Debbie Campbell

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Wall Comment: #438

Debbie Campbell February 18, 2017 10:33 pm

The primary reason for an adult adoption is that the adult in question is unable to live independently because of physical, cognitive, or emotional special needs. Often, parents of an adult with a condition such as Down's syndrome will care for him/her as long as they can do so, but when they become too old or ill or disabled to provide care, they make an adoption plan for their adult child, so that he/she will not need to go into institutional care, but can continue to live in a loving and supportive family.

Once in a while, adult adoption occurs in stepparent situations. As an example, suppose that a widow with three children, one of whom is in her 20s, remarries. The new husband adopts the minor children, so that he will have the same parental rights as his wife. He does not need to adopt the adult child, who is on her own, earning a living, and so on, but he is concerned that she will feel left out and not a part of the family if he does not. The court will usually approve such adoptions.

Adoption is NOT generally used in the case of young adults, quite capable of living on their own, who are simply lonely or who want financial support. Most often, these young people find adult role models, mentors, and friends through organizations, such as houses of worship, social service providers, schools, and so on. Young adults are advised to be careful when responding to people who offer to take them in, as these people have not gone through the homestudy process required in adoption, and may have ulterior motives. Unfortunately, there are people who tell vulnerable teens and young adults that they are "the only people who will love them", but who turn out to be involved in the sex trade, and simply want to enslave or prostitute them.

Advertising the desire to be adopted in a public forum, such as on an Internet site, can lead to some very unsavory people contacting you, so be careful. Teens and young adults who post such requests often seem vulnerable and excellent targets for such individuals.

Sharon

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