Special Needs Adoption With Adoption Choices of Texas
By Peter Proscia
When looking to adopt a child, you may find that you keep hearing databases and agencies refer to a “special needs” adoption. You may think that it merely involves a child who has a learning or emotional disability such as autism or down syndrome. However, this is not the case. A disability is only one possibility of what would be labeled as a special needs case in the adoption industry. Which begs the question, what exactly is a special needs adoption, and what does it mean for you? At Adoption Choices of Texas, we want to make sure you fully understand the adoption process so that you can make an educated decision on whether it is right for you.
If you need help with or have any questions about adopting a child, you can call us at 945-444-0333, text us at 945-444-0333, or email us here.
What Is a “Special Needs” Adoption?
At a basic level, it involves a child who has a special set of circumstances that would warrant a modified process. Many children who fall under special needs are deemed less likely to be easily placed with an adoptive family than their fellow adoptees. As mentioned above, the phrase “special needs” does not exclusively pertain to children with learning or emotional disabilities. In fact, each state has a different criteria for what can legally be considered a special needs child. In the state of Texas, special needs adoptions involve a child who is:
- Six or more years of age
- Part of a racial or ethnic group that is statistically proven to remain in the foster care system longer than other racial or ethnic groups.
- Born with or looking to be placed with a sibling
- Professionally diagnosed with a mental, emotional, or physical disability
A child only needs to fit one of these guidelines for the them to be considered special needs. However, a child could still fall under multiple of these categories.
What Are The Benefits of a Special Needs Adoption?
Aside from slight differences in the documentation, the main difference between traditional adoptions and special needs adoptions is the ability to apply for adoption assistance. Adoption assistance is funding provided by the state to adoptive parents to help finance the adoption process and the cost of childcare. In Texas, this assistance covers:
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- Health care for the adoptee– Coverage for doctor’s visits (such as pediatric, psychiatric, dental, and eye care) as well as medical equipment, and transportation
- Singular adoption expenses– Adoptive parents can receive funding for adoption-related expenditures such as legal fees including court and attorney fees. It can also be used to cover any payments made to Adoption Choices of Texas
- Recurring expenses– The monthly assistance can be put into place to cover any financial impact that an adopted child’s special needs may have upon a family. You can apply this to areas such as educational needs, childcare, or even to maintain sibling or familial communication. The amount given each month depends on the needs of the child and the financial condition of the family
Is a Adopting a Child With Special Needs Right For Me?
Adoption assistance can motivate many to consider adopting a special needs child. However, it should not be the only factor you consider when choosing a child to adopt. It is important to remember that some of the elements of special needs adoption that separate it from a traditional adoption may require specialized care and attention for the duration of the child’s life. To decide if adopting a child with special needs is right for you, we recommend thinking over the following questions:
- Are you willing to accommodate any special needs the child may have?
- Are you ready to handle any learning or physical obstacles you may encounter?
- Does your financial situation enable you to take care of a child, especially one requiring special care?
- Does your insurance and medical plans cover any needs that your child may have?
- Are there accessible doctors that cover and specialize in the emotional or physical challenges of the potential adoptee?
- Can your local school district handle the special needs of the child in the proper educational environment?
- Have you connected with any parents of children with similar needs to the child you are looking to adopt?
- Do you have access to proper training to accommodate your child’s unique requirements?
- What ethnicity and age would best fit your family dynamic?
Interested in Adopting a Special Needs Child?
If you and your family agree that adopting a child with special needs is right for you, contact Adoption Choices of Texas. Our adoption specialists will guide you through the needed amendments and alterations that are required when adopting a special needs child. In addition, we will support you in applying for and obtaining any adoption assistance that you are eligible for. Adopting a child today will help your family grow and also allow that child to prosper.
As an expectant woman or birth parent, to learn more about adoption, contact Adoption Choices of Texas. You can call us at 945-444-0333, text us at 945-444-0333, or email us here. If you are hoping to adopt, please visit us here. We look forward to helping you through your adoption journey!
As an expectant woman or birth parent, to learn more about adoption, contact Adoption Choices of Texas. You can call us at 945-444-0333, text us at 945-444-0333, or email us here. If you are hoping to adopt, please visit us here. We look forward to helping you through your adoption journey!
