Every Teen Deserves the Love and Security of a Family
Open Arms Youth Initiative is here to walk with you through the journey of adopting a teenager from foster care.
When many people think about adoption, they picture infants or young children. But thousands of teenagers in foster care are still waiting for something they’ve hoped for their entire lives – a family to call their own.
At Open Arms Youth Initiative, we believe a young person’s age should never determine their chance to experience unconditional love, belonging, and the lifelong support that comes from being part of a family.
For many teens, adoption isn’t about finding “parents” to raise them – it is about finding people who will walk beside them as they transition into adulthood, celebrate their successes, support them through life’s challenges, and remind them that they will always have a place to call home.
Why Adopt a Teen?
Teenagers in foster care have dreams, talents, goals, and incredible potential. They are preparing for college, careers, military service, vocational training, and independent living. Like every young person, they benefit from having trusted adults who believe in them and are committed to their future.
Choosing to adopt a teenager means offering something truly lasting. Here are six ways you can make a difference in a young person’s life:
A Permanent Family
Provide a lifelong sense of belonging and the security of knowing they will always have people in their corner.
Guidance Into Adulthood
Walk beside them as they navigate the transition to adulthood – one of the most important and challenging chapters of any young person’s life.
Emotional Encouragement
Offer unconditional support so they know that no matter what they face, they have someone who believes in them.
Help with Life Decisions
Assist them in navigating education, employment, and the practical decisions that shape their future.
Family Traditions
Share holidays, celebrations, and the everyday rituals that give young people a sense of identity and continuity.
A Place to Call Home
Give them a home – not just today, but always. While many teens learn independence, they should never face adulthood alone.
Who Can Adopt?
Many people are surprised to learn that adoptive families come from a wide variety of backgrounds. You may be an excellent adoptive parent if you are:
A Married Couple
Partners ready to open their home and hearts together.
A Single Adult
One dedicated person with the love and stability to make a lasting difference.
An Empty Nester
Parents whose children have grown and who have more to give.
A Blended Family
Families already built from different paths, with room for one more.
A Military Family
Families who understand discipline, resilience, and the meaning of commitment.
A Family With or Without Children
Any household with the love, stability, patience, and commitment to support a young person.
Requirements vary by state, but what matters most is your willingness to provide a safe, stable, and loving home.
How Open Arms Youth Initiative Can Help
We are committed to supporting prospective adoptive families throughout their journey. Here is how we can help you every step of the way:
01
Information and Education
Providing information about adopting teens from foster care and offering education and resources to help you prepare.
02
Understanding Older Youth
Helping families understand the unique needs and strengths of older youth so you can feel confident and prepared.
03
Professional Connections
Connecting interested families with licensed adoption professionals and agencies who can guide the formal process.
04
Ongoing Encouragement
Providing encouragement and support after placement through mentorship and community connections that last well beyond adoption day.
Our goal is to help create thoughtful, lasting family relationships that continue well beyond adoption day.
Meet a Young Person Looking for a Forever Family
Behind every statistic is a real young person with hopes, interests, and a future waiting to be shaped by a caring family. Here is one of those young people:
John
John is an extroverted young man who is in search of his forever home. John loves to be outside and is a big fan of sports and working out. One of his favorite things to do is to explore new places. John has previously participated in Boy Scouts. He is creative and enjoys drawing and playing video games. John has a big love of animals, and he hopes to have a pet of his own to care for some day. John is open to all family types, and he would do well with siblings. John is excited to take another step in his adoption journey!
Profile Details
Status: Available
Age: 17
State: Tennessee
AdoptUSKids is operated by the Adoption Exchange Association and is made possible by grant number 90CO1133 from the Children’s Bureau. The contents of this profile are solely the responsibility of the Adoption Exchange Association and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Children’s Bureau, ACYF, ACF, or HHS.
Take the First Step
The Journey Begins with One Conversation
If you’ve ever wondered whether adopting a teenager might be right for your family, we encourage you to reach out. Asking questions does not obligate you to adopt – it simply opens the door to learning more.
The greatest gift you can offer a young person is not a house – it is the promise that they will always have a family who believes in them.
Give More Than a Home – Give a Future
Together, we can ensure that more teens leave foster care with the love, support, and lifelong connections every young person deserves.