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Myths and Facts Minimize
  • Older kids are hard to adopt; there are no homes for teens. -  Project Teen Plus has over a 70% success rate.
  • Older kids don’t want to be adopted. – All participants in Project Teen Plus have a strong desire to be a part of a family. All teens long for a sense of belonging and positive sense of identity.
  • Older kids have more behavior issues. – Changing teens’ behaviors is possible because they are able to understand more than a younger child.
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Testimonials Minimize
  • "These kids don't need to be fixed--they just need a chance."  Adoptive parent.
  • “I was involved in two cases with Project Teen. I feel both would not have been placed without the project.”  Child Welfare Professional.
  • More Testimonials
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Project Teen Plus Minimize
 
The mission of Project Teen Plus is to speed up the successful adoption of youth in the foster care system. We use child-specific recruitment, while empowering the youths to be key decision makers in choosing a “forever family.”  

The Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition in St. Louis, Missouri created project Teen Plus after receiving one of only three grants nationwide awarded by the Dave Thomas Foundation For Adoption.

The program has the support of the Missouri Children’s Division, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and the local NBC affiliate News Channel 5 KSDK.    Project Teen also has the support of the United Way.
  • Working with Teens – Adoption is a significant transition for any child. Project Teen Plus facilitates teen support groups monthly with participants in the program, helping them prepare for adoption.  
  • Working with Families – Project Teen Plus works one-on-one with potential adoptive families, preparing them for the addition of a teenager into their home. Project Teen Plus offers support to families both pre and post adoption.
  • The Need – In Metro St. Louis, nearly 400 pre-teens and teenagers are waiting to be adopted. Statistically, teens that age out of the foster care system are more likely to become homeless, incarcerated, and or chemically dependent.
  • The Solution – Permanency – a “forever family” provides a teen in foster care a solid foundation, a support system and a chance to succeed.
For more information please contact Sheila Suderwalla, Director of Project Teen Plus and APTCH.
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Jessica - Project Teen Plus Minimize
Play Video Play Video   Fourteen-year-old Jessica is waiting for an adoptive family of her own. Jessica has a clear understanding of adoption and longs to be a part of a forever family. She would like a family “who is always there for each other no matter what – through thick and thin.” Jessica says that her expectations of a forever family are that they will “always be there and not judge you by the way you look.” She believes that someone would want to adopt her because she is “smart, talented and knows right from wrong.”
 
This young aspiring actress is not afraid to step on stage and perform; she can play a serious role or a comedic one. In addition to drama, Jessica enjoys activities such as going to the mall, dancing and playing sports like bowling or basketball. Jessica, who just started the ninth grade, enjoys math and art classes the most.  For more information, contact Sheila Suderwalla, Director of Project Teen Plus and APTCH.  Photo courtesy of Sears Portrait Studio.
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