|
|
| |
In collaboration with the Connecticut State Department of Children and Families |
| |
The Adoption Center at FCA (Family & Children's Agency) is looking for families who can make a commitment to provide a loving, nurturing and stable home for children with "special needs".
Children of all ages, races and cultural backgrounds with various special needs are currently in foster care awaiting permanent families. Many of these children are older, or belong to a sibling group of brothers and sisters who wish to stay together. They cannot return to their biological home, and are legally free for adoption.
Children considered to have "special needs" may:
|
| |
• |
have physical, intellectual and/or emotional problems |
| |
• |
be part of a sibling group; and/or |
| |
A child with special needs requires extra assistance in learning how to cope with the pains of the past and the trauma of being separated from his/her biological family. They need extra patience and compassion as they learn to adjust to a new home and family. This transition can be a challenging but rewarding experience for both the child and the adoptive parents.
Requirements for Adoptive Parents
Adoptive and "legal risk" (see below) parents can be married, single, widowed or divorced. They can own or rent a home, condo or apartment. There is no specific age or income limitation.
Prospective parents, however, should be in good health and have an income sufficient to meet their own family needs. They must also participate in a 10-week preparation and a family assessment process in order to become licensed. Post-licensing training and support is also provided to all families to enhance the specialized parenting skills required to meet the needs of the children.
"Legal Risk"
A "legal risk" home is one that is licensed for adoption but provides foster care for a child who is not yet legally free for adoption. Should the child become free for adoption, usually the best plan is adoption by the legal risk family, as they already know the child and the child knows them.
Children who are classified as legal risk can be of any age, but many are as young as one year. A monthly stipend equivalent to the foster care board rate, plus full medical benefits are available to families who provide legal risk care.
Fees
There is a fee of $3,000 for homestudy and referral services. All families are required to have an approved homestudy in order to adopt in Connecticut.
If you are interested in becoming an adoptive or legal risk family, call Nancy Lindahl at 203.885.8765 ext. 355 or toll-free at 800.676.4066 to learn more. |
|
