Links to Special Needs Parenting & Adoption Support
Parenting:
Special Olympics Minnesota is founded on the belief that people with intellectual disabilities can, with proper instruction and encouragement, learn, enjoy and benefit from participation in individual and team sports, adapted as necessary to meet the needs of those with intellectual and physical disabilities.
Special Olympics Minnesota believes that consistent training is essential to the development of sports skills, and that competition among those of equal abilities is the most appropriate means of testing these skills, measuring progress and providing incentives for personal growth.
Special Olympics Minnesota believes that through sports training and competition, people with intellectual disabilities benefit physically, mentally and socially; families are strengthened; and the community at large, both through participation and observation, is united in understanding people with intellectual disabilities in an environment of equality, respect and acceptance.
Parenting Special Needs Organization
Navigating our world together, we explore the changing face of parenting a special needs child. Continually seeking change for the better with new and helpful information that is “simplified” to fit into our already busy schedules. A few of our features will include: “REAL LIFE” with a special needs child, S.O.S: Siblings Offering Support, “Practical Tips”, Do you know or Did you know?, Development, Special Needs Planning, Rights, Caregiver Care, information and resources to help navigate your course.
The "Primary Mission" of the Our-Kids Listserv is to provide information and support for Our-Kids.
The "Secondary Mission" is to provide information and support to the caregivers of Our-Kids.%uFEFF
Federation of Children with Special Needs
The Federation is a center for parents and parent organizations to work together on behalf of children with special needs and their families. Organized in 1975 as a coalition of parent groups representing children with a variety of disabilities, the Federation offers workshops and training, advocacy and resources to parents of children with special needs and the professionals who serve them. %uFEFF
Adoption:
North American Council on Adoptive Children
In North America, tens of thousands of children cannot remain with their birth families. These children—once labeled unadoptable or hard to place—are mostly school-aged. Some are brothers and sisters who must be placed together. Some are drug-exposed or medically fragile. Most have physical, mental, or emotional difficulties. Many are children of color. All need loving families.
Founded in 1974 by adoptive parents, the North American Council on Adoptable Children is committed to meeting the needs of waiting children and the families who adopt them. For more information about NACAC, click on the Services link or download our 2010 annual report.
We offer an array of services to both families and child welfare professionals. From tips and resources to an extensive database of children in U.S. foster care available for adoption and families who are home studied and approved to adopt them. We have what you need right here to make your journey through foster care and adoption successful.
Minnesota Adoption Resource Network
Welcome to MN ADOPT, a program sponsored by the Department of Human Services through the Minnesota Adoption Resource Network (MARN), a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization. MN ADOPT is dedicated to supporting and sustaining the families who adopt Minnesota Waiting Children by providing the following services:
• Online, searchable database listing children in Minnesota available for adoption
• Referrals to pre-adopt orientations and trainings offered by private and county agencies
• Post-adopt trainings (in person and online) designed for parents and professionals
• Information on parenting children with special needs and adoption assistance
• Resources and support services offered by private agencies, counties, tribes and individuals for families who adopted Minnesota Waiting Children
• Events celebrating diversity and designed for recruitment
For more information call our information line at 612-861-7115 (866-303-6276 toll free) or email us at info@mnadopt.org