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Older Child Adoption

Bethany’s State 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, New Jersey and Delaware. 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.

Kate Padden State Adoption Social Worker PA	Jen Standen State Administrative Adoption- Assistant and HR Specialist
Janet Brown State Adoption Social Worker NJ	Raina Carwell State Adoption Social Worker DE

Abby Miller
Adoption and Permanency Supervisor


Waiting Children
We work to place children who have been through the foster care system. Because children come into foster care for many reasons, such as abuse and neglect, many of these children have special issues. They have most likely been raised in unstable situations and have never known the love of a permanent family. These children often develop coping behaviors that present significant challenges to adoptive families. These children may feel insecure and may not trust adults. The idea of being a valued member of a family is often difficult for them to accept. Many of these children have behavioral, mental, emotional or physical challenges. These children need an adoptive family who is built on consistency, unconditional acceptance and commitment.

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.

Foster/Adoptive: Younger children are available if foster/adoptive parents are accepting of the legal risk.

Adoption Fees and Qualifications:
State adoption agencies usually cover the fees for all of Bethany’s services to the family. The family will need to cover the cost of the family assessment, but will be reimbursed after an adoptive placement is finalized. In certain cases Bethany will waive the assessment fee. 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 Older/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 click here, or call your nearest Bethany office.

For more information please call us at 215.376.6200 or fill out our contact form.