A recent article at TIME.com reports on the challenges parents and families of older adoptees face. Because of the growing trend of adopting teenagers out of foster care, there is a rise in the number of teens who fail to transition into a permanent family. In addition to normal teenage rebellion and adolescent growing pains, foster teens also have to deal with the changes that accompany adoption. While adoptive parents go through parenting classes, they say they are never fully ready for some of the challenges they experience with their adopted adolescents. Typically, adopted teenagers have to deal with feelings of abandonment, not belonging, previous abusive relationships, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Experts say the keys to creating a good bond between adopted teens and their parents is to keep the lines communication open and be supportive. Read more about adopted adolescents at TIME.com.

Posted By: Lori S