There are so many children in Oregon (and the nation) waiting for forever families. First, let me explain what "Special Needs" means. Any child over the age of one is classified, as a "Special Needs". They can be perfect beautiful well-adjusted infants but are still classified as "Special Needs", because they're in the foster care system. Most of these kids have birthmothers that didn't have prenatal care, did drugs and/or alcohol, or have mental health issues. Birthmothers that keep having children and loosing them to the state. Yes, there are also many children that have been neglected and abused. Some of these kids have gone through things that you couldn't even imagine, total nightmares. Every child is on a case-by-case bases. DHS is very up-front and honest (they have to be by law). You will know what you're getting into and it's your call as to if you can parent the child/children.
There are some requirements before adopting through DHS. You will be screened, educated, and you will find the child/children you so want to adopt. It's a partnership! They will not force a child/children onto you. You tell them what situations you're best qualified to parent.
The cost is FREE! You will pay for nothing (A physical is required by your doctor. Your insurance should cover it. Our doctor charged us $25.00 to fill out the form; your doctor might not.). They pay for your homestudy, orientation class, training classes (which are not required but will better educate you with the issues that some of the children have), background check, and even the finalization court costs. DHS is aware that some of these kids can put a strain on a family's budget. They assist families in finding the resources needed to meet the child's needs. All children adopted through the State receive medical insurance (which helps but is not the greatest) and adoption subsidy to meet the child's needs till they're 18.
I received my son at the age of 3 months and a year later (his half sibling) my daughter at birth. I have two healthy beautiful children. My son developed an eye problem and requires wearing glasses. My daughter is doing great without issues. Both are developmentally on target and are well adjusted (other than fighting with each other over everything. LOL). But that's not to say that someday a problem may arise. There are no guarantees whether you adopt through the state or through a private agency. But at least through the state there are support groups and people willing to help you find the resources to meet your child's needs. I don't know of any private agency that will be there after the fact.
I hope this information was helpful. I wish you the best of luck through your adoption journey!
P.S. The telephone number to DHS Central Office (located in Salem) is 503-945-5909. They should be able to direct you to your local office in your county.