Every child deserves to thrive. 

At Lifeline Children’s Services, we believe that every child, no matter their abilities or needs, is worthy of love, family, and belonging. 

Because adoption comes through trauma and loss, all children who join families through adoption have unique needs and challenges, but we are seeing an increased need for families to step out and show children with a variety of special needs that they are worthy of love. 

As state laws in the U.S. change concerning abortion, the number of children with special needs waiting for a family is growing. Internationally, many older children, sibling groups, and children with moderate needs are waiting for families. How is God calling your family to help a child thrive?  

Each year, there is an increasing number of women who are seeking to make an adoption plan for a child with medical complexities. Lifeline desires for these expectant moms to know their child’s life is valuable and made in the image of God. We also want them to know there are amazing, well-equipped families who will value, love, and care for these precious children. 

These women and children need well-equipped families to partner with Lifeline in ministry and demonstrate the value of life. We are looking for gospel-centered families to partner with us in caring for these image-bearers through open adoption. 

Some special needs that arise include the following: 

• Cerebral Palsy 
• Down Syndrome
• Other genetic conditions that will significantly impact cognition and development or could cause significant physical limitations 
• Life-limiting diagnoses

Lifeline is here to equip willing families on this journey. 

As with all adoptions, we provide education and support for the entire journey and beyond. For those considering children with special needs, we will provide education specific to the needs for which you are called and equipped to parent. We will also help you assess your capacity and ability to care for various needs. 

Adoption becomes necessary when brokenness has impacted a family. Being separated from, abandoned by, or neglected by a birth family leaves a lasting impression of trauma on a child, even those of very young ages. Living in an orphanage, as many international orphans do, also often leaves imprints of trauma. Therefore, all children who come into a family through international adoption experience unique emotional, social, physical, and mental needs, even if they are medically healthy.  

Additionally, special needs in the international community can encompass more than medical or cognitive special needs. Special needs can indicate children who wait longer for families. Thus, sibling groups and older children can be among those who are considered in greatest need of advocacy.  

At Lifeline, we believe in finding families for children where they can be known, loved, and belong. Currently, the greatest needs in international adoption are for families who are open to sibling groups, older children, and children with more moderate medical or cognitive needs.

The average age of a child adopted internationally through Lifeline is 7 years old, and 42% of the children who come home through international adoption are part of a sibling group. Some common medical special needs we see include:

• Developmental delays 
• Behavior and emotional disorders
• Cognitive delays
• Cerebral Palsy
• Down syndrome
• Speech and language delays
• Hearing and vision loss 
• Neurological disorders

We are committed to providing education, resources, and support for our families, equipping them to follow God’s leading in adoption. 

Connect with us to talk with us more about special needs international adoption.