Understanding the health and well-being of adults 10-15 years after adoption from the US foster care system

Young adult adoptees surveyed 10-15 years after exiting the child welfare system to adoption reported that they were in good or excellent physical health; did not have a substance use problem; were socially connected; had strong feelings of belonging with their adoptive family; and felt very hopeful about their future. However, adult adoptees reported much higher rates of a current mental health problem than adults in the general population. Understanding the mental health and well-being of adult adoptees can help the child welfare field, social service providers, and practitioners promote early screening for mental health concerns and identify service needs.