adopting "special needs" children

The first week we were home from China Elie found a toddler Dora puzzle.  She was fascinated by it.  She had absolutely no idea how to put together a puzzle or how to match pictures.  We spent hours, many of them in tears of frustration, as she tried to learn and as I wouldn't let her give up.  As the months rolled by the puzzle came together with ease.  And now, a year later, she tries to play blokus with her brother. Amazing!  

So many children wait for a forever family because they have been labeled "special needs".  Elie's own list was long.  In fact our social worker said that we see more specialists then any other child she is following.  But the reality for many of the children with a "SN" label is that they have already had their need fixed or could be easily treated with the love and dedication of a family.  International adoption has greatly changed over the past few years.  Most of the children available for adoption now have some type of special need.  However, the wait time is much shorter and the financial assistance is much greater for these precious kids.

Don't let the "special needs" label scare you away from adoption.  It is incredible to get a front row seat to watching what happens in a child's life when they are placed in a safe environment and receive the medical care they need.

If you would like more information on adopting a child with special needs,  please contact our family anytime... we would love to help in any way possible.

Here are a few sites to begin your journey:
http://www.brittanyshope.org/
http://www.bringinghopetochildren.org/
http://twentyless.com/
wonderfulwaitingkids.com