Foster-to-Adoption Program

A Better Way has always been an advocate of permanency for all children in foster care.

Studies indicate that adoption is by far the most advantageous option for the majority of children in foster care, when reunification with biological family is not possible.  Adoption holds the promise of a “Forever Family,” a lifetime commitment to the child. It imparts a sense of continuity and stability and creates an environment necessary for healing and growth. 

More than 50 percent of A Better Way’s children are currently in the adoption process, or have already been adopted. Our individualized attention, open communication with children and their families, and fundamentally nurturing environment have served to produce a successful and supportive community honoring each child. A Better Way has a commitment to service quality, diversity, high standards, and a guiding mission that help lead us to best outcomes with children and families.  The Foster-to-Adoption program offers all of the specialized services detailed under the foster care program as well as those highlighted below. 

A Better Way is successful in Foster-to-Adoption because we offer:

• An ongoing Support group specifically for our Foster-to-Adoption Parents 

• Assessment of each child when appropriate and development of a long-term individualized plan. 

• In-home Mental Health Services including Evaluations and Treatment for children with mental health diagnoses in Alameda County

• Post-Adoptive Therapeutic Services are available to many A Better Way families after adoptions have been finalized.  

• A Post-Adoption Resource Manual to be given to all parents upon completion of an adoption. 

• A trained, licensed staff of Social Workers and Mental Health Clinicians

Prior to receiving our adoption license in November of 2000, a total of 45 foster children were adopted by A Better Way foster families. Today, A Better Way has finalized over 100 adoptions.  Many more will be finalized by the end of calendar year 2005.

Until recently, reunification of children with birth parents was the main emphasis of child welfare authorities, and adoption of children by long-term foster parents was not encouraged. There is now a new emphasis on adoption for children, in order to avoid situations where children live out their childhoods in multiple temporary foster homes or group homes and leave the foster care system with little support and resources. 

At A Better Way we attempt to find the best permanent solution possible for each child. We work with biological parents, when possible, to reunite families. In cases where that is not possible, we attempt to find the most desirable permanent placement options for children.  We are hoping you will contact us if you know of potential parents--or are interested yourself in adoption.

We have regular orientations, a strong parent-training program (P.R.I.D.E. - Parent Resources for Information, Development, and Education ) and we provide comprehensive screening to ensure the best match for our children. We encourage diversity and look for parents who want to build loving families.

For more information please contact: 
Julie Dominguez at (510) 601-0203 ext.134 

jdominguez@abetterwayinc.net   

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Foster-to-Adoption and who are the children?  
A Foster-to-Adoption parent is someone that is interested in adopting a child that is currently in the foster care system. All of the children A Better Way places (for foster care and adoption) are in the foster care system.  The children that are placed into foster-to-adoption homes are either currently available for adoption or are very unlikely to be reunified with their biological family.  There are many children in foster care of all ages waiting for their forever family. 

What support is available to me if I adopt a child? 
A Better Way provides the initial training, ongoing support from our trained Social Workers, as well as an Adoption Support Group that is available for you to attend. We also have an informative Post-Adoptive Resource Guide for after your adoption has finalized.

How long does it take to adopt a child? 
The adoption process is very different for each family as it is dependent mainly upon the circumstances of the child to be adopted. A general guideline is available as part of our information packet that can be requested from our Recruiter.

Do I have to be married to adopt a child?  
No, in fact A Better Way encourages all interested single people to find out more information about our program.

Are there fees for A Better Way’s Adoption program and services?  
No, A Better Way has no fee to our clients.  The funding for our services comes from the County under which the child was taken into care.  A Better Way has other funding sources including donors, grants, and special contracts. 

Is there financial support for Foster-to-Adoption parents?  
Yes, A Better Way offers a monthly reimbursement to our Foster-to-Adoption parents.  The reimbursement is between $700 - $800 a month per child (dependent on their age) and is a standard rate meant to cover costs incurred in caring for a child.   This is a reimbursement, and is not considered income.  The reimbursement should not be included on income tax forms as it is not considered income by the government.  After an adoption has been finalized the reimbursement ceases.  There is, however, currently a state program called the Adoption Assistance Program that will continue to provide monthly financial support to families whom adopt children in foster care.  

All foster children have insurance to cover their medical, dental, and mental health needs.  This insurance will remain available to children even after an adoption, until they turn 18.    

Does your adoption and foster care process support gay and lesbian parents?  
A Better Way has many Gay and Lesbian partnered and single parents. Some of our brightest success stories come from the Gay and Lesbian parents that foster or have adopted children through A Better Way.

What is involved in becoming an A Better Way foster care or foster-adoptive parent?  
The state-mandated requirements include attending a training class at A Better Way, completing a first aid and CPR class, having a health check-up (including a skin TB test), fingerprint clearance, completion of paperwork, compliance with general health and safety requirements in your home, and finally completing a home study with an A Better Way Social Worker.  Once this process has been completed we can work on matching you with a child.  

Can you explain the nature of the special needs faced by children?  
Children in foster care have all experienced separation from their biological families and loss. Some children have also faced physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and exposure to drugs/alcohol. There are many reasons that children are placed into foster care and each child will face a different challenge.  At A Better Way we feel that with a loving home, commited parents and skilled support we can make positive changes in children's lives.

Do you support cross-cultural placements? 
A Better Way supports all families interested in adopting and helps you address the issues around cross-cultural or interracial placements.

If I have a health problem can I adopt a child? 
Health problems are not necessarily a deterrent to adopting a child. We can address these issues specifically with you if you have concerns.

Who do I contact if I am interested in becoming a Foster-to-Adoption Parent?  
You can contact Recruiter, Julie Dominguez at (510) 601-0203 ext. 134. She will be happy to mail you information about our program and to answer your questions.