Kudo's, respect and appreciation to those that adopt children, especially older children.

I thank the three ladies for sharing this refreshing and positive story... BRAVO!

My parents adopted a teenager just last year. They've been foster parents for as long as I can recall (I'm in my mid-30s). It was a difficult process, but they, and he, are thrilled.

God bless these people. This family is not only filling a void for one child, but it will give her a real shot in life- to become a productive member of society. Kids without these supports don't often flourish (I was a social worker for many years, I know). I wish them a wonderful holiday season and beyond!

I tried adopting through Hennepin County and found the system too slow. I realize that the County has to be careful and screen who wants to adopt, but if the process had been faster, it could have happened. I finally lost heart and interest after 2 years. Maybe being a single male had something to do with it, though supposedly that is not an issue for the County.

You might count yourself lucky ivaro, as if you adopted a teen with a bit of a troubled background--and the kid did need some help for that trouble--the county would charge YOU for your generosity in trying to adopt a trouble child. It has to be one of the biggest deterrents to adopting a troubled teen. I might be willing but no way would I put myself or my family's financial future on the line to do so--which is what many local governments do to adoptive parents of troubled kids these days!