Did You Know? Statistics on Adoption
At BPAR, we understand that there are misconceptions about adoption and foster care. We’ve researched some statistics to help others gain a better understanding of the realities of adoption and foster care.
Below are 6 facts that you may not have known:
- About 6% of children ages 0-2 years, 30% of children ages 5-9 years, and 23% of children ages 15-17 years are adopted. (1)
- Approximately 30,000 children “age out” of the American Foster Care system each year. (2)
- 38% of adoptions are private domestic adoptions, 37% are foster care adoptions, and 25% are international adoptions. (1)
- Between September 2012 and October 2013, over 250,000 children entered foster care and only 241,254 children exited foster care. Of those who exited, 51% were reunited with parents or primary caretakers, 21% were adopted, 10% were emancipated, 8% went to live with another relative, 7% went to live with a guardian, and 2% had other outcomes. (3)
- Several US studies of different populations consistently report disrupted adoption rates that range from 10%-25%. Although more difficult to obtain, studies report that only about 1%-5% of completed adoptions dissolve. (4)
- 9 out of 10 adoptive couples report that their relationship with their adopted child is very warm and close. (5)
By Katie McCarthy
Boston Post Adoption Resources
References
1. https://www.statisticbrain.com/adoption-statistics/
2. https://www.adoptionjourney.com/share/10-adoption-facts
3. Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2013). Foster care statistics 2012. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children’s Bureau.
4. Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2012). Adoption disruption and dissolution. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children’s Bureau.
5. https://www.americanadoptions.com/pregnant/adoption_stats