Adopting a sexually abused toddler...any opinions

Jennifer - posted on 03/11/2009

We fostered a young special needs child for two years that had been sexually abused. Developmentally she was at the age of a toddler when we got her. She sexually acted out in ways that shocked me (I had been a kindergarten teacher for 8 years at that time & seen plenty). We had to watch her like a hawk around men and olde boys. Some of the things she did to herself broke my heart. Two years later when she was adopted by her forever family she was definatly past the acting out and behaved sexually normal for her age. I am sure there are scars and issues taht will have to be dealt with as she matures but I know she is in loving christian home and will be okay. Despite how hard it was to deal with (along with her special needs and other abuse issues) I wouldn't even think about never have taken her into our home. If her special needs weren't better met with her adoptive family we would of adopted her ourselves. We will forever love her & she will forever be our daughter & our younger son's big sister! So if you love this toddler as your child and know you can meet all of the needs, adopt him/her, regardless of any issues!

April - posted on 03/11/2009

God bless your family and keep you all in His care.

Veronica - posted on 03/10/2009

Yes, the Lord is your shepard, I thank God for your heart and your desire to love on theis child. I would say to rebuke the devour of the enemy over this child and cast down any and every demonic spirits and doors opened upon this child. I pray in agreement with you and cast down any negative spoken over the childs life I rpay that the child will not suffer by the hands of the enemy, for thine Fathers rod and staff shall comfort thee. I speak life to those dry bones, joy, peace, happiness, healing, love and health. I speak a new newness through out the whole family, in Jesus mighty name, Amen  

I have you in my prayers

Your Sister In Christ

Veronica

Ivey - posted on 03/10/2009

Quoting Kat:

I have some experience with sexually abused toddlers. Most likely, she is young enough that she won't remember anything for long, as long as it ends now. I pray that God will bless you with this little girl's life as much as you do hers. If you need any specific advice on this topic, i'd be more than willing to help.

I agree with Kat. My husband's neice was abused when she was three,it only happened one time and her mother got her away from the man,she doesn't remember any of it.I pray that you will be able to get this child to a safe home,even if it's not your own.

Rebekah - posted on 03/10/2009

That's an awesome opportunity to be an example of "true love" to a child that doesn't understand what it is.  I will keep you and your family in prayer, for you will have tough times, as well as awesome ones. :)

Kat - posted on 03/06/2009

I have some experience with sexually abused toddlers. Most likely, she is young enough that she won't remember anything for long, as long as it ends now. I pray that God will bless you with this little girl's life as much as you do hers. If you need any specific advice on this topic, i'd be more than willing to help.

Sia - posted on 03/05/2009

Quoting Mandy:

God bless you for keeping an open mind and looking for answers. What a blessing you and your family will be to this child. I will be praying.

Thank you for your prayers.

Sia - posted on 03/05/2009

Quoting Di:

Good luck with it Sia, bless you for even being open to it. How old is she?

She is sixteen months old.

Mandy - posted on 03/05/2009

God bless you for keeping an open mind and looking for answers. What a blessing you and your family will be to this child. I will be praying.

Di - posted on 03/05/2009

Good luck with it Sia, bless you for even being open to it. How old is she?

Sia - posted on 03/05/2009

Nothing if final yet, I am just preparing myself to be open if it comes to this.  An investigation is currently going on and if it is the case I do not want this child juggled between homes.  It is the daughter of a family member but her father is in jail and the guardians  have an open door policy in their home.  Every and anyone has access to the home and come and go as they please.  The child was exhibiting behavior that was questionable to the pediatrician which prompted the investigation.  I am praying...praying for guidance, also preparing for anything.

Shelly - posted on 03/05/2009

Sia,

  I think it's great that the Lord has put this baby in your life it sounds like he/she needs all the love you can give...The only suggestion I can give you is make sure that you have a very good Christian councelor that has delt with sexual abuse cases...Your going to run into issues you can't handle by yourself.  Only b/c you have not been there!!!  Just keep God in the mix and you will do fine he knows what your getting ready to enbark on and he knows what the out come is going to be so just keep leaning on him.   And God bless you for giving this child a loving home he/she can call thier own...May God bless you even more on this path you have choosen... 

Gayla - posted on 03/05/2009

Dear Sia,  How precious it is to adopt and give a baby an opportunity for having a family and love.  What a blessing!!    As for the sexual abuse, pray pray pray.  Be aware of acting out inappropriately toward self or others.  Toddlers, by nature, act out.  :)  But not all of them act out sexually.  I was abused as a toddler, and it affected me through my first marriage.  Pray to God for wisdom to know what to do if behaviors start.  I will pray as well!  I pray you enjoy your little bundle of Joy!  sent straight from God!

In Christ,  Gayla

Winnie - posted on 03/05/2009

I think it is really nice that you are opening your home for this little child. It is such a great opportunity to pour out your unconditional love, which they need so much right now, and to tell them how much Jesus loves them.