foster care system when they turn 18, 21, or
finish high school (depending on their state of residence). In the fiscal year 2022, neglect and
parental drug abuse were the most prevalent reasons for the child’s removal from the home.
Statistics show that the older a child becomes, the less likely they are to be adopted. Sixty–one
percent of all children adopted from foster care are six years of age or younger. When kids
that need to be adopted turn thirteen, the likelihood of adoption is 3%, and the percentages
decrease from there.
Who Can Adopt
Most of the public is unaware that you do not have to be married, wealthy, or even a
homeowner to adopt from the U.S. foster care system. The age at which adults are eligible to
adopt varies by state regulation. In Arizona, adoptive parents must be 21 years or older to be
eligible to adopt kids awaiting adoption. Adoptive parents must also be financially stable, have
a safe home environment, pass a state and federal background check, have good physical
health, be emotionally stable, and pass home inspection visits.
Find Out More About Kids That Need to be Adopted
If you’re interested in learning about kids that need to be adopted and adopting a foster child, we offer informative online seminars. You can find out about the most current schedule and RSVP on our Facebook page. You can also reach out directly to the program manager of the Forever Families program for information regarding the Arizona foster child adoption process. Her name is Ixcel Baca. You can call Ixcel or e–mail her;
she will happily answer your questions. Ixcel is available at
ixcelbaca@buildingarizonafamilies.com or (623) 696–9537. You can also download information
about providing a forever family for kids awaiting adoption HERE.
Thank you for considering opening your heart and home to a foster child who urgently needs
the love and healing that your safe and loving home provides. We look forward to serving you
on your adoption journey!
About Building Arizona Families
Building Arizona Families is an Arizona–licensed, IRS–registered non–profit adoption agency.
We have provided adoption services since 2004 with an A+ rating from the Better Business
Bureau. Please find out more about us here.