MYTH: Adopting a child takes years.

FACT: While some adoption can take years to complete, most of the families at Chrysalis House find their wait time much shorter. Families who are open to accepting siblings, children from foster care, and other diverse situations are typically matched with children faster than families that have a narrow focus. At Chrysalis House, we encourage you to think about the child that is the best fit for your family and we will do our best to match you expeditiously. 

MYTH: Children who are adopted have some kind of physical, mental, or emotional handicap; that's why they are classified as "special needs".

FACT: The term "special needs" is somewhat misleading, because it can mean that the child is older, a minority, or requires placement with his/her siblings. While some children are dealing with physical or emotional concerns, just like other children, they need the nurturing and support that a permanent family can provide. Many foster children are in the "system" because their birth parents weren't protective and nurturing caretakers - not because the children did anything wrong.

MYTH: Children in foster care have too much "baggage".

FACT: This is perhaps the biggest myth of all. Foster children - just like any children - have enormous potential to thrive given love, patience, and a stable environment. Just ask U.S. Senator, Ben "Nighthorse" Campbell; Baltimore Raven, Michael Oher; Washington D.C. Mayor, Anthony Williams; or Miss USA 2000, Lynette Cole. They were all once foster children who were adopted by caring adults.

MYTH: Families don't receive support after the adoption is finalized.

FACT: At Chrysalis House, families receive supportive services for life to ensure the success of your child's adjustment. In addition, children adopted from foster care may be eligible to receive Adoption Assistance Program (AAP) payments until the age of 18 to help offset the long-term costs of adopting a child.

MYTH: Birth parents can come and take my child back.

FACT: In all adoptions, once parental rights have been terminated, the birth parent is unable to reclaim their child. In fost/adopt cases, parental rights are terminated through the court system, in domestic cases, parental rights are terminated by the signing of a relinquishment.

MYTH: All adoptions are expensive.

FACT: The cost of an adoption varies greatly, and is dependent upon the program chosen and the services rendered. In adoption, you are paying fees for services directly associated with completing the adoption plan. Because the State of California subsidizes fost/adopt placements, the agency is able to waive the cost for these adoptions. In other programs, the cost is minimized and you are only charged for the work necessary to complete your case. To assist with the cost of any adoption, families are encouraged to explore fundraising, grants, and low-interest loan options and opportunities. In addition, the Adoption Tax Credit is available to families that qualify.