The adopting of a special needs child may seem like a difficult thing, but there are some advantages. If prospective parents are willing to adopt a special needs child, the cost and wait time are much less.
Usually when people think of adoption a child, they think a healthy, perfect baby that is integrated
into a loving family. But not all of the children out there are perfect. There are children who in less than perfect health, but they too,need a home. These children are just as eager to be adopted as anyone else. These are the special needs children and there is no shame in a special needs adoption.
What is a special needs child? There are different definitions in every state. Find out what qualifies as a special needs child in your state. Most often it is a child with a physical or mental disability. Some times the child could have an emotional issue or it could even be siblings who need to stay together in a single home. The first advantage to giving special needs children a home is the cost. There is usually no costs or the fees involved are usually very low when adopting a special needs child. These children are usually placed through public agencies and the fee is waived in special needs adoptions. Another advantage is the wait time is considerably less than normal.
These advantages both sound enticing.Some parents might be worried they do not have the skills involved for a special needs child. Patience, caring and flexibility are essential. These three assets will go a long way in any child’s life, particularly a special needs child. The other skills will be provided by the agency or the local government to help out.
The agency or public department that places the child will give you specific information and classes
on how to deal with the needs of the specific child you are considering. They will teach you the important information that is needed. Prospective parents will also get the information needed when it comes to the child’s past that is important to the special needs child’s future. Not much is left out when it comes to a special needs adoption.
If you are sure this sounds like something you can do, there specific steps to take. First comes the paperwork. Then the next step is for a case worker to do a home study. The case worker checks the home environment to see if the child will be a good fit. Once the requirements are met, the special needs child is placed in the home, but only on a probationary period. Regular visits by the case workers will be made to the home to ensure the child is adapting well and everything is going smoothly. The prospective parent’s job isn’t over. A complete a post-placement report must be submitted to the proper government agency. After this is all done, the parents finally receive the adoption order.
The emotional toll may be the biggest disadvantage to special needs adoption. Caring for one these children is not easy and no one will pretend it is. The importance of patience and flexibility with special needs adoptions is paramount. Often these are older children who have been placed in multiple homes. They may find it difficult to accept their new situation right away.
Special needs adoptions can be difficult. These children need caring homes. As the old saying goes, good things are worth fighting for.