Orphaned children are among the casualties of Hurricane Katrina.
Though Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in 2005, many children still experience the fallout from this natural disaster. Katrina orphaned many children were and left some parents unable to care for their young. If you're considering adoping, you may want to consider a child affected by Hurricane Katrina. While many people seeking to adopt first look overseas, adopting a child born in the U.S. who is in need is also a viable and noble option.
Instructions
Preparing
1. Find a lawyer specializing in adoption of children orphaned by Katrina. His or her familiarity with the circumstances could expedite the process.
2. Schedule a psychiatric evaluation and home visit. Adoption agencies will require proof that you can provide a stable home. Survivors of Hurricane Katrina have been traumatized by the disaster and by entering the foster care system. By making contacts now, you can set up a support system that will be in place when you bring a child home.
3. Ask friends if they can provide a personal references, especially those who have seen you around children.
4. If you're living in a studio or one-bedroom apartment, you will should move to a larger living space.
5. Determine an age preference. Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, so the child you are adopting will be at least four and could have lived in several foster homes.
The Process
6. Fill out the necessary forms. Adoption fees may cost up to $30,000 per child but are considerably less for special-needs children.
7. Though the child you're adopting might be an orphan, there is the potential for a relative who wasn't reachable by traditional methods to suddenly come forward.
8. If your adoption is successful, expect your child to go through an adjustment period. He or she might not be comfortable with calling you mom or dad immediately.
9. Enroll your child in school and be sure to enroll him or her in counseling to help with the adjustment. Because Katrina was such a traumatic event, a strong support network will benefit your child.
Tags: Hurricane Katrina, your child, child adopting, many children