Adoption is a celebratory experience for many families throughout the U.S.

By Staff Writer

The National Adoption Attitudes Survey reveals that 81.5 million people, or 40 percent of American adults, have considered adopting a child. If just one in 500 of these individuals adopted, every waiting child in foster care would have a family.

The survey also found that some kids wait three or more years to be adopted, while moving three or more times in foster care. Out of the 69,947 children who became available for adoption in 2009, only 57,466 were placed with a permanent family.

An adoption exchange in Massachusetts has found a great way to match families with kids: throw a party. ABC News reports that Massachusetts was the first state to hold "adoption parties" more than 30 years ago, and the method has since become the number one resource in placing children. One adoption group in the Bay State placed 138 children last year and more than 32 percent of them were through adoption parties.

According to the news provider, adoption parties are in some ways similar to a typical birthday party for kids, with games, swimming and food. The aforementioned adoption group hosts about 12 such parties each year throughout Massachusetts.

Children who have been legally cleared for adoption wear gold-trimmed name tags, while the kids who are not have a green dot on their tags. Prospective parents are encouraged to become involved in the kids' activities, but they are not allowed to ask the children personal questions about their adoption status or their birth families.

According to the Napa Valley Register, judicial officials in California throw a party of sorts in the courtroom during certain adoption proceedings. When uncontested adoptions are finalized, the court hosts a mini celebration that involves a cake, stuffed animals and picture taking. In addition, judges allow clapping in the courtroom, which is usually prohibited.

The news provider reports that some courts have expanded the celebration to involve new siblings of the newly adopted child. Brothers and sisters are presented with a certificate from the judge which ceremoniously grants them the responsibilities of taking care of the adoptee. All supplies at these parties are voluntarily donated by court staff.

While the adoption process may be joyous, the child's transition into a new home can be arduous for some families. Many older adopted children will act out for several months following placement, according to FamilyEducation.com. The website notes that their bad behavior is a test to see if the family will still want them.

There are, however, more serious indicators that an adopted child suffers from a severe behavioral or psychological problem. Sudden loss of appetite, a change in sleep habits and physical violence are among a myriad of signs that a youth is struggling through emotional hardships. The website suggests that parents who believe that their adopted child's negative behavior is not a temporary problem should seek professional services for help.

According to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, many children in foster care have special needs but all of them deserve the chance to grow up in a safe, loving home. The nonprofit organization reports that post-adoption resources are available and thousands of employers in the U.S. offer financial reimbursement and paid leave for employees who adopt.

Furthermore, most child welfare agencies cover the expenses for home studies and court fees, as well as provide some post-adoption subsidies. Most families who adopt a child from foster care are eligible for federal and state tax credits.

According to ABC News, one Massachusetts-based woman - who once vowed to never adopt a teenager - has recently welcomed two teens into her home. She told the news provider that it was by far the most fulfilling experience of her life.