At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we’ve dedicated our mission to caring for birth mothers, building happy families, and clearing up adoption misconceptions. Understanding the truths behind common adoption myths is crucial for those considering embarking on this beautiful and rewarding journey. Here’s what we want you to know.
Myth 1: All Adoptions Are Closed
The Fact: The landscape of adoption has dramatically transformed over the years. While closed adoptions were once the norm, they now represent a small fraction of arrangements. In fact, it’s estimated that only 5% of modern adoptions are closed.
That means 95% of today’s adoptions involve some level of openness. Whether through semi-open or open adoptions, there’s room for communication tailored to the comfort levels of all parties involved.
Here at St. Elizabeth Foundation, we specialize in open adoptions, navigating these relationships with compassion and respect.
Myth 2: Adopted Children Are Treated Differently Within A Family
The Fact: This is one of the biggest adoption myths being spread. There’s immense love and longing behind each adoption story we witness. Choosing adoption for their baby is a profoundly selfless, courageous, and loving decision made by birth mothers for the well-being of their child. In return, adoptive parents shower both their biological and adopted children with equal measures of love and care.
Adoptive parents choose to open their hearts and lives to a child, often after years of dreaming of becoming parents. We’ve seen, time and again, the deep bonds formed and the overwhelming love shared between adoptive parents and their children.
In fact, an insightful NPR article delves into the nurturing efforts of parents towards their adopted children, emphasizing how much effort and excitement they show toward their child. For example, adopted children are more likely to be read to each day. Statistics reveal a notable contrast, with 68% of adopted children benefiting from regular reading compared to 48% in the general population.
Myth 3: Adoptees Shouldn’t Know They Are Adopted and Typically Don’t
The Fact: Transparency and honesty in discussing adoption with children are now seen as beneficial for their identity and well-being. Advances in psychology and counseling recommend early sharing about a child’s adoption. It fosters a healthy, open environment where children can understand and embrace their stories.
Myth 5: Adopted Children Have More Challenging Behaviors
The Fact: Another of the common adoption myths implies that adopted children are more likely to act out. Studies show that with nurturing, supportive family environments, adopted children thrive equally as well as their non-adopted peers. Every child is unique, and while some adoptees may face challenges, the love and stability provided by their adoptive families pave the way for happy, fulfilled lives.
Additional Truths
Fewer Babies Being Placed for Adoption?
Quite the opposite! St. Elizabeth Foundation alone has placed over 600 babies with loving families. Additionally, based on the 2022 Adoption by the Numbers study by the National Council on Adoption, around 115,353 adoptions occurred in 2019. This data covers private placements, foster care adoptions, and stepparent adoptions.
Families With an Adopted Child Is Fairly Rare?
On the contrary, adoption is more common than many realize. About one out of every 25 U.S. families with children has an adopted child, according to data in the 2010 U.S. census. Adoption touches more lives than you might think.
Waiting to Tell the Adoptee They Are Adopted When They Are Older Is Better?
Research and countless stories from adoptive families highlight the importance of early disclosure. Initiating conversations about adoption early on—preferably before the child turns three—is strongly encouraged.
Bringing Light to Adoption Myths
At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we’re passionate about sharing the truths of adoption, knowing they forge stronger, more informed, and loving families. If you’re considering adoption, we invite you to approach it with an open heart and mind, ready to discover the joy of growing your family in this special way.
To learn more or to begin your adoption journey, reach out to us at St. Elizabeth Foundation, your trusted partner every step of the way. Give us a call at 225-796-8888 or send us a message. Join us in building happy families and busting adoption myths, one truth at a time.