When considering adoption, parents will encounter many different and overwhelming options. The choices you make will depend on what is best for you. The decision you personally make will depend on your budget, time restraints, and family dynamics.
Fostering-to-adopt
Adopting a child from the foster care system
Adopting an infant
Adopting a child internationally
DOMESTIC ADOPTION
Domestic adoption is adoption within the parents' country of residency. Domestic adoption can be facilitated through the Department of Health and Human Resources, although parents may choose to work through a private agency. Adoption of special needs children is most often facilitated through the WV DHHR. This type of adoption has no cost to the parents.
INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION
International adoption occurs when a child and the adoptive parent(s) are from two different countries. This type of adoption can be facilitated through a private agency. There are costs associated with this type of adoption and will depend on the agency and type of adoption pursued. Extra legal work through immigration services must also be completed to authorize this type of adoption.
DECIDE WHAT TYPE OF ADOPTION YOU WANT TO PURSUE
Even if you already know that you want to adopt a child who has special needs, you still need to make a number of choices about your adoption. Most importantly, you need to evaluate your family's strengths and limitations in considering a child to join your family. These considerations include:
- Do you have a specific age range in mind?
- Could the child be from a different cultural background than your own?
- Would you like to adopt a sibling group?
- Could you provide a living home for a chid with physical or mental challenges?
Adoption Information
Choosing an Adoption Route
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