Adopting a Child with Down Syndrome
We have so much experience in placing children with different special needs, and we see many families who have a special heart for adopting a child with down syndrome. These families find these children very special, and they feel that they have resources and a better understanding of how to create stability and permanency for children with this condition.
What country should families consider adopting a child with down syndrome from? We talk to the coordinators in each country, and we work intentionally to identify children whose conditions are compatible with the needs families are able to meet. Adopting a child with down syndrome depends on the age of the child, any potential other conditions, etc.
Kids First International has a special program for adopting a child with down syndrome in Bulgaria. It is hard to explain why, but there are a number of children with down syndrome from Bulgaria who need permanency. International adoption changes all the time, but at this point we feel that a family could get referral for a child with down syndrome within a year, or sometimes sooner, and we are committed to guide families through the whole adoption process. If you are a family who is open to adopting a child with down syndrome, we will be happy to talk to you, answer your questions, understand your age preferences, and work hard to find a match that is meant to be.
How do you start the process of adopting a child with down syndrome?
- The adoption process always starts with submitting an application to the agency
- Start the home study process in state in which you live. We will be happy to connect with providers in your state, if you have different choices of home study agencies, and you want our opinion or want us to ask certain questions
- Application to USCIS (immigration and naturalization services)
- Work on the dossier documents. These are a list of documents such as your prepared home study, your medicals, letters from employer, your clearances, etc. (it sounds complicated, but we give you very clear form, and we guide you step by step)
- Review the medical information about the child
- Connect with independent adoption specialists
- We prepare you for the trip and make proper accommodations and arrangements in the country. Our coordinators walk you through the process in the country
- We communicate with you and our coordinator overseas and make ourselves available when questions arise
- We guide you when you come home
- We stay in touch for years to come
- We do annual reunions and honestly, it is one of our most favorite days of the year since it is so good to see our families and children
- We are proud that families choose to stay in touch with us for years to come and feel comfortable to ask questions when they arise.