Management of the adopted child in the craniofacial clinic.

Because of the decrease in the number of children available for adoption, there has been an increase in frequency of parents who are willing to adopt children of different ethnic and racial groups, children from other countries, older children, and children with special needs. More of these children, particularly those with special needs such as cleft lip and palate, are being seen in cleft palate or craniofacial clinics. It is important that medical care providers understand some of the potential special considerations surrounding their care. Legal status, history, medical history, genetic history, development, emotional and behavioral concerns, and the need for counseling are management issues that need to be considered in the overall multidisciplinary management of these children.