Adoption Works!

by Mary Boo, NACAC assistant director

Lamarr’s story (below) shows that adoption works and that children and youth—even teenagers—can find a permanent, loving family. Unfortunately not all young people find a family as Lamarr did. More than 3,000 children and youth in New York City are waiting for a family right now. Each year more than 700 youth age out of the city’s foster care system without legal family connections—more than 20,000 age out in each year in the U.S. Many of these young people have limited education and poor employment prospects. Too many leave care and end up homeless, incarcerated, and physically or mentally ill. A large number wish they had been adopted or lived permanently with a family under guardianship. Finding permanent families for all children must become a national priority.