Supporting Adoptees on Campus: A Missing Piece in Student Success and Belonging

In higher education, we talk a lot about identity, belonging and creating communities where every student feels seen and supported. But there’s one identity that continues to go overlooked in student affairs, academics, and counseling centers: being adopted.

Why It Matters

It’s estimated that 5% of the U.S. population is adopted, with over half of those adoptions occurring through the foster care system. Research from the National Institutes of Health shows that adoptees are:

• 2x more likely to develop a substance use disorder

• 4x more likely to attempt suicide

These aren’t just statistics—they’re real students in your classrooms, residence halls, and counseling appointments. And most institutions have little to no programming, resources, or trained staff prepared to support the unique needs of this population.

Adoption Is Not Just a Childhood Event

While adoption most often occurs in infancy or childhood, the identity and emotional impact of being adopted last a lifetime. College is a critical period when questions of identity, belonging, family, and purpose often come to the forefront—especially for adoptees.

So the question becomes: Are we prepared to support them?

Who We Are

At Adoptee Identity, we partner with higher education institutions to enhance how they support adoptees by offering:

• Conversation cards 

• Tools for implementation and cultivating campus culture

• Training, coaching and an on-going community of practice

We walk our talk; Adoptee Identity is founded and led by adoptees. 

Be Part of the Solution

If you’re in higher education and committed to cultivating a campus where every student feels seen, safe, and supported—including adoptees—we’d love to connect. Let’s build a future where adoptee well-being is integrated into the fabric of student success and belonging.