Letter From The Chairperson

Right now, more than 300 Kentucky children are living in foster homes, group homes, and residential centers, waiting for adoptive families. They're not the babies many of us think of when we think of adoption. Rather, they are children with special needs and gifts. Most are school-aged and some have physical, mental or emotional disabilities. Approximately one-third are children of color, many have experienced some degree of neglect or abuse and some are brothers and sisters who want to stay together. Their common bond is a strong desire to be part of a permanent, nurturing family.

Wednesday's Child, Inc. is an independent, all volunteer, non-profit organization whose mission is to advocate for these children, to expand public awareness about their plight, to recruit and inform prospective adoptive parents, to help bring children and families together, and to sustain families created through adoption.

This web site is just one of many efforts toward meeting that goal. We encourage you to read about these children, share this web site with others, and consider opening your home and your heart to a child who needs you. You can also learn more about Wednesday’s Child by tuning into my segment every Wednesday on WLKY-TV News (Louisville, KY) at 12 noon, 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. where I introduce a child (or children) currently available for adoption.

The remainder of this site explains how the adoption process works and provides important information for potential families who might some day welcome one of these needy children into their home, allowing them to fulfill their dream of belonging to a family.

Sincerely,
Liz Everman
Chairperson, Board of Directors

FAQ
Who can adopt a Wednesday's Child?
Adoptive parents may be single, married, childless, or already parenting other children. You don't have to own your own home or have a high income. Divorce or history of marital and personal counseling does not disqualify you, nor does physical disability. These children don't need perfect parents. They need one or two loving individuals willing to face some new challenges and make a lifelong commitment.

Where do these children come from?
Children who are waiting for a family come from a variety of situations. Many of the children listed are currently in a foster home. This could be their only placement from first being moved from their family of origin, or it could be one in a series of moves the child has experienced. Sometimes, the children come from a previous adoptive placement which did not work out. Other times, a child may need special therapy, which they receive in a residential treatment center or group home. But no matter what their present situation is, all of these children are waiting for the stability of a permanent family.

What does "Special Needs" mean?
Just as every child on this web site is unique, so are their needs. Some children are born with physical conditions that may require special equipment, medical or dietary services, and an experienced and knowledgeable family. Other children may require special education services. A majority of the children also have emotional scars from a background that includes abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Some children have a combination of these special needs.

How much does adoption cost?
The Kentucky Cabinet for Families & Children does not charge an adoption fee. Subsidies may also be available to help offset the costs of adoption, as well as for ongoing maintenance and/or medical needs of your child. These subsidies are based on the child's needs, not your financial situation. Depending on the child placed with you, you may also qualify for reimbursement of non-recurring costs, such as legal fees.

How do I start the adoption process?
You may begin by calling the toll-free telephone number, 1-800-928-4303. If you have not completed the family preparation process, you will be referred to an adoption information meeting in your area. The orientation meeting (or adoption information meeting) is the first step in the adoption process. Here you will be given general information on the adoption and foster care processes and details regarding the completion of the family preparation.

If I call about a child, does this mean I will get to adopt this child?
In many cases, yes. Remember, the child's social worker is looking for the family who can best meet the child's individual need. In other instances, the worker may have several families to consider or the child may already be placed at the time of your inquiry. However, the children featured on this site represent the type of children who enter the program on a regular basis.