CASA of Caroline

For more information about adopting a child

If you or someone you know is interested in adopting a child, one of the best places to start is becoming a foster parent through the Caroline County Department of Social Services. If you or someone you know is interested in supporting a child or youth who is living in foster care while waiting for their forever home, one of the best places to start is as a CASA Volunteer Advocate. Please visit www.casaofcaroline.org or contact CASA of Caroline at 410-479-8301 or Info@casaofcaroline.org for further information or to apply to be an advocate.

November is National Adoption Month, a month to celebrate the families who have grown through adoption, and to recognize the many children, especially older youth and teens, who are still waiting for forever families This year’s theme, “Honoring Youth: Strengthening Pathways for Lasting Bonds”, raises awareness about how we can cultivate a support network for youth in foster care to meet their needs, embrace and affirm their identity, and promote family, community, and cultural connections. Securing lifelong legal and emotional connections for teens is a critical part of determining their health and well-being.

Healthy relationships are a key component of how young people experience well-being. Positive relationships support a youth’s feelings of safety and well-being, while bonding to caring and trusted adults is critical for optimal adolescent development. Professional relationships are incredibly valuable for older youth too, as they provide a bridge to opportunities and the support needed to transition to adult living. Here are some of the benefits older youth will receive by having a relationship with a professional adult like YOU:

• Stability and Continuity: Older youth often benefit from maintaining consistent relationships with professionals who can provide long-term support and guidance. Having at least one consistent adult provides security and builds trust. Without learning to trust, it is nearly impossible to have a healthy adult relationship.

• Life Skills Development: Professionals can help older youth develop critical life skills like budgeting, housing search, job applications, and navigating healthcare systems, which are essential for independent living.

• Advocacy and Access to Resources: Professionals can advocate for older youth’s needs, connecting them with necessary services like education, mental health support, and financial assistance. While the youth is in care, CASA and the Department of Social Services assist with this but for an older youth who has emancipated or aged out of the system at 21, having someone to advocate for resources can mean the difference between successful independent living and living on the streets.

• Emotional Support: A trusting professional relationship can provide a safe space for older youth to discuss challenges, express emotions, and work through trauma related to their past experiences.

• Preparation for Transitioning to Adulthood: Professionals can actively support older youth in creating a plan for their future, including education goals, career aspirations, and housing options.

• Building a Support Network: By connecting older youth with community organizations and other supportive adults, professionals can help build a robust network to rely on after leaving foster care.

During National Adoption Month, we spread awareness of adoption, advocate for the well-being and future of children in foster care, and honor families that have grown through adoption. While celebrating those who have found one another, let’s not forget the children, parents and families who struggle with the adoption process, the children who age out of foster care without a family, and those children who still wait.