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Special Needs Adoption

Is It for You?

By Margot Poss

State adoption subsidy programs provide assistance for children who are not eligible under the Federal IV-E Program. Adoption subsidies take various forms in the different states, depending upon the child's needs and the state agency's program. Under the state-funded programs, there are typically three types of adoption subsidies: medical, maintenance and special services.

Medical services cover some or all the costs related to a child's specific medical condition that are not covered by the family's health insurance. Maintenance services are payments made to the adopting family that help cover living expenses, and special services include one-time payments made to cover a child's emergency or extraordinary needs.

Many employers offer adoption benefits, as well. The NAC offers a listing of employers who offer these benefits.

There is no question that there are many responsibilities that come with adopting a child with special needs. But armed with information on the current resources available to prospective parents, the road will seem less daunting. Research has proven that children with special needs can successfully be placed with families who will provide and care for them. There are more than 100,000 children with special needs waiting for a permanent home in the United States alone. Could one be waiting for you?

For more information, contact the North American Council for Adoptable Children at 1-800-470-6665, or visit their Web site at www.nacac.org. You can reach the NAC online at www.nac.org or by phone at 800-862-3678.