Some very Special Children are waiting for Adoptive Families
Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) has long been dedicated to finding families for Illinois children waiting for adoptive homes. Sometimes children who enter foster care as a result of abuse or neglect cannot return to their birth families. Instead, they need adoptive families who are committed to them for a lifetime.
Waiting or Special needs children are defined as:
- Children who have an irreversible or non-correctable physical or mental handicap, or
- Children who have a physical, mental, or emotional handicaps correctable through specialized services, or
- Children who are one year of age or older, or
- Children who are members of a sibling group who are being placed together for adoption in which at least one child meets one or more of the above criteria
LSSI offers education, preparation and support for families who want to adopt children with special needs. Our staff is there for the family before, during and after the adoption.
FAQ’s
Who can adopt a special needs Child?
Often times, there is a misconception that an adoptive parent must own a home, be married and be wealthy. In reality, one does NOT need to own a home, be married or be wealthy. Special needs adoption is open to people who rent their home, who are single and who have an average income level.\
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What kind of Family does a waiting Child need?
A child who has suffered abuse or neglect or has a physical or mental disability needs a family who is committed to him/her for a lifetime. The family must be able to strongly advocate for the child while at the same time provide a nurturing, stable, and non-judgmental home. The child needs a family who can meet any challenges that may present itself.
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What does a special needs Adoption cost?
Special needs adoptions are funded through the state of Illinois, and therefore, is free to the adoptive family. In addition, there are often financial subsidies and medical cards that are available to assist the family in caring for their special needs child.
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What is included in the preparation for adoption process?
In addition to the licensing process, which includes a home study and training, the adoptive families are provided with the child’s history including information about abuse, neglect and other behaviors that are known while in the child welfare system. The child will be in the adoptive home for a minimal of six months prior to the adoption. That time is used to ensure all services are in place and allows the child and family members to adjust. An adoption specialist will work with your family to assist in this process.
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LSSI Adoption Services, 1-888-671-0300 or Request Information Online |
