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Fall 2025 Issue:
With summer coming to an end, we wanted to congratulate the 672 high school graduates on the Adoption Support Program! This is a major milestone, and we wish all the graduates the best. Around this time of year, we also hear from families and youth with their stories and plans beyond high school, which can come with questions.
Here are some resources for you and your youth to explore as they plan for their future.
Note that most of these resources have specific age and other eligibility requirements, so please read each resource closely. Our program does not manage any of these resources. For specific questions, please contact each program directly.
Financial Aid
College and Career Tools
- CareerBridge Washington: Career exploration tool matches career clusters based on your interest, along with where education/training programs are in WA state, average salary information, and more.
- College and Career Knowledge: Guide by grade level to get you prepared for after graduation.
On Campus Support
Resources for Youth Adopted at Older Ages
- Foster Youth Services:This webpage offers a variety of resources for youth who exited care at older ages.
- Independent Living Program (ILS): Youth are eligible for the IL program if they were in an established dependency for at least 30 days between their 15th and 18th birthday. Once initial eligibility is determined, the youth will continue to be eligible.
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National Adoption Month is celebrated in November each year.
For adoptive families, it’s a time to reflect on the unique journeys that led to forever bonds, honor the courage of birth families, and recognize the resilience of adopted children and youth.
It’s also an opportunity to raise awareness, share stories, and encourage others to consider adoption as a path to family. We celebrate the strength, joy and diversity of adoptive families, and continue to walk alongside you in advocating for every child and youth’s right to a safe, stable, and loving home.
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Once an adoption is finalized, it is the responsibility of the adoptive parents to ensure the Social Security Administration (SSA) knows about the adoption.
This is important not only to update the child or youth’s name if it was changed with the adoption, but also to update their SSA record with the new relationship. Generally, the SSA will need a certified copy of the adoption decree, and the child or youth’s new birth certificate; however, practice and requirements may vary from office to office. Please contact your local Social Security Office to find out how to complete this in your area.
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Washington State Specific:
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NEW! Adoption Support Flyer
This recently updated publication provides a comprehensive overview of the services and supports available through the Adoption Support Program, in addition to all our resources and educational opportunities.
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Adoption Support Website: Offers information on internal and external resources available to families. We keep it updated on an ongoing basis.
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Adoption Support Informational Sessions: While these sessions are geared more for families prior to adoption finalization, anyone is welcome to attend as a refresher for our program and connect with team members!
- Medical:
- Trainings
- Did you know as an adoptive parent, you have access to free trainings and discussion groups offered through The Alliance? They provide trainings on hundreds of topics in various formats, including e-learnings, Webinars, in-person trainings, and discussion groups, with topics ranging from Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) to ABC’s of Autism, Behaviors and Coping Strategies.
- Coordinated Care also offers support groups and trainings for the community.
Other Relevant Resources:
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Families Rising (previously NACAC): Families Rising provides information, support, and advocacy for the adoptive and foster care community.
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Child Information Gateway: This organization connects the public to information resources and tools on a wide variety of topics, including adoption.
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