Special Needs Adoption
Bethany’s Special Needs Adoption program was created to guide prospective adoptive parents like you through the process of adopting children with special needs. This program is your link to children awaiting adoption in Pennsylvania. Our program recruits and prepares families for adoption, places children in loving homes, and supports families by providing counseling, training, and access to community resources.
Waiting Children
Most children with special needs have been raised in unstable situations or in foster care and have never known the love of a permanent family. Many children with special needs have been abused or neglected. Often, they have mental, emotional, or physical challenges.
Caucasian Children: 5 years of age or older; most are at least 8 years old.
Minority Children: All ages. There is a great need for African-American families.
Siblings: At least one child will likely be 8 years old.
Adoption Fees and Qualifications:
The Statewide Adoption Network (SWAN) usually covers the fees for all of Bethany’s services to the family. The adoptive family assessment, sometimes referred to as a home study, is part of the pre-adoption process. The assessment includes group training, minimal paperwork, interviews, and a home visit. Unlike private adoption, which often has strict eligibility requirements, the Special Needs Adoption program is open to a wide range of families. You can adopt a child if you are single or divorced, are over the age of 40, live in an apartment, have a disability, or have a modest income. In other words, anyone interested in adopting a child with special needs is eligible to begin the family assessment process.
Beginning the Adoption Process - Attending an Orientation Meeting
For the date of the next orientation meeting, please fill out our contact form.
Post-Adoption Counseling and Support
Building a family through adoption involves unique challenges. Those touched by adoption can experience issues and concerns which can be addressed through education, support, and problem solving. We believe it is important to support adoptive families with ongoing services after the adoption is finalized to ensure not only a healthy beginning but lifelong adoptive family wellness.
Bethany Christian Services of Western Pennsylvania will refer families to the Three Rivers Adoption Council and other reputable, licensed agencies and counselors to obtain post-adoption support.
For more information please call us at 724.940.2900 or fill out our contact form.