Statistics

Some of the most common questions we receive are regarding statistics, time lines, etc.  Some of the statistics are great for doing your best to "prepare," but the bad thing about statistics is that there is always an exception to the rule.  For example, the average wait time for a same-sex couple is 15 months.  But what really does that mean:

• Some same-sex couples get chosen on Day 1 while other couples get chosen at the 3 year mark (of waiting to be selected) which averages to 15 months.  
• Or do most couples actually wait approximately 15 months? 

This is what scares Jon and I about statistics.  The sad truth is we use then to our advantage when we need a bit of a pick me up, but we use them to our disadvantage if we ever feel like we are getting ourselves too excited. 

Regardless, here are some interesting statistics from our agency:

• Avg. of 12 month wait for heterosexual couples.
• Avg. of 15 month wait for same-sex couples.
• 40 -60 children placed per year on average from a pool of around 70 "waiting" families (like us). 
• 98% of children placed are newborn children. 
• 7% of birth mothers change their mind after planning an adoption.  This statistic is a terrifying reality that Jon and I try not to think of regularly.