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Why Do We Focus on Special Needs Adoptions?
We emphasize special needs adoption for one simple reason: We believe every
child deserves a loving family. Yet the number of children with special needs
waiting to be adopted far exceeds the number of children waiting to be adopted
through more traditional programs. By focusing on special need adoptions, we are
changing the lives of children at greatest risk of waiting the longest.
What are "Special Needs"?
Children who are said to have "special needs" come from a variety of backgrounds
and may include the following:
- Children five years of age or older
- Sibling groups (brothers and/or sisters placed with one adoptive family)
- Children with emotional, intellectual, social, mental, or physical challenges
- Children with the genetic predisposition for developing emotional, intellectual, social, mental, or physical difficulties
- Minority children (In Maryland, a child cannot be declared special needs based on minority race alone)
- Children within the child welfare system
Pennsylvania's Statewide Adoption Network (SWAN) and Adoptions of Children
with Special Needs
In addition to its direct service, Diakon administers Pennsylvania's Statewide
Adoption Network, or SWAN, a program that assists with adoptions of children
with special needs. SWAN is supported by an association of affiliate agencies,
including both public child welfare agencies and private adoption agencies. Through
SWAN, special needs adoption fees are often waived and state financial support may be
given to adoptive families.
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