When most people think of adopting a child, they think of a perfect baby. However, there are a lot of babies and older children that are child abuse victims who are waiting for a loving family to adopt them. Adopting a child abuse victim takes a special couple who is willing to help the child deal with both the physical and emotional scars left by the abuse.
Instructions
1. Contact the Department of Children and Family Services in your area. This is the government agency that is responsible for rescuing abused children and finding permanent homes for them. You will have to fill out an application to adopt a child. You will probably have to go through a home study and background check.
2. Consider hiring a private attorney to ensure that the adoption takes everyone's interests into consideration. You want you and the child you adopt to be protected legally during the entire adoption process.
3. Think about adopting an older child. You may be drawn toward a baby but the wait may be lengthy. Couples willing to adopt older children usually wait a shorter period of time than a couple who wants to adopt a baby.
4. Be ready to provide quality medical care. Child abuse victims sometimes have extensive injuries that will require a many visits to the doctor. In any case, you will have to provide regular care and checkups for any child in your care.
5. Find a good mental health professional for the child. Many adopted children, especially one who was a victim of child abuse, will need some form of mental health care. Sometimes, a visit to a pastor is all that is needed. Other times, a child psychologist is needed. Having a mental health care professional on stand by is a good idea in case an emergency situation arises.
6. Answer any questions the child may have about the adoption. Children who are adopted will often have questions about the reason they were adopted. Talk to your spouse about the answers to the difficult questions that you may be asked.
7. Remember the reasons you wanted to adopt a child. This is especially important if you are having a difficult time with the child. When you are having a hard time, remember that, more than anything, your child needs love and stability that only you can provide.
Tags: mental health, abuse victims, child abuse, health care, mental health care, older children, will have