Special Needs Adoption

Resources for those considering adopting a child with special needs, including available subsidies, advocating for children, support services, and personal considerations.

What Does 'Special Needs' Mean?

"Special needs" is a term used to define needs children may have that increase parenting challenges. These can include, but are not limited to, physical, emotional, and behavioral challenges, age, siblings, and others.... [more]

Special Needs Adoption FAQ

Special needs adoption author, parent, and guru, Rita Laws, Ph.D., addresses subsidies, the availability of babies, ethical practices, and much more in this multi-part article. A must for all considering this type of adoption.... [more]

Special Needs Infant Adoption

Merryl Klein, CSW, of Spence-Chapin, answered questions about how special needs infant placements are handled through their agency, types of needs, program costs, openness, and procedures. Chat Transcript.... [more]

What Adoptive Parents Need

What parents need from the time they start the process throughout their children's lives involves everyone who impacts the family - from judges to birth parents to neighbors and others. Rita Laws, Ph.D., puts us all on notice.... [more]

Disorders & Disabilities

Specific disorders, disabilities, and health risks of concern to adoptive and foster families. Factsheets, definitions, and descriptions. Includes ADD/ADHD, attachment, clinical issues, the effects of prenatal exposure to drugs and alcohol, and others.

Families with Special Kids

These accounts of family life, adjustments, individual adoption processes, and growth are an excellent resource for those considering adopting children with special needs or risks.

International Special Needs Adoption
Where to start, what to consider, and what "special needs" means in other countries.

The Birth of Special Needs Adoption
This article from CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) traces the growth of special needs adoption back to a midwest couple with an idea, and takes a look at "lessons from experience."

The Importance of the Sibling Bond
Sibling groups are often included in adoptions qualifying for assistance or subsidies under the "special needs" umbrella. Keeping siblings together in adoption is supported by research and experience, from the NAIC.

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