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Originally Posted By Cheryl

I can only tell you what I know from experience. We adopted a 17 year old last year, adoption was finalized this spring. She turned 18 prior to finalizing the adoption. Because of this she was required to sign the adoption papers along with us. Prior to coming to us she had enrolled in a skilled living program. This would keep her in the system until she turned 21. The state would send her to college etc. She could work etc... Her other choice was to be emancipated at 18 and be released from the system. She chose to have a permanent family instead of being in the system until 21.

We adopted a 4 year old 3 years ago. The last foster parents he had became licensed just so they could take care of him. The already knew him. He was with them for 14 months prior to being placed with us.

I think you need to talk with the child and see exactly what she wants. You as a foster family, a permanent family, maybe being emancipated at 18 and then all of you go see a lawyer and formally adopt her. The system will not throw her out at 18. Obviously the foster parents she has will though. Talk with her social workers etc to see what her choices are. She should be able to request to be moved and adopted. You will need to go through the approval process though.

Hope this helped. Keep us posted. Good luck.