Adopting a Child with Special Needs

Author(s):	National Adoption Information Clearinghouse (HHS)
Availability:	View Publication Printable Version (PDF - 109 KB) Order Publication (Free - Add to Cart)
Year Published:	2000 - 8 pages

This fact sheet for prospective adoptive parents defines "special needs" and explains the process for adopting children who are older, part of a sibling group, or who have physical or emotional disabilities. Federal and state adoption subsidy programs and post-adoption support services are described. The fact sheet includes a list of resources for parents who are adopting children who have special needs.

Adopting Children with Developmental Disabilities

Author(s):	National Adoption Information Clearinghouse
Availability:	View Publication Printable Version (PDF - 107 KB) Order Publication (Free - Add to Cart)
Year Published:	1999 - 8 pages

Families who adopt children with developmental disabilities have the parenting skills and motivations to provide a loving home for children with special needs. This fact sheet describes the emotional benefits and challenges of raising a child with a developmental disability and reviews the characteristics of some common forms of disability. Mental retardation, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy, spina bifida, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, and fetal alcohol syndrome/fetal alcohol effect are discussed.

Adoption and School Issues

Author(s):	National Adoption Information Clearinghouse (HHS)
Availability:	View Publication Printable Version (PDF - 131 KB) Order Publication (Free - Add to Cart)
Year Published:	1993 - 9 pages

Written for adoptive parents, this fact sheet explains the impact of adoption on the academic performance of preschool, elementary school,and secondary school students. Emotional and social issues specifically are highlighted. The briefing emphasizes the importance of assessing the needs of the child and considering other reasons for difficulties, such as vision problems, attention deficit disorder, or learning styles. Tips for enhancing the adoption sensitivity of school personnel and students also are provided

Adoption and the Stages of Development

Author(s):	National Adoption Information Clearinghouse (HHS)
Availability:	View Publication Printable Version (PDF - 157 KB) Order Publication (Free - Add to Cart)
Year Published:	1990 - 16 pages

The impact of adoption on the psychological development of children is reviewed in this factsheet. The briefing describes what parents can expect during each stage of development, from infancy through adolescence. Topics include: when to disclose adoption, family relationships, loss and grief, and identity formation.

Adoption-Related Books for Children from Preschool to Age 8

Author(s):	National Adoption Information Clearinghouse (DHHS)
Availability:	View Publication
Year Published:	2001 - 6 pages

This information sheet lists books about adoption written for young children. The books discuss feelings about adoption, the meaning of adoption, types of families, and the perspectives of birth children in an adoptive family.

Adoptive Families Magazine
A leading adoption information source for families before, during, and after adoption.

Children with Disabilities/Special Needs

Author(s):
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Year Published:	2004 - 4 pages

This directory lists organizations that maintain information about resources for parents and caregivers on children with disabilities/special needs. The groups provide direct service or referrals for technical assistance, professional training, respite care, educational issues, and advocacy. E-mail and Web address are provided when available.

Lifelong Issues in Adoption
Discusses how adoption is a lifelong, intergenerational process that unites the triad of birth families, adoptees, and adoptive families.