Adopting: Domestically, Internationally, or Not At All
In 2006, the Associated Press published an article on adoption of children with Down syndrome. It revealed that there is at least 150 people on a waiting list, at any given time, who want to adopt children with Down syndrome. Today, I have read that the number of families waiting to adopt a child with Down syndrome is 200 or more. Why has it become a trend to adopt children with Down syndrome?
According to the same article, our society is changing, in the way we look at people with Down syndrome. The explanation is due to a shift in acceptance, and in an increrase of inclusion, for people with Down syndrome in our culture. Individuals looking to adopt, believe children with Down syndrome are better candidates for adoption than children with other disabilities. There is also mention, that the positive outlook toward individuals with Down syndrome, is due to medical and educational advances, which is leading to fuller and longer lives of people with this diagnosis.
Thousands of children with Down syndrome in our country need to be adopted. Fortunately, we have a system that will support children given up for adoption. It isn't a perfect system but it allows children of the state to be supported and placed into foster care. Foster families are provided to help these children grow in stable households and live meaningful lives. There are programs like the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network, that connect families to state and local agencies when they have decided to domestically adopt a child with Down syndrome, who is waiting for a family.
Unfortunately, other countries with larger populations, have even higher numbers of children waiting for adoption. Countries like China and Russia tend not to have the resources we do here, for children waiting to be adopted, or the progressive attitudes and beliefs about a Down syndrome diagnosis. These systems rely on orphanages and institutions to handle unwanted children. The living conditions, for the children who are housed there, lack stimulation and necessary means to raise any child. Reece's Rainbow is a non-profit organization that offers donation based grants to help families adopt children internationally.
Those who are interested in adopting may be able to receive grants through their place of employment or paid days off to travel during the adoption process. Other assistance can come through financial aid of churches, as well as, personal fundraising efforts. However, adoption isn't for everyone. People who don't want to adopt but still want to help can become foster parents or make donations to programs that help with adoption. No matter how, you can help. Your support will help a child become adopted and save their life.
According to the same article, our society is changing, in the way we look at people with Down syndrome. The explanation is due to a shift in acceptance, and in an increrase of inclusion, for people with Down syndrome in our culture. Individuals looking to adopt, believe children with Down syndrome are better candidates for adoption than children with other disabilities. There is also mention, that the positive outlook toward individuals with Down syndrome, is due to medical and educational advances, which is leading to fuller and longer lives of people with this diagnosis.
Thousands of children with Down syndrome in our country need to be adopted. Fortunately, we have a system that will support children given up for adoption. It isn't a perfect system but it allows children of the state to be supported and placed into foster care. Foster families are provided to help these children grow in stable households and live meaningful lives. There are programs like the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network, that connect families to state and local agencies when they have decided to domestically adopt a child with Down syndrome, who is waiting for a family.
Unfortunately, other countries with larger populations, have even higher numbers of children waiting for adoption. Countries like China and Russia tend not to have the resources we do here, for children waiting to be adopted, or the progressive attitudes and beliefs about a Down syndrome diagnosis. These systems rely on orphanages and institutions to handle unwanted children. The living conditions, for the children who are housed there, lack stimulation and necessary means to raise any child. Reece's Rainbow is a non-profit organization that offers donation based grants to help families adopt children internationally.
Those who are interested in adopting may be able to receive grants through their place of employment or paid days off to travel during the adoption process. Other assistance can come through financial aid of churches, as well as, personal fundraising efforts. However, adoption isn't for everyone. People who don't want to adopt but still want to help can become foster parents or make donations to programs that help with adoption. No matter how, you can help. Your support will help a child become adopted and save their life.
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