Sunday’s Child is a weekly column featuring a child currently in foster care and waiting for adoption.
Xavier is an adorable 8-year-old boy of African-American/Caucasian descent. Xavier is diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum.He receives speech services on an outpatient basis and also through his school. Although he is non-verbal, Xavier is able to communicate through pictures. Often times Xavier will take your finger and use it as a pointer to let you know what he wants. Xavier has made steady progress since being formally diagnosed with autism, which has allowed him to receive a lot of support services. He is able to follow directions that are given to him independently. He can also follow simple commands. Xavier currently attends school where he benefits from the services he receives through his Individual Educational Plan (IEP).
Xavier has had genetic testing which ruled out any underlying genetic conditions. Xavier benefits from structure in his program and he does well with consistency. He is in a small, specialized program for children diagnosed with autism. Xavier is ready to transition into a family setting from this program.
Xavier would do best in a two-parent, structured home where he can receive the individual attention he needs. Xavier can be placed in a home with older or younger children. Xavier will need a family open to maintaining contact with his birth mother. Xavier would bring great joy to a family that is able to meet his needs and help him thrive!
What does adoption cost?
It costs little or nothing to adopt a child from foster care. Unlike international or private adoptions, there is no adoption agency fee. There are also a number of free post-adoption support services available to families statewide, including support groups and respite care. Children with special needs who are adopted from the foster care system are eligible for ongoing financial and medical assistance after adoption. These children are also eligible for a tuition waiver to attend a Massachusetts state college or university.
To learn more about Xavier, and about adoption from foster care, call the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) at 617-54-ADOPT (617-542-3678) or visit www.mareinc.org. The sooner you call, the sooner a waiting child will have a permanent place to call home.
