We are nearing the end of the adoption process for kiddo number six (for privacy purposes-I can’t share his name just yet). 

Today we went and had the psychological assessment completed which is one of the finals steps before the adoption can be completed. It is kind of a bittersweet moment. 

We are excited that the process will be completed, and he will officially be a part of our family, but it also marks the end of our participation in the foster system. 

Our license only allows for six children to be in the home. While you might consider taking care of six kids to be challenged, which it is, I am saddened because there are so many children still in the system that need good homes. 

I hear comments all the time that adoption needs to be more cost effective for people. Want to know how much the actual adoption cost me? Nothing. There are a few minor expenses like CPR certification, fire inspection, and gas inspections that are required, but at the end of the day, the monetary investment is minimal.

Through a child’s lifetime, the cost of all their activities and hobbies can add up. The State has a program set up where the child can receive a set amount of funds until their 18th birthday.

I know the prospect of funding six college educations was overwhelming to me. The good news is that my adopted children’s tuition is paid for at a State school up through a doctorate degree.

These are very valid concerns that one must weigh when considering adoption, but at the end of the day, it shouldn’t be about the figures. It should be about providing a loving and stable home for a child that has been through so much.

People always tell me how they couldn’t do this because they might get attached to the child and what if for some reason they went home? Does it hurt when a child goes home? Yes. If it doesn’t then you haven’t done your job. 

I choose to believe that when a child goes home, it means another one needs to be in your care more.  Think of the positive impact you could have on a child’s life. That should be reason enough to step up.