Families Rising holds a strong stance against the practice known as rehoming, particularly concerning children who have been adopted. Rehoming refers to the illegal transfer of physical custody of an adopted child from one family to another outside of legal proceedings. As defined by Child Welfare Information GatewayOpens in a new tab, it is “a practice in which parents seek new homes for their children, who are often adolescents and teens, and place them without the safeguards and oversight of the courts, the child welfare system, or another appropriate entity that has the capacity and authority to assess and protect the child’s best interests.” Efforts to call it long-term respite, even by those with good intentions, undermine the child’s right to permanency. We firmly believe that adoption is a profound commitment that entails providing a stable and loving environment for the child throughout their life.
Children who have been adopted often come from backgrounds of adversity, trauma, or loss. Placing them in a new family is meant to offer them stability, security, and permanency. Rehoming disrupts this crucial stability and can cause significant emotional harm to the child, undermining their sense of belonging and trust in relationships. Further, with no federally mandated protections in place, there is a greater risk of predators taking advantage of these situations. Children can be placed in homes without any oversight from child welfare agencies, courts, or lawyers, often without the necessary background checks to ensure their safety and putting them at risk of abuse or human trafficking.
As a responsible organization, we recognize the importance of upholding ethical standards and safeguarding the well-being of adopted children. We advocate for providing comprehensive support services to adoptive families, including counseling, education, and access to community resources. By equipping families with the necessary tools and assistance, we aim to empower them to address challenges and provide a nurturing environment for the children they have chosen to adopt. Furthermore, we are committed to raising awareness about the risks and consequences of rehoming within our community and beyond. Through education and advocacy efforts, we strive to promote ethical adoption practices and uphold the rights of children to grow up in safe, loving, and permanent families.
In summary, Families Rising’s policy against rehoming adopted children reflects our unwavering dedication to promoting children’s best interests and ensuring that every child can thrive in a supportive and caring family environment.