When it comes to adoption, many people are more interested in adopting an infant or young child. Unfortunately, this can leave many older children in need of adoption without a family. Part of the doubt about older children has to do with myths and misconceptions about them. To help you separate truth from fiction, here are some of the most common misconceptions  and the truth about older children adoptions. 

Myth: Older Children Do Not Recover from Their Past

Some of the older children who are available for adoption have endured tough situations that led to them being separated from their biological family. In some instances, it could be as simple as the family was unable to financially support the child or the reason could be far more complex. 

Regardless of the reason, there is a myth that states older children are incapable of recovering from what occurred in the past. In actuality, with love, a good home, and emotional support, most older children can overcome their pasts and bond with their new families. 

It is important to note that your child might require emotional and mental support by a trained counselor or other mental health professional to help facilitate healing. 

One of the advantages of an older child adoption is that his or her background is known by the agency. You can use this knowledge to your advantage. With this information, you can study more on those issues that might cause a problem and learn what you can do to help your child transition to a more stable environment easier. 

Myth: Older Children Do Not Attach to New Families

Older children can form a bond with new families. How long it can take can vary though. Children who experienced a bond with others in the past, whether the attachment was with a family member or other caregiver, know what the experience feels like and knows the importance of it. They might be better able to form a bond. 

However, children who have never experienced an emotional attachment with another person might experience some difficulty with forming an attachment. For instance, a child who has lived in an orphanage who has not had much emotional support might be used to giving himself or herself the support needed. As a result, the child might have trouble with forming an attachment. It is possible though.

Adopting an older child might be somewhat more challenging than adopting a newborn, but it is no less rewarding. Consult with an adoption lawyer like Jeffrey T Bitzer about any other concerns you have with an older child adoption to learn more about the experience.