The Second Chance Adoption Program

Visit out new Facebook page here!

The 2nd Chance program at WIAA is now referring people to Nightlight’s Renewed Hope Program. For program information, contact kim.letteer@nightlight.org. Waiting children can be found here.

This program helps families who have adopted a child, either domestically or internationally, and find the child is not adjusting well into the new home. Nightlight’s Renewed Hope Program is the best hope when the needs of the child are not a fit for the abilities of the parents. When the difficult decision is made by the adoptive family to find a new home for their child, we can help locate a new family for their child through a legal and ethical process.

Is This considered ‘re-homing’ ?

No, adoption from dissolution does not ‘re-home’ a child. Instead we use a carefully regulated, legal process following all the laws of the state in which the child lives and all laws of the state in which the new adoptive family lives. New adoptive families must have a current home study and background clearances to ensure they are approved by their state of residence to parent an adopted child.

During the adoption process both the placing family and the adoptive family have legal representation, and before a child can leave their original adoptive home each state must give their approval for the adoption. The adoption of the child is finalized in a recognized court just like any other domestic adoption.

How does a child get matched with a new family?

Placing families have the opportunity to read about prospective adoptive families and actively participate in the matching process in order to find the right home for their child. Prospective adoptive families have access to the child’s school record as well as medical and psychological information in order to understand what the child’s needs are.

Access to this information helps prospective adoptive parents evaluate their ability to parent the child before the match is made. The agency works with both families who desire to place a child and families interested in adopting a child. We can help to match the child with an adoptive family that has the experience, ability and resources to help the child being placed with them.

Is this program successful?

Yes, adoption from dissolution is the best hope for a child who is struggling in their adoptive home. We have great empathy for parents who have done all they can to help their child but have come to the difficult decision that they have no more resources.

Because the new adoptive families have copious information about the child they wish to adopt and are prepared to parent a child from an adoption dissolution, we find that nearly all of these children thrive and do exceptionally well in their new 2nd Chance adoptive home. Parents who need a new home for their adopted child will not face any court or social service recriminations because this is a legal and appropriate way to help a child be adopted a second time.

What should I do if I want to place my adopted child with another family?

If you have made the decision to place your child with another family, you can contact the Renewed Hope coordinator, Kim Letteer. Everything you share with Kim is confidential. She will listen to you as you explain your situation. Once she understands your situation, she will give you all the information you need to get started on the journey to place your adopted child with another family. 

It is best to contact Kim Letteer Kim.Letteer@nightlight.org – and when she receives your email she will call you.  When your child is successfully matched, we will assist you in finding an attorney in your state of residence to help you meet state requirements for the placement of your child with the new adopting family.  There will be additional costs for the services of the attorney. The fees charged by the attorney will vary from state to state.

What do I need to do to apply as a prospective adoptive family?

If you are interested in finding out more about adopting a child from dissolution, you can contact us at Kim.Letteer@nightlight.org. All of the children are visible on this website and on the 2nd Chance Facebook page.