Enhancing Ministry Service Provision: Adoptive Families' Capacity to Care for Children and Youth with Special Needs

Abstract

This literature review was conducted to explore what elements contribute to the success and disruption of children with special needs who are adopted into prospective families. Five prevailing themes emerged as important considerations when placing children and youth who are waiting to be adopted. These themes include: the characteristics of the child, the characteristics of the adoptive family, sibling placements, agency practices, and most importantly access to pre- and post-adoption supports and services. A general consensus among the voices of professionals and adoptive families in this area of practice concerns the significance of supporting families before, during, and after the placement of children and youth with special needs to ensure permanency of placements. Identifying service needs and gaps in service delivery are therefore essential to ensuring safe, healthy, and successful adoptive experiences for children and youth with special needs. The findings of this report pose important implications for the adoption sector the Ministry of Children and Family Development in the service provision of special needs adoptions.