Understanding the Differences between Foster Care and Adoption in New York as a Pregnant Woman
As a pregnant woman considering your options, you may have wondered about the differences between foster care and adoption. Conversations around adoption and foster care can be quite stigmatized, so it’s important to approach topics like these with an open mind.
At Adoption Choices of New York, we are here to discuss topics like this with you to help you understand your adoption options. We have trained adoption specialists available to discuss any questions you may have and to help you decide whether adoption is right for you.
Differences between Foster Care and Adoption in New York
The main difference between adoption and foster care is the level of permanency. When an adoption is finalized, full parental custody is given to an adoptive family. However, when a child is in the foster care system, a foster family will not have parental rights. This can create a sense of uncertainty in a child’s life because they will not have a permanent living situation.
Because of this difference, there are several things that will be impacted by whether a child will be placed for adoption or if they enter the foster system.
- Adoption Grants a Child a Forever Home
If you choose to place your child with an adoptive family, they will be able to grow up in an environment with a stable family dynamic. While many foster families are loving and caring, in the end they don’t have control over whether your child will stay with them or not.
So, if you want to ensure that your child will be placed in a permanent home, adoption could be the right choice for you.
- You will have More Control during the Adoption Process
Another difference between adoption and foster care is how much input you will be able to provide as a birth mother. If your child is placed in the foster care system, you won’t have the final say in which home they will go to. Because foster homes are often a temporary living situation, this may mean your child could move between several different homes throughout their life.
If you decide to place your child with an adoptive family, you will have complete control over where they are placed. If you pursue an open adoption, you will be able to communicate with your adoptive family and even discuss possible visitation in the future if that is something you are interested in.
If you want control over which family your child will be placed with, adoption could be a good choice for you.
Adoption is a Great Option in NYS
While foster care and adoption are both necessary and beneficial for a community — adoption is a great option. Adoption allows a child to find a forever family and creates a sense of permanency in their lives. There are several loving families who are looking to add an additional member to their household.
If you are pregnant and considering your options, we believe that adoption is a great way to ensure your child ends up with a great adoptive family that has your approval.
We hope we helped you understand some of the differences between foster care and adoption in New York. If you have any questions about the adoption process or how to begin your adoption journey, feel free to reach out to us or read our birth mother blog.
Adoption Choices of New York is available to assist with your adoption plan. Call us, text us, email us; we are here for you!
Contact Us 24/7: 800-505-8592 (Phone) | 518-478-8420 | Click to Email
About the Author: Alexandra Georgiton is a fourth-year student at the University of Cincinnati studying Rhetoric and Professional Writing, and is receiving certification in Copyediting and Publishing. She has been passionate about the English language for her entire life, and reading and writing have always been her favorite hobbies. She enjoys professional writing and editing because she loves to use her talent and love of writing to make a difference in the world.
