How to Adopt a Special Needs Child

A special needs child is one who has one or more physical and/or emotional disabilities. These children have often endured abuse and neglect in their lives and require lots of attention and reassurance. Their disabilities have hindered them in their quests to be adopted, and they may have spent years in foster care as a result. The decision to adopt a special needs child can be a rewarding one, as these children have a lot of love to give. However, bringing one into your home requires some advance preparation.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Contact an adoption agency that works with special needs children. You can find these agencies by calling your state's Department of Children and Family Services for a referral.
2. Decide which agency you want to work with in adopting. Do your research by asking the appropriate questions about the agency's policies, procedures and ongoing-support services.
3. Take any education courses offered by the adoption agency. Many agencies working with special needs children give courses on dealing with disabilities. These courses may help you better understand your future child and how to best care for him.
4. Prepare your home for your child. Once you've been matched with a child and are moving forward to adopt, you'll need to make your house accessible to that child's particular disability. Examples of this include installing a wheelchair ramp or putting a bedroom for the child right next to yours, so you can get to her quickly at night.
5. Find out about the experiences of other families with special needs children, as it helps to hear what other people in your situation have endured. You can also get valuable tips and advice this way. Look for special needs support groups online or ask your adoption agency for a referral to a group meeting in your area.
6. Get ongoing support. Many adoption agencies offer support programs for families who adopt special needs children. This support can range from continuing-education courses to providing respite care when you need a night or weekend away.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't expect things to go smoothly at first. It is going to take some time for your special needs child to adjust to her new life with you. She is going to have trauma to overcome, and she'll need reassurance from you that you won't abandon her. Be patient, give all the love you can and never give up on your child. Eventually, it will seem like she has always been a part of your family.