Fact or Fiction?

So we're setting the record straight, here at Seoul Searching Mama! I mentioned adoption myths and stereotypes in a previous post and here is some fabulous information from the Heart to Heart Adoptions Blog to answer some of those questions about adoption that you may have, but never wanted to ask!

8 ADOPTION MYTHS ... and the facts too!

1. There are very few babies being placed for adoption. 20,000 babies or more are placed each year - as many or more as international adoptions yearly.
2. Birthparents are all troubled teens. Most birthparents today are over age 18 but lack resources to care for a child. It is generally with courage and love for their child that they terminate their parental rights.
3. Adoption is outrageously expensive and out of reach for most families. Adoption is often no more expensive than giving birth. Costs to adopt are lowered even more through the Adoption Tax Credit as well as benefits many companies offer their employees.
4. It takes years to complete an adoption. The average time span for an adoption is about two years - and usually less than that when adopting transracially - most less than a year.
5. Birthparents can show up at any time to reclaim their child. Once an adoption is finalized, the adoptive family is legally recognized as the child's family. Despite the publicity surrounding a few high profile cases, post adoption recovations are extremely rare.
6. Adopted children are more likely to be troubled than biological children. Research shows than adoptees are as well adjusted as their non adopted peers. There is virtually no difference in psychological functioning between them.
7. Open adoption causes problems for children. Adoptees are not confused by appropriate contact with their birthparents; in fact, they benefit from the increased understanding that their birthparents gave them life, but their 'forever families' nurture and take care of them.

And finally....

8. Parents can't love an adopted child as much as they would a biological child. Love and attachment are not a result of - nor guaranteed by - biology. The intensity of bonding and depth of emotion are the same, regardless of how the child joined the family.