Typically, an urgent need for adoptive families exists in the foster care system. Children in foster care are in temporary custody of the state due to abuse, neglect and abandonment. In an effort to reduce the number of children languishing in foster care, several agencies specialize in special needs adoptions. The term "special needs adoption" refers to the adoption of children who are hard to place. Those with this classification include children with physical disabilities, mental health challenges, children exposed to drugs, alcohol or HIV, sibling groups, biracial children, and children of color.
Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) - DFCS is a division of the Georgia Department of Human Services, and is responsible for numerous child welfare services, including securing temporary and permanent homes for children in the department's care (i.e., in temporary custody of the state of Georgia) In addition to finding foster and adoptive homes, DFCS also provides child care assistance to to qualifying families. DFCS partners with WAGA Fox 5 Atlanta to present the award-winning Wednesday's Child feature of children in immediate need of a permanent home.
Adopt America Network - Works to find adoptive homes for children currently available for adoption.
AdoptUSKids - A project of the U.S. Children's Bureau, AdoptUSKids helps to connect youth in foster care with prospective foster and adoptive families.
CHRIS180 - CHRIS is an acronym for Creativity, Honor, Respect, Integrity and Safety. CHRIS Kids provides therapeutic behavioral and mental health services to children in foster care.
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption - Nonprofit organization which collaborates with adoption agencies and awards small grants to agencies connecting foster children to safe, permanent homes.
Families First - Collaborates with placement agencies to help foster children find permanent families.
