[ms_mckenna]

We are about a year out from being ready to start to adopt a newborn. We are currently in the process of taking a sibling group of 2 legal risk both AA through foster care. It will probably be a year before the adoption is final. Now my question for you guys is we really want to adopt one more after this. We are pretty specific on what we want we are a biracial couple and would like a biracial girl. We are ok with mild to moderate special needs. We know we are not going to get this legal risk through the state of Texas and we have promised our children we will not take a newborn we do not know what will happen with again. (Our princess is going to an aunt in a few weeks and it is has broken thier heart along with ours). So my question for all of you are there certain agencies that it would be better for us to go through for what we want? Any ideas on how much we are looking at spending so we can start saving or looking for financing? We would love to not break the bank for this last adoption. Also are we going to be looked down on by agencies because we already have 4 children? Our 12 year old son is special needs as well he has CP and walks with a Kwalker. I was suprised that they said in foster care this is acutally a benifit to us because it shows that we can deal with a child with issues. Anyway would love input. Would also love pm's with agencies you have used. TIA.

[Linny]

First, I'd tell you that having four children already WILL NOT limit you. What birthmothers are looking for, varies from situation to situation.....so don't let the size of your family bother you.
Secondly, the only POSSIBLE problem you might encounter in having foster/adopt children, and then wanting to adopt privately, would be IF any of those foster/adopt children have specific problems that might hinder bringing home an infant. I'm not talking so much about moderate or mild special needs. I'm speaking more to having sexual issues with other children...regardless of age. We encountered this with our family.....in having a kid that became a sexual predator---AFTER we'd adopted privately as well. This is something I'd not suggest to anyone if the child/ren they have, have any big history of sexual abuse.

Other than that, I can't think of any agencies that would be specific to special needs; many agencies HAVE a division FOR special needs babies....and you can check those out by seeing their websites, KWIM?

Good luck to you!!

Sincerely,

Linny

[ms_mckenna]

Thanks for the info. It is good to hear that our family size is not going to limit us. Funny how I never wanted a bunch of kiddos and now I do lol.

My kiddos have been in care almost a year now and nothing SA has come up as of yet. I am not niave enough to think that it might not be there but we are praying nothing like that has happened. The case does seem pretty cut and dry just drug issues course I know what a gateway that sometimes opens.

Thank you again Linny for the info.