Adoption With Special Circumstances
Am I ever too old to adopt?
The primary consideration in terms of an adoptive parent is their overall health and well-being, and their ability to meet the physical needs of a child. There are some adoption agencies that do have upper limits as to age, but by and large the ability to care for the child is the most important criteria. As you see, there's a growing number of grandparents that are adopting their grandchildren.
What does it mean when a child has "special needs"?
“Special needs” is an extremely broad term, used to refer oftentimes to specific characteristics of children who may be in the foster care system. In some instances it's far too broad because it covers everything from the fact that the child may be in a group of sibling and may be harder to place, that the child may or may not have a disability, that the child may be older. So the term really covers probably too many criteria, and I think can sometimes be off-putting for people beginning the adoptive process. There are many, many kids who are special needs who flourish, who are defined as “special needs” under that broad term, and who flourish. And if you saw them a year or 2 later after they've been defined as such, you would never apply the term to them.
Do siblings get adopted together?
In a perfect world, siblings would always be adopted together. Child welfare policy has changed over the years and there's been a growing recognition that it is really important to keep siblings together when they are adopted, because that sibling bond may sometimes be the only original familiar bond that remains after the adoption. It's important for the welfare of the kids. Having said that, sometimes it is difficult to place a large group of siblings. It doesn't always happen, but it is definitely the preference.
What issues will I face if I adopt a child with special needs?
Special needs is a very broad term. So if you are considering adoption, you want to make sure that the term special needs, is simply a reminder that the child you're bringing into your home may be suffering from grief and loss or developmental issues. But it's more important that you, as the adoptive parent, understand what those issues and special needs are from the beginning and look at them not as roadblocks, but as issues that you need to understand and find the appropriate people and support to address them.
How do I adopt a child who has been orphaned in the wake of a natural disaster?
It's a wonderful and a very human impulse after a natural disaster to see the children and want to provide homes for them. However, adoptions after a natural disaster usually don't take place, for a variety of reasons. In the wake of a natural disaster, what officials want to do is have the children actually remain in the country or state where they live, because it's important for them to remain in familiar surroundings. In addition, because of the chaos that ensues after a natural disaster, there are children who at first may appear to be orphans but may well not be, because it simply takes time to locate their biological parents. That's another reason adoption immediately after a natural disaster is discouraged.
Can I adopt an adult?
You can adopt an adult. Adult adoption refers to adoption of a person who's 18 years or older. Most states allow adult adoption, but there are a few that don't, so it's important to check with your particular state laws.
Why would I adopt an adult?
You might want to adopt an adult for the purpose of solidifying a particular legal relationship. For instance, in terms of inheritance or a will. You may have made a connection with a foster child who's no longer in the foster care system; they're an adult now, and you want to make that child a part of your family. Adult adoption may be a way of showing appreciation or cementing a particular bond that has grown stronger over time.
