What Information Do Adoptive Parents Need?
Adoptive parents may sometimes feel that they are blindly forging ahead in relationships with children with whom they have no past history. A great deal of information -- experiential, medical and behavioral -- is necessary for them to properly care for and love the new additions to their families.
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Family History
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It is vital for adoptive parents to know the types of environments their new children came from. This will assist them in understanding and empathizing with any issues or problems the youngsters may have. Fear of the dark, timid or highly aggressive behaviors, bed-wetting, anorexia, hoarding and other defensive actions may come from experiences they had with their biological parents or other caregivers.
Medical History
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The medical histories of children available for adoption are extremely important. For example, a child may have parents who were HIV positive, consumed alcohol during pregnancy or have a history of diabetes, heart disease or cancer. Knowing the child's medical history helps adoptive parents monitor or become proactive in preventing the child from developing health concerns.
Current Medications and Treatment
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Adoptive parents need to know what medications their prospective children are taking, the dosages and how long the child is expected to continue using the medication. They must be made aware of possible side effects and long-term impact of the drugs. For example, some medications may induce weight gain or loss, while others may cause children to become drowsy or irritable. Dosages may need to be raised or lowered, depending on the child's reaction to the medicines.
Potential Challenges
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Children who are available for adoption may have a myriad of issues and problems. Many of these may disappear once they are placed in a loving, caring home, but some aftereffects may linger and have long-term impacts on their mental or physical health for years to come. Parents need to know what obstacles they may face in the future, so they can properly prepare both themselves, other members of the household and the adoptive children. There may be therapies, medications, classes or seminars that can assist or alter the outcomes of the trauma these children may have endured. For example, some children may be prone to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and proper medications, support systems and a clear understanding of the impairment will allow adoptive parents to provide tools for academic and personal success throughout their school and adult years.
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Each state handles adoption procedures and requirements a little differently. However, adoption records are sealed in most states once the adoption is finalized. While protecting the privacy of all parties involved is paramount, it is possible to gai
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If you are looking to share your home with a child in need of love, food and shelter, the route of adoption is a viable option. Adopting domestic and international children can take several years and cost up to $30,000 in processing fees. Before you
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The choice to search for your biological child, whom you gave away for adoption, can become both time-consuming and emotionally draining. If the adoption was closed, the agency will not release information to either the birth parents or the adoptee.
