Parenting a teen

About adopting a teen from foster care

Teens in foster care need loving families just as much as any child—and they can offer so much in return. The journey might look a little different, but the rewards are truly incredible.

Teens are learning, growing, developing, and working toward becoming adults themselves. The teenage years can be a time of great transition for a young person, and the stability of permanency—a family who will be there for them no matter what—is extremely important.

Throughout our teen years, and long after our 18th birthday, we all rely on family for stability and guidance with important life tasks—enrolling in higher education, finding stable housing, securing employment, and establishing healthy relationships.

We never outgrow the need for family.

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The impact of adopting a teen

Teens make up nearly 80 percent of all youth with profiles on our website and often spend much longer in foster care than younger children.

Children under 12 years old are more likely to be reunited with their biological families or placed with relatives, making adoption less of a focus. Teens and older youth have the greatest need for an adoptive family.

Research from the Annie E. Casey Foundation highlights that young people who age out of foster care without a permanent family face a higher risk of homelessness, unstable employment, health challenges, and involvement with the criminal justice system.

However, these risks are significantly reduced when a young person has a permanent, loving family to rely on.

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The rewards of adopting a teen

They’re amazing

Teens in foster care have shown incredible strength and resilience.

When you adopt a teen, you’re not just helping them find a family—you’re getting to know someone who has already overcome challenges and who is eager to grow.

You get to be a lifelong mentor

Adopting a teen means playing an essential role in their journey into adulthood.

You may not have been there for their first steps, but you can be there for key moments like learning to drive, high school graduation, or renting their first apartment.

You’ll have the chance to guide them as they make decisions, learn about their unique identity, set goals, and prepare for their future. Watching them discover more about who they are—and being part of that growth—is incredibly rewarding.

It’s all about the connection

Teens are at an age where they begin to self-advocate and truly connect with themselves and the world around them.

Teens have a voice and choice in the adoption process. Many parents say it is incredibly rewarding to know that your child chose you to be their parent.

Teens may take a little longer to show it, but once they feel secure, their capacity for love and gratitude is boundless. They’re eager to connect with the people who have supported them and made them feel seen and heard.

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What teens need from you

Stability and security

Teens have often experienced many challenges and changes in their lives, and they crave stability. A consistent, supportive environment can make a huge difference in helping them feel safe and secure. Your home can become the steady foundation they need to thrive.

Respect and independence

As teens grow, they want more independence. They need a family who respects their growing autonomy while still providing guidance and support. It’s about giving them the space to make decisions and learn from their mistakes, all while knowing you’re there for them.

Affirmation and belonging

Teens are forming their identities and need your affirmation. The teenage years are when kids are figuring out who they are. As a parent, you have the opportunity to affirm your teen's identity and promote healthy development and self-esteem.

Clear communication

Teens need open and honest communication. They may not always express it, but they really do want guidance and to be heard. Being there to listen, share, and support them is essential in helping them navigate their challenges.

Patience and flexibility

Adolescence can be a rollercoaster for any teen, and for those who have experienced the trauma of foster care, there may be additional challenges along the way. In these moments, offering patience, compassion, and flexibility is essential. Equally important is knowing how to access resources and support to address your teen’s unique needs, helping them navigate the ups and downs with the guidance they deserve.

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Browse youth profiles

Adopting a teen means more than just providing a home—it means making a lasting difference in their life and in your own. It’s about building a relationship that will stand the test of time and knowing that you’re giving a teen a chance at a brighter future.

If you’re ready to be there for a teen who needs you, there’s no better time to open your heart and change both of your lives for the better.

Not yet licensed to adopt? Check out our steps to move forward in your adoption journey.

Meet the youth