Mission West Virginia’s primary focus is on “special needs” children. Many children in WV awaiting adoption are considered “special needs.” “Special needs” is often another way to say “waiting children.” This does not necessarily reflect any problems the child may have. While some of the children who wait have a physical, emotional or educational challenge, many are healthy and are doing well developmentally. There characteristics that are used to describe “special needs” are defined as:

o Over the age of eight (8) which presents a barrier to adoption

Adoption builds a family and provides a permanent home for a child. After birth parents have voluntarily given up their parental rights OR the court has terminated the parents’ rights, the adoption can be finalized in a court of law. The adoptive parent then becomes the child’s legal parent and has the same formal and legal responsibility for the child as if they were the biological parent.

Foster care is the temporary placement of a child while a permanent plan for their future is being developed. In some cases, a foster placement will lead to adoption.