This document discusses adoption in the United States. It notes that over 12,000 adoptions have occurred in Texas since 1999, with approximately 600 taking place last year alone. Adoption introduces new perspectives and opportunities for both the adoptive family and adoptee. While children may face teasing from peers about being adopted, families can combat this through communication, support and love. The passage of adoption laws in the 1800s established the US as a leader in adoption and it has since become a common way for families to grow.

1. Home At Last: A Contemporary View On Adoption
Since 1999, there have been over 12,000 successful adoptions in Texas. Last year alone,
approximately 600 adoptions took place and the number continues to grow in the Lone Star state.
Adoptive families and adoptive couples across America take pride in continuing the long-standing
tradition of supporting adoption programs, especially here in San Antonio. Adoption introduces a new
perspective on life and new opportunities as much for the adoptive couple as it does for the adoptee.
Older stigmas no longer persist because people know that no matter where a child is born, learning,
living, and growing as a part of a family is an important part of childhood development, and adoption
makes that possible for millions of children.

2. We yearn to establish a legacy when we grow older; with adoption services provided by adoption
agencies, starting or expanding a family has never been more possible than now. Adoption rates from
last year show there is no longer a need or cause for fear when an adoptive couple is considering
adoption. Adoption agencies can connect prospective couples with other adoptive families who have
already been through the adoption process. This allows prospective couples to learn from the adoptive
families’ experiences and offers insight into an increasingly popular way to start a family.
Growth in adoption can be directly correlated to the growing understanding and awareness of the
adoption process. Adoptive families and adoptive couples now feel less intimidated by the adoption
process because many more resources are available today than ever before. Studies estimate that
there are about 5 million adoptees in America today, with 2-4% of American families adopting. With
this increase in understanding about adoption comes an increase in acceptance as well. Parents across
the country know how precious the blessing of a new baby is, and they understand that alternative
routes to parenthood allow all adults to share in this wonderful experience.
While adults in the US have come to embrace adoption as a wonderful way to offer a child a new life,
the adopted child’s peers may not understand the adoption process at first. Other children sometimes
tease or scorn adopted children. But the adoptive family can combat these negative forces by
providing strength and solace in their home, so that the child may take pride in who they are and who
they want to become. Families, adoptive or by birth, grow and prosper with time. With enough
communication, support, and love, a family can become something truly magnificent.
Since 1850, after one of the first “modern” adoption laws was passed in Massachusetts, the US has
been one of the foremost leaders in adoption. As we grew as a country, adoption became a way for
couples and families to expand their family more than ever before. If you believe adoption may be the
right way to start your family, contact a local adoption agency today.
Adopting a child is an important decision that requires much careful consideration. Are you
contemplating adoption or are you already planning to adopt a child? Do you have any idea about
how or where to start? Providence Place will guide you through the adoption process while making
sure all your questions are. Providence Place offers adoption services for birth mothers, birth fathers,
adoptive families for children, and adoptees. They also provide supportive services, post adoption
services, and much more. Providence Place is a national leader in open adoptions. Visit
provplace.org today to learn more about adopting a child.