Beech Brook’s Adoption Program specializes in finding families who are willing to open their hearts to children who have experienced abuse, neglect or multiple placements in the foster care system.

If you’re thinking about adoption, we’d like to hear from you. Call Beech Brook at 216.831.2255 or contact us.

Becoming an Adoptive Parent FAQs

What kinds of children are available for adoption through Beech Brook?

Beech Brook specializes in the placement of school-age children and sibling groups. Many of the children have special needs. “Special needs” may be defined as children who:

• are age 8 or older
• are a member of a sibling group
• are a member of a minority group
• have been in permanent custody for more than one year
• have been diagnosed with emotional or behavioral problems
• have a social or medical history that may place them at risk of acquiring a mental or developmental disorder
• have experienced previous adoption disruptions or multiple placements

Beech Brook does not hold custody of the children. They are generally referred by other agencies, such as the Cuyahoga County Department of Children and Family Services or other child welfare agencies across the state.
 

Who can adopt a child with special needs?

There is no typical family. Anyone over the age of 18 who has an income adequate to meet financial obligations is eligible to adopt children. You may be:

• single or married
• with or without children of your own
• a homeowner or renter of a home or apartment

The ideal family, whatever its form or lifestyle, must be willing to make a long-term commitment to meeting the needs of their adopted child with unconditional love and support.
 

Are there any fees involved in adopting a child with special needs?

No. There are no fees for families who adopt through Beech Brook. In fact, adoption subsidies are available to help families adopting children with special needs. Each child receives a monthly stipend until at least age 18. A Medicaid card, entitling the child to medical and mental health care, is also available until the child is at least age 18.

How does the adoption process work?

The first step is to call Beech Brook for more information. If you’d like to move ahead at that point, you’ll be invited to attend a two-hour information session to learn more about adopting a child with special needs. If you’d like to move ahead with the adoptive process after that, you’ll be ready to join our training classes. Beech Brook offers joint training classes for foster and adoptive parents.

The next step is the home study, which is usually completed within six months. Once the home study is finished, you’ll be ready for the placement of the child or children in your family. (NOTE: Beech Brook home studies are completed only for families interested in adopting children with special needs.)

Beech Brook also provides foster-to-adopt services for parents who choose to make their foster child a permanent member of the family.

What kind of support is available from Beech Brook?

Once the child or children are placed in your home, a Beech Brook adoption worker will work closely with your whole family to help you move through this major transition, providing support and treatment throughout the process.

My Beech Brook Story

Meet the Chapmans

Watch a video showcasing the extraordinary Chapman family.

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