Domestic Adoption for Down Syndrome
An estimated 5,000 babies with Down syndrome, a chromosomal disorder that results in mental retardation, are born in the U.S. every year. That’s about one in every 800 births, and there are more than 400,000 people living in the U.S. with Down syndrome. As research on the syndrome evolves and as the level of services and support available to families of children with Down syndrome grows, interest in adopting children with Down syndrome also is on the rise.
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What Down Syndrome Means
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Down syndrome is the result of having an extra copy of the twenty-first chromosome. That variation changes the body, brain and course of development. All of those with Down syndrome are cognitively delayed, though the extent of the impairment varies. Physical attributes of those with the disorder include smaller stature, underdeveloped muscle tone, slanted eyes, a greater ability to extend joints and shorter hands with a crease across the palm.
Life with Down syndrome
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While the level of intellectual impairment varies, many children with Down syndrome are incorporated into regular classrooms. Many of them go on to have a normal social life and find jobs, and some eventually get married. They are at greater risk for heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer’s disease, leukemia and thyroid problems. Even so, life expectancy has increased from 25 years in 1983 to 60 now.
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Down Syndrome Adoptions
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Agencies for general adoptions are plentiful across the country, though those specializing in placement of children with Down syndrome are limited. Parents may choose to try to find a child with the disorder through a regular adoption agency, or they may increase their chances of a match by going through an agency that specializes in Down syndrome or other special-need adoptions. Some organizations, such as the Adoption Awareness Committee of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati, help match families across the country. A faith-based organization, Christian Homes and Special Kids, helps coordinate these adoptions, as well.
Adoption Process
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Adoptive parents likely will fill out applications, undergo background checks and have a social worker examine them in their home several times over several weeks. It can take anywhere from a couple of months to several years to adopt a child; many private agencies place inquiring parents on a waiting list.
Adoption Cost
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For all adoptions, parents likely will have to spend some money; it can cost between $3,200 and $6,800 in 2010 for a domestic adoption, according to the nonprofit Adoption Alliance. That can include an attorney to help with the court proceedings, a home study conducted by a social worker and agency fees.
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- Photo Credit baby holding thumb image by Mykola Velychko from Fotolia.com
