Other things to think about…

Adopting a child, particularly an older or special needs child, is one of the most important and life-changing decisions you will ever make. Every Waiting Child Family should do thorough research on the special need(s) they are considering and thoroughly contemplate the issues that may be related to adopting an older child. Families should also consult with medical professionals, as well as their social worker, before making the happy decision to accept a child.

If you are considering the Waiting Child Program, ask yourself:

v  Why have you decided to consider a special needs child? How does the rest of your family feel about this? If a shortened timeline is your main motivation to consider the Waiting Child Program, this probably isn’t the best road for your family.

v  What do you understand about the special need(s) you are open to? What research have you done and with whom have you consulted? Do you have medical specialists available to treat your Waiting Child once he or she returns home?

v  What do you expect from the special need(s) you are open to? Have you spoken to an adult who has a similar condition?

v  What impact do you think a child with special needs will have on your family? Do you have the time and financial resources for surgeries and therapy?

v  Have you considered that there may be undiagnosed medical conditions with your special needs child that may not be known until after placement?

v  How have you prepared to adopt an older child who may have spent his/her life in an orphanage?

v  If you have other children, how will you prepare them for this new child? What about appearance or emotional issues, etc.?

v  Have you considered that your Waiting Child could be close in age to or older than a current child? CCAI has no stipulations regarding “virtual twinning” or breaking birth order, but how might this work in your family?

v  Do you know what your insurance company will cover for a pre-existing condition? Think about surgery, therapy, etc.

v  What resources are available in your area, i.e. blind and deaf schools, support groups for limb differences, or cleft lip and palate clinics, etc.?

v  What kind of a support system would you have for this adoption?