If you are thinking about adopting a child, the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network may be an option for you. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services explains SWAN is for children that may be harder to find adopting families due to various factors.
Some people want to adopt a very small child or one that comes from a background that doesn’t include trauma. Many adoptive parents want to avoid children who may have special needs as well. But these kids still need a home, and that is where SWAN comes in.
Common factors
Children within SWAN generally are more challenging to place with adoptive families. If you become part of the network, you will find children who may have disabilities or are of a minority race. They may be over the age of five or have a debilitating genetic condition. Some of the kids in SWAN also have siblings with whom they wish to find a home.
The goal
The goal of SWAN is to bring together everyone within the adoption system, from potential parents to judges to administrators. These people all work hard to help find these children homes because every child deserves to have a loving family. They have a right not to sit within the foster system and bounce from home to home. Stability is important for children, and finding a forever home is essential to helping these kids have a healthy and happy future. SWAN provides a support system that will help children who adoptive families may otherwise overlook. It is a winning situation for everyone.