Several Adoption Opportunities grants (demonstration projects fundedby the Children's Bureau) in the early 1990s demonstrated the benefitsof placing children with military families. They found the military tobe a largely untapped resource for children waiting for families. Thebenefits of placing children with military families include ethnicdiversity, family structure, and the military support network forfamilies and children.

Ethnic Diversity

The diversitywithin the military exceeds that of the general population. (Accordingto the 2000 census, minorities account for approximately 29 percent ofthe total U.S. population.) The Military Family Resource Center's (MFRC's) annual Profile of the Military Community shows more than one-third of the active duty military identifythemselves as African American, Hispanic, American Indian, AlaskaNative, or Asian-Pacific Islander. Given the overrepresentation ofminority children in the child welfare system and the recruitmentprovisions of the Multiethnic Placement Act (MEPA), the military would appear to be a good resource for waiting children.

Family Structure

The structure often found in military families can benefit children whohave not had much structure in their lives or those with ADD, ADHD, andAttachment Disorder.

Military Support Network

Military installations have a built-in support network for militaryfamilies. Family benefits are available from Adoption Reimbursement,Exceptional Family Member Programs, and the New Parent Support Programson many installations.

Credits: Child Welfare Information Gateway (http://www.childwelfare.gov)