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Originally Posted By WickedHazel

Since August '99, hubby and I have had "custodial guardianship" of our great-nephew (hubby's nephew is father and is not able to care for him, "mother" is whereabouts unknown). He's currently 5. He's hearing impaired (profound/severely in one ear, moderate/severely in the other)and is developmentally delayed due to lack of proper care and education before coming to live with us. We would like to adopt him. "Father" is ok with this, Grand-father (who is co-guardian) thinks it's a great idea. Our problem is that he (our "son&quot currently receives SSI/Medicaid to cover his medical expenses (therapies, hearing aides, etc...). When we called Social Security, we were told that because hubby has a 401k in excess of $3000 we lose SSI. That wouldn't be a problem (not much money there anyway) except that losing SSI means losing Medicaid, too. We can not afford insurance, deductibles, co-pays, etc. for him but with the help of Medicaid, we can make it. Also, one last kink, we live in Florida, guardianship, SSI and Medicaid are currently through Michigan (where he's from).
Has anyone else experienced this? We really can't afford an attorney. Is there any other option? Advice is appreciated and welcome. Post here or e-mail to wickedhazel@hotmail.com Thank-You!

[Archive]

Originally Posted By Deaf and adopted

I am very involved in the Deaf community in ny and am also an adoptee...this may not be the answer that you'd like to hear but instead of spending so much time and money on making your child a hearing child allow him to explore his Deaf culture. By seeing your son as Deaf many of the expensive therapy sessions and new and improved hearing aids that you are wasting money on would be eliminated.

I hope that the adoption goes through and that a wonderful little boy enters a loving home. good luck with everything.