Adopting a Special Needs Child
If you want to adopt a special needs child into your home then you’ll need to be aware of the personal requirements for taking on this unique challenge of love and commitment. The requirements for a special needs child are more extensive than for one that isn’t, but the joys are just as wonderful. You will still share love and happiness just like with a “normal child” and maybe even more so. But before you decide on adopting, learn a few tips about how to be prepared, or confirm that you’re already prepared for this once in a life time opportunity.
Special needs children could have life long issues to contend with because most of these children come from backgrounds that have been difficult to say the least. The problems are all different too. From birth defects and disease, as well as mental and emotional development issues these children can have a range of problems that affect their health and lifestyle. Special needs children are usually of a minority status, and are older (Age 14 and up) with a history of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
Sadly, when it comes to Special needs children too often they are not properly cared for during the formative years of their lives. Birth Defects like Multiple Sclerosis can make it very difficult for a new parent to provide care for their child. Parents try to keep their special needs child at home when they knowingly cannot provide enough attention and resources. As a result, many of these children are abused and mistreated in a number of ways. From neglect to sexual abuse these children deal with a large number of issues, more than most people deal with in a lifetime.
Before you adopt a special needs child there are a few questions that you have to ask yourself.
� Do you have adequate health insurance coverage too meet their on going physical requirements?
� Can you meet the immediate short and long term financial obligations for any mental health treatments they may require?
� Are you physically able to keep up with the demands of a special needs child, such as one that is born with Spinal Bifida?
� Do you have the mental stamina for extra emotional duties of caring for a child that has been damaged emotionally, such as one that has been sexually abused?
� Are you financially stable enough to devote full time care for the special needs child, by either quitting work or hiring a full time caregiver?
� Can you meet the physical and financial needs, and the special education requirements that many of these children have because of developmental disabilities?
� Finally, are you spiritually prepared to loose a child at an early age because of disease or harmful behaviors?
It is wise to know and have a full understanding of these adoption tips in order to understand the implication of adopting special needs children. There are thousands of heartbreaking adoption stories, but you’ll need to remember that you can’t choose a special needs child in a moment of emotion. As with all children each comes with responsibilities and duties that last a lifetime. Even if the child is only expected to live 7-10 more years or less, because of a disease it can be very hard to let go when the time comes. Knowing that you were fully prepared from the start will help you choose a child that is right for your home and family.
The difference with a special needs child is that it’s an immediate concern; there isn’t much time to learn and adjust to your child. You have to be able to hit the ground running at full steam ahead. If you want to get adjusted to the lifestyle try volunteering at a special needs home. This is a great way to get involved with some special needs children and see what their life is like. If you decide to volunteer you will most likely spend some time helping with meals, play time, learning, and general care and it is an exceptional way to get some hands on training. It also looks good for you when you apply to adopt a special needs child if you have volunteered.
Also, talk to parents of special needs children that have taken on the task of raising them. Often times they will give you hope, support, and help when you need it. They have been there and done that. Generally if they have a heart big enough to care for their special needs child they are more than likely to help you out with the details.
However, if you’ve decided that you can, or will be able to in the future meet the obligation, you’ll have a lot of good times with your adopted child. In reality they are no different than any other child. They are just children waiting for someone to care and stick by them through all of life’s ups and downs. Take these tips to heart, and you just might realize that you’re that special person that can meet the requirements of a special needs child.
