According to AdoptUSKids, 123,000 children in the U.S. await adoption. Most are described as "special needs" children, meaning they are from racial minorities, are past infancy, are disabled or health-impaired, have emotional problems, have abuse or neglect histories or need to be adopted with siblings. Adopting a special needs child could be a feasible, rewarding way to add to your family.
About Special Needs Adoption
Step 1
Educate yourself about special needs adoption from organizations like AdoptUSKids and the North American Council on Adoptable Children. It may encourage you to learn, for example, that you are not necessarily disqualified if you are disabled/health-impaired, are single, have been divorced, have been in psychotherapy, rent rather than own your home or lack a high income.
Step 2
Clearly and honestly assess your motives and capabilities for special needs adoptive parenting. Consider that realism, dedication, flexibility, humor, patience and resourcefulness are especially important qualities. Keep in mind that special needs children call for good enough rather than "perfect" parents.
Step 3
Research the financial aid options for special needs adoption. Some agencies work with you for free or on a sliding scale. Loans from groups like the National Adoption Foundation encourage adoption of children from foster care. Many employers offer adoption benefits. The IRS offers a tax credit for adoption. Federal and state adoption subsidies may give monthly cash payments, reimburse legal costs and fund medical care and social services like child care, respite care and psychotherapy.
Choosing an Agency
Step 1
Research the Child Welfare Information Gateway's free national directory of licensed adoption agencies to find the one that fits you best. It may be a public agency, usually run by a state department of health and human services or a private one, which may or may not be faith-based.
Step 2
Decide whether you want to become approved as a foster as well as an adoptive parent. Many special needs children are adopted from foster care. However, you can still adopt without becoming a foster parent first.
Step 3
Take whatever initial trainings, classes or screening interviews your chosen agency offers to or requires of prospective parents.
Step 4
Follow your state's and your agency's requirements for a home study, an in-depth assessment of your motives for foster care or adoption, life history, family situation and social supports. Its purpose is to determine whether you can offer a nurturing, safe environment to a child.
Raise Your Child
Step 1
Locate a child with the help of your agency and photolisting databases like AdoptUSKids or Children Awaiting Parents. Learn as much as possible about the child before committing to a placement.
Step 2
Welcome your new family member. Give yourself, the child and the rest of your family time to adjust.
Step 3
Cooperate with your agency in its six-month or yearlong supervision of the placement. This period of supervision is meant to ensure that all goes well.
Step 4
Petition your local family court to legally finalize the adoption.
Step 5
Ask your agency about any services your child may need after finalization. You may also want to ask about opportunities for connecting with other families who have adopted special needs children.
References
- AdoptUSKids: About the Children in Foster Care
- AdoptUSKids: Answering the Call-Family Pocket Guide
- Child Welfare Information Gateway: Financial Assistance for Families
- Child Welfare Information Gateway: National Foster Care and Adoption Directory Search
- North American Council on Adoptable Children: How to Adopt
