HOUSTON—The number of foster children available for adoption is up this year compared to last year, and experts think the economy is partly to blame.
“…because parents are experiencing financial stressors and they tend not to make good decisions about parenting which could lead to abuse and neglect,” said DeJuana Jernigan, Director of Child Welfare Services at DePelchin Children’s Center.
Last year, 1,200 foster children in the Greater Houston area were available for adoption. This year there are 1,700 children looking for a family to adopt them.
Experts say the economy could also be affecting how many people are willing to adopt leaving more children without a permanent home. Families who are struggling financially because of the economy may think that adoption is just too expensive but, experts say that is a myth. The only expenses parents would have if they adopted a child in foster care, are the attorney fees.
“People often think that in order to adopt they have to be rich, you have to own your own house, you have to have two parents, but that’s not the case,” said Jernigan. “We look at each individual and we assess them based on what their strengths and their abilities are and what gifts they can bring to a child and what the child’s needs are.”
Jernigan said kids in sibling groups, teenagers, ethnic minority children over the age of two, and kids with physical and mental health disabilities tend to wait longer for adoption. These children are considered the most vulnerable. Medicaid and financial assistance are available to families who adopt children from these groups along with post adoption services like parent training, support groups, and therapeutic services for the children.
The Espey family of Katy, adopted all three of their children.
“I was always drawn to collecting articles on families who adopted, and it wasn’t until years later that I found out I couldn’t have kids that’s when Derrick and I decided to make that transition,” said Robin Espey.
The Espey’s now have three children, all 8-years-old.
Their son Devin was adopted at just five months. As he grew older, he kept asking his parents for siblings.
“I prayed for a long time,” said Devin Espey.
Devin’s prayers were answered last year, when his parents adopted twin girls, Isabella and Sophia, who were in the foster care system.
“My brother is my very best, best friend,” said Isabella Espey. “The best part about being adopted is that you’ve got a family that loves you.”
Their adoptive father Derrick Espey has just marveled at his family.
“The amazing part is just having them in the house and watching them grow,” said Espey.
The Espey family hopes to add to their family some day.
“Five is a nice number,” said Robin Espey. “I can’t say that we’re through.”
They will turn to the adoption experience again when they want to expand what they call, their forever family.
