State Funded Adoption
More than 100,000 children in state foster care nationwide are waiting for families. These children are considered special needs. This is because these children may have experienced neglect or abuse, they may be older (especially ages 8-16), they may be of a racial minority, or part of a sibling group which need to be placed together. Children may also be physically, emotionally, behaviorally, or mentally challenged. Children who have experienced an unstable home life bring unique challenges to an adoptive family. They may feel insecure and may not trust adults. Is your family built on consistency, unconditional acceptance, and commitment? These are the keys to helping children with special needs. As children experience these in their new family, they will begin to develop trust and sense of security.
Adoption is a lifelong commitment that can be challenging and rewarding. A family adopting a child with special needs must be strong, flexible, and able to provide stability, security, and nurturance. The family must also advocate for their child and use community resources. At Bethany, we believe that every child deserves a family and every life is a promise. We partner with the State of Georgia to recruit and prepare families for these children. These adoptions are state-funded and the adoptive parents pay no agency fee. Medical subsidies and financial assistance are often available until the child reaches 18 years of age, regardless of the adoptive family's income.
Preparation for adopting a special needs child includes, education classes, full disclosure of information about child(ren), and visits which allow your family to adjust to your new family member. Your adoption social worker will maintain close contact with your family after placement and will offer assistance, guidance and support until the adoption is legally finalized.
Visit Domestic African-American/Bi-racial Infant Adoption Services
Bethany Success Story
The following is a story from a Bethany Adoptive family:
Forever Family
After the birth of their daughter Gabriell, the Smith family was advised by their doctor not to have more children. They wanted to adopt a little boy and had heard about Bethany's Older and Special Needs Adoption Program.
The Smiths contacted Bethany and decided to attend a class for adopting children with special needs. It was during that time that two active, adorable African American brothers ages 4 and 5 named Ty and Simon became available for adoption. The family was interested.
"When we first met them in the foster home, we wondered what we were getting into. They were wildly running through the house." Within days they made arrangements for Ty and Simon to spend an "overnight" at their house. The Smiths laugh, "The first trip to the foster home to ours was one we'll never forget. We were less than a mile from the foster home when the first of many temper tantrums erupted in the back seat. The boys were screaming horribly and biting my arms. The people in the gas station we pulled into must've thought we'd kidnapped them!" Looking back, they smile as they recall those early days. In fact, that's one of the main reasons they think their family works--they have a great sense of humor. "You have to," they insist, "or you'd go crazy. Or maybe we're already crazy!"
For a while, the equilibrium in the home was seriously off balance. They had gone from parenting one child to three in just two short months. For their daughter Gabriell, the excitement of having new brothers got old fast. "We had to make some adjustments," Tony explains. "But the children were reassured when they realized there was enough love and attention for everybody."
Tony gives this advice to people thinking about adoption: "You have to love kids deep down, accept them for who they are, have a lot of patience, know what you're getting into by attending good training sessions, raise your kids in the church, and trust God for everything."