Of the approximately 534,000 children who have been separated from their birth parents and placed in foster care, about 126,000 can never return to their original home. They need the nurturing and support that a permanent family can provide, and deserve a chance to grow up feeling secure and loved. That is where special needs adoption comes into play. It’s not so much about finding a child for a family, but rather it’s about finding the most suitable family for each waiting child.

"Special needs" is a phrase used to classify children who, for various reasons, have a harder time finding families willing to adopt them. Often special needs include factors such as age, background, and physical, mental, or emotional challenges. Children may also be classified as special needs if they are part of a sibling group that is being placed for adoption together, or members of a minority group. Typically, the children placed for adoption by Children’s Village are considered special needs. If you would like additional information on adoption, contact (212) 932-9009.