As exemplified by The Dave Thomas Foundation, when adoptions are youth-centered, they can effectively help children, teens and sibling groups find permanent connections. Sadly, not every adoption utilizes a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids approach. We deeply appreciate the tireless dedication of The Dave Thomas Foundation and recommend their evidence-based practices. When adoptions aren’t done right, outcomes can go wrong…

OHIO YAB members have expressed concerns about adoptive parents who receive subsidies, and then abandon adoptees at or after the age of 18. In New York, the Children’s Law Center was a pioneer in studying disrupted adoptions. They founded the Broken Adoptions Project in 2011. They set up a helpline, posted flyers and listened to children teens, and young adults whose lives were impacted by the loss of an adoptive connection.

The Broken Adoption Project advocates for youth in New York who are impacted by the loss of an adoptive connection:

To have their voice heard in court or non-court proceedings that impact them.
To be fully informed about the possible outcomes of their situation.
To be fully informed about the possible outcomes of the adoption subsidy (if one is involved).
To be fully informed about their options regarding sibling contact (if siblings are a topic they want explored).
To be connected with a stable, caring adult and appropriate services to help them move successfully into their adult lives.

The OHIO YAB would like to create similar supports in our state. Young people whose adoptive parents fail to provide for them during young adulthood are often ineligible for supports that are provided to “aging out” foster youth. This makes that transition lonely and difficult for them.