San Jose
– County officials are seeking up to $2.1 million in state and
federal grants to double the number of older foster children who
are adopted.
San Jose – County officials are seeking up to $2.1 million in state and federal grants to double the number of older foster children who are adopted.
The state reports Santa Clara County has about 200 children ages 9 and older who are living in long-term foster care without a relative, meaning more than 18 months.
But of the roughly 240 foster children (of all ages) who are adopted each year, only about 20 of those are ages 9 and older, said Frank Motta, a project manager in the Santa Clara County Social Services Agency.
“The county would like to double that number,” Motta said. “But one of the things that’s difficult is families often believe older foster children are ‘set in their ways’ or have behavioral problems that can’t be helped. Part of this grant is to demythologize adoption, and provide incentives for adoptive families.”
Motta said studies show foster children – who often have been removed from their birth parents and placed in Child Protective Services – can often benefit from adoption.
“They know the family has made a commitment,” he said.
A new state law to increase adoption rates makes the money available to counties during the next three years.
The county applied for the grant last week. The California Department of Social Services will announce winners Jan. 9.
If awarded, the Santa Clara County Department of Family and Children Services would use the money to:
n Educate foster youth about the adoption process;
n Educate foster families about becoming adoptive families;
n Develop a process to match children with families that have compatible traits.
n Provide post-adoptive services and support to families, including mental health services and peer groups.
Motta said the county applied for $1.2 million from the state, but would get about $900,000 in additional state and federal funds if the grant is awarded.
