Finding Forever Families!

You know, for years (YEARS) I kept a bassinette in my garage, just in case someone left a baby on my doorstep. No one ever did, likely because in this day and age, it doesn’t usually work that way. (Fortunately, I should add.) Nope. Children whose birth parents are unable to provide for them are a part of a system, a system I was frankly intimidated by and afraid to be involved in.

I have recently learned that there are so many helpful resources to enable families to adopt, and today we are going to focus on a few organizations that are ready to help families adopt a child with Down syndrome.

Through the 321eConference I listened to two adoptive parents tell about their experience and the resources available through the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network. The NDSAN serves families in all 50 states and works to find Forever Families for children. The NDSAN mission “is to ensure that every child born with Down syndrome has the opportunity to grow up in a loving family.”

Sometimes adoptions are arranged prenatally and sometimes the children come through foster care. The circumstances vary as widely as the beautiful families they serve. There are open adoptions or closed. There are two primary constants: The NDSAN wants to help find and make the best match between a child and a family and every child needs a safe and loving home.

What About The Cost? (Keep Reading)

Many families worry about the costs incurred with adopting a child. The NDSAN will help lead families to resources to facilitate an adoption and also the IDSC is here to help too.

The International Down Syndrome Coalition (IDSC) provides grants to financially assist families that are in the process of domestically adopting a child with Down syndrome. Grants are awarded on a first come, first serve basis for those applications that have been approved by the IDSC. Funds are then issued to the adoption agencies or attorneys to be used for fees associated with the adoption. The IDSC does verify that the adoption is in process and the adopting family has a remaining balance on the cost of adoption at least in the amount of the $1,000 grant. Families are referred to the IDSC through a number of ways, but the IDSC has a close working relationship with the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network. The IDSC will again be partnering with Sevenly in June for another campaign to raise even more funds for the adoption grant program to help even more families bring home their child through the gift of adoption.

If you are open and interested in international adoption, Reese’s Rainbow offers information, support and connections to children with Down syndrome that need homes from all over the world.

If you’re on the fence and looking information, this is just the tip of the iceberg (Ack! Mixed Metaphors!) I suggest website digging and, as a softer introduction, follow all three of these Facebook Pages. If nothing else you can help them by spreading the word about the needs of these children and families.

NDSAN FB
Reece’s Rainbow Facebook
IDSC Facebook

Not every family is right for adoption, but if we spread the word, more precious children will find their Forever Home.

PS – My husband asks that I mention, I no longer have the bassinet.

PPS – My friend Robyn promised to bring me a new one if needed.