1. Age Makes a Difference
Each child is a special gift, but each state legally defines children with special needs differently. Some states classify a five-year-old as special needs simply because of his age, while other states don't consider the child as special needs until he reaches his eighth birthday. Some states even lend adoption assistance to a two-year-old child under certain circumstances. Be sure to contact your state adoption agency to find out what your state requires.
2. Nationality Issues
Adoption assistance is also available to more African American children than Caucasian children. Some states define this as specifically African American, while others simply say the child must be part of a minority group. Definitions for state qualifications for adoption assistance sometimes say the child needs to be over a certain age as well as a certain nationality. If you are considering adoption and considering bringing a child into your family with a different cultural background, be sure you know what you are getting into. Be prepared to farm out some of your parenting because you cannot be everything to your child. It is OK to look outside your family for some cultural experiences matching your child's background.
3. Multiples: Better Together
Keeping sibling groups together is usually the best-case scenario for the children involved, and because two is more than one, some states give adoption assistance to sibling groups. If you are considering adopting a child with a sibling, consider the long-term benefits of keeping that child's siblings with her. Also, check with your state adoption agency to see if they provide adoption assistance for multiples. Because this tends to benefit the children, many states do.
4. Special Kids, Special Needs
Adoption assistance is available in many states for kids with special needs such as physical, mental or emotional difficulties. Some states also offer adoption assistance to children with a genetic predisposition that puts them at high risk for developing such conditions. Each state is different. Visit the Child Welfare Information Gateway (www.childwelfare.gov) to check your state's qualifications.
5. Children Have High Price Tags
Adoption is expensive, which is why state aid is available for qualifying children. In some cases, the entire adoption fee is covered; in other cases it's not. The amount the state provides can be any where from 1,000 to 2,000 dollars to cover what they call "one time" adoption expenses during a qualifying special needs adoption. This aid is for adoption fees incurred by the adoptive family during the adoption process. Check your state's available aid and fees to see what additional expenses your family will incur.
