Where can I find an agency that specializes in the adoption of Deaf Children here in the United States?

Question

I have done numerous Google searches and come up with only advice sites on raising said children. I am well aware of what it takes: I am a Coda and Fluent in ASL.

Answer 1

Fortunately, we have finally reached the point in the good old United States where deaf children are not considered social pariahs.  My guess is that the parents of deaf children realize that deafness is not a reason to banish them from their families.  In fact, I have a deaf employee who would take great issue with your implication that a deaf child is undesirable.

Answer 2

My suggestion is to register with a few agencies, but also contact Social Services.  

A couple that I know had a Downs Syndrome daughter. They chose not to have more children, but contacted Social Services about adopting a newborn with Downs Syndrome so their daughter didn't have to 'compete' with a normal child.  Social Services found one infant in another state fairly quickly and they now have two daughters only a few months apart. The girls are now 4 and adore each other.

Answer 3

hmmm.  good question.

i think you might have to start with foster care.

deaf kids- especially if born to deaf parents are kept more often these days.  remember back in the 60's and 70's when they used to send these kids to institutions regularly?  gawd.

Answer 4

I have posted this information before, and am glad to post it now!  These three agencies should be of great help:

Deaf Adoption Newtwork

www.cbdeafministry.org

rainbowkids.com

Good luck to you!

Answer 5

If you are specifically looking to adopt a deaf infant, I think you may have a hard time locating one, as deafness usually takes a few months to be presented/noticed.

Your best bet is to register with adoption and foster agencies and state your preference, as disabled children are harder to place.

I have worked with several agencies in the past and have never heard of an agency like the one you seek. Potential parents are presented with a list of disabilities they can or cannot handle. Very few people have the capacity to accept a child they deem "imperfect" so I am sure you will be able to find the child you are looking for.

Answer 6

i don't believe there is one because most agencies deal with childern right after birth and there is no way of knowing in the womb if the child will be deaf.   Then after word they are considered special needs and will likely end up in foster care