When one thinks of adopting the first image is of an infant or perhaps a young child. However, once an orphan becomes a teenager they are often forgotten and neglected. Hope is low and the chances of being adopted are slim. In summary, if one is not an infant or even a young child the adoption process can be one without hope.
Teenage orphans face many psychological issues that are especially prominent the longer the child has been in the adoption system. Moving from foster family to foster family leaves them with an increased sense of abandonment already ignited by their birth parents no matter the circumstances. With this feeling of not having the support every child requires from a parent hope is lost. These teenagers tend to not do as well in school and may deal with many other social issues that do not allow them to reach their potential otherwise.
Perhaps the scariest aspect of being a teenage orphan is their 18th birthday. The day an orphan turns 18 is when the government no longer is responsible for providing care. Though there are many organizations that try to prep the teenagers or provide other resources, the system functions in a way that abandons them in the real world without the parental support they truly need. This results in many teenage orphans becoming homeless or involved in a life on the streets.
Though the future for many teenage orphans appears bleak, if the community comes together to provide love and support then there is hope. Awareness of the strife of a teenage orphan has inspired many to become activist who give this neglected group a voice that is making sure it is being heard.
Teenage orphans face many psychological issues that are especially prominent the longer the child has been in the adoption system. Moving from foster family to foster family leaves them with an increased sense of abandonment already ignited by their birth parents no matter the circumstances. With this feeling of not having the support every child requires from a parent hope is lost. These teenagers tend to not do as well in school and may deal with many other social issues that do not allow them to reach their potential otherwise.
Perhaps the scariest aspect of being a teenage orphan is their 18th birthday. The day an orphan turns 18 is when the government no longer is responsible for providing care. Though there are many organizations that try to prep the teenagers or provide other resources, the system functions in a way that abandons them in the real world without the parental support they truly need. This results in many teenage orphans becoming homeless or involved in a life on the streets.
Though the future for many teenage orphans appears bleak, if the community comes together to provide love and support then there is hope. Awareness of the strife of a teenage orphan has inspired many to become activist who give this neglected group a voice that is making sure it is being heard.