Finding a forever home for kids in the child welfare system can be challenging, but it's even harder for teenagers. According to data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation in 2017, 95 percent of children 12 and under lived with families compared to 58 percent of teenagers. In an effort to spark a conversation around the benefits of adopting teens, the Ad Council released a series of videos that certainly pull at the heartstrings.
In this particular clip, viewers see the bond between a teen named Mason and his adoptive parents. From making lasagna together to playing pickup basketball to getting Mason his first car, it's hard not to get misty-eyed watching this family's relationship flourish over time.
"As we all know, you never outgrow the need for a family. Everyone needs a sense of belonging," says AdoptUsKids's website. "Through adoption, older children are connected to a family that can provide a sense of stability, lasting connections, and guidance with important life tasks—including enrolling in higher education, finding stable housing, securing employment, and establishing healthy relationships."
If you're interested in becoming an adoptive or foster parent to a child or teen, learn more about the process at AdoptUSKids.org.