As the story of two parents going through the adoption process, the movie has a few nice things to say about stepping outside your own comfort zone to make a difference in the lives of others. There's also a slew of likable and recognizable performers (actors like Octavia Spencer, Margo Martindale, and Tig Notaro) in supporting roles, who move the story along considerably just by being amplified versions of themselves onscreen. There’s no shortage of charm on display throughout the film as a couple, Pete and Ellie offer the right balance of compassion and ignorance, and co-screenwriters John Morris and Anders’ script never shies away from showing the most selfish parts of their transition from self-reliance to parenthood. It’s only when they are smitten with 15-year-old Lizzy (Moner) and her two young siblings that they realize how simple things were before and how difficult their life is about to get.īased on the real-life adoption experiences of writer/director Anders, Instant Family sets out to soften the edges of a difficult process for multiplex audiences across the country. So when Ellie suggests that they look into adoption as a possible next step, neither of them are too daunted by the idea of bringing a small child into their lives. After years of struggling to turn their remodeling business into something profitable, they’re now at the point where they can sit back and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Find out more about adoption and foster parenting in your state.Ellie (Byrne) and Pete (Wahlberg) have reached a very comfortable spot in their lives.Fill out a “request to be contacted” form we’ll pass your information along to your state.Talk with one of our foster care and adoption specialists: 88.If I’m ready to get started, where do I begin? Once you do have a child placed in your home, you will be their foster parent for at least six months before you can finalize their adoption. This is a tough question to answer! You can count on spending about 9–18 months getting approved to adopt-including taking classes and completing a “home study.” The matching period is more difficult to assign a time range to, because it varies so much from family to family. Once Pete and Ellie decided to adopt, the process went pretty quickly. Keeping siblings together can help them adjust to a new home and prevent a lifetime of longing and searching for lost brothers and sisters When possible and in the children’s best interests, yes.įor many children in foster care, their brother or sister has been the only constant presence in their lives-the only person who understands and shares their experiences and can help them make sense of their new lives. The children are very close and are adopted together. Want to learn more about the kids who come into care? Click through our interactive modules to learn about why children need families and what kind of families are needed. Sadly, yes, substance abuse is one of the primary reasons that children are removed from their parent’s care. The children Pete and Ellie adopt-Lizzie, Juan, and Lita-come into foster care because their mother is addicted to drugs and neglected them. Please add your contacts list to ensure you receive our emails. Get updates and news for people interested in foster care and adoption. The qualities you do need to adopt from foster care include being financially stable, mature, flexible, and able to advocate for children. No! Adopting a child from foster care is often funded by the state, and in most cases there are few or no fees. Do you need a large home and a lot of money to foster and adopt? Pete and Ellie are a successful couple who live in a big house. Adopting a teen has many benefits to them-and to you. Other people may think that older children don’t need to be adopted because they are almost adults.īut children of all ages need families and the sense of belonging that brings. There are many reasons for this, primary among them that when many people think about adopting, they envision adding a baby or young child to their family. Each year, nearly 20,000 teens age out of foster care without a permanent family. The film is based on the director’s experience of adopting several years ago.ĭid you see Instant Family and wonder how typical Pete and Ellie’s experiences are-and if foster care is for you? Then read on!Īt the start of the movie, the caseworkers immediately start talking about how families are needed for teens. The movie Instant Family, which premiered in theaters across the country on November 16, tells the story of Pete and Ellie, a couple who adopt a 15-year-old girl and her little brother and sister from foster care.
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