How Long Does Adopting Take?

Adopting a child always requires a waiting period of some duration. When home studies are presented, the custodial agency for the child must assess the strengths of all the interested families and decide which family can best meet the needs of a specific child. The time frame is not predictable and it can be frustrating for families who are ready and prepared to adopt. A prospective parent who has abilities/strengths to meet the needs of a waiting child with special needs may wait nine months or more.

How Much Does It Cost To Adopt?

There is no charge when you adopt a special needs child in the custody of a local department of social services.

What Kind of Children Are Waiting?

Most are special needs children. This means they are:

• Six years old and older
• Have brothers or sisters they need to be placed with
• Have a black, biracial or other minority heritage
• Have physical, mental or emotional needs.

Is Financial Assistance Available?

Adoption assistance, also called subsidized adoption is a means of providing a money payment and/or services to adoptive parent(s) on behalf of a child with special needs. Eligibility for subsidy is based on the needs of the child. Most children who have special needs are eligible for adoption assistance. When you select a child you are interested in, ask the social worker about the child's eligibility for this assistance to meet his/her special needs.