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OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- In fiscal year 2002, Oklahoma’s Swift Adoption Services placed more than 1,200 children in quality adoptive homes. But with this great success there are still more than 1,736 children in Oklahoma waiting for the day when they will be part of a loving, caring adoptive family.
Many of these children suffer from physical and mental disabilities as the result of birth defects, physical abuse, poor pre-natal care or substance abuse during pregnancy. These children have special needs and are looking for special families to love and take care of them.
To help raise awareness about special needs children awaiting adoption, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services Swift Adoption Program would like to introduce Oklahomans to four very special children.
Meet Patrick, a beautiful blonde-haired six-year-old. Patrick has cerebral palsy and is currently in a children’s specialized hospital, but he needs a family of his own. Patrick enjoys social interactions. He smiles and vocalizes and enjoys attention.
Patrick likes musical toys and has been working with switches for communication. He is alert and responds to auditory, tactile and visual stimulation with big smiles and body movements. Patrick needs a family that will be committed to meeting all of his daily living needs.
Meet Keyontre, an adorable five-year-old boy with soft brown hair, brown eyes and a great smile. Keyontre is diagnosed with Shaken Baby Syndrome and will need specialized services throughout his life. Keyontre is fed through a feeding tube and is cortically blind. He takes medication for control of seizures.
Keyontre responds well to cuddling when he is upset. He loves music and enjoys his musical toys. Keyontre responds to voices and he loves to be around other people, especially children. Keyontre is a very calm child with a sweet disposition. Keyontre needs total care from a family that can meet the challenge and joy of parenting this special child.
Meet Michael, a happy 14-year-old boy. Michael loves to laugh and smile. He was born healthy, but when he was five-years-old Michael was severely beaten. He now has quadriplegia, severe mental retardation and cerebral palsy.
Michael has a Baclofen Pump placed in his back and can sit up and doesn’t have to be adjusted very often. Michael is in the 9th grade and loves school. He doesn’t receive grades for his work, but he loves to be around other kids and the sounds of a busy school.
Meet Stephan, a handsome 12-year-old boy. Stephan has a great smile and loves to hug and be hugged. Stephan has been diagnosed with early infantile autism with global developmental delays. He was born with arterial reflex, a congenital heart defect that must be monitored. Stephan attends special education classes and is learning to use sounds and cue cards to express his needs.
He understands some sign language, can dress and feed himself and say some words. Stephan enjoys playing on a computer and is proficient in its use. Stephan is looking for a loving family that is experienced with children with developmental disabilities and is willing to make the commitment to his special needs.
If you or someone you know would like more information about adoption, please call 1-877-OK-SWIFT (1-877-657-9438), or click on www.OKDHS.org/adopt.
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