I don't know much about it but i have a suggestion. Since the process of applications and approvals can be so long why not go ahead and do some research on agencies and contact a few, explain your particular situation and see if you meet the requirements and find out what you can do to be better prepared when the time comes. Also your community probably has group homes/ care providers for special needs children. Contact them and see if you can be involved somehow. They usually need volunteers, that would help you and them