More than 1,100 B.C. kids...

[Luba]

under 12 waiting to be adopted in province- News article from 'Province' Newspaper

Agencies urging people to open their hearts and homes to these children


Fewer than 400 potential parents are ready to take a child into their lives for good.
The Ministry of Children and Family Development is considering publishing the children's photos online along with their medical and biographical data to attract potential parents.
The agencies also warn that many of these kids will require total commitment if adopted.
Adoptive parent Deborah Brown adopted a child with a disability that even the Ministry thought nobody would ever adopt. The three-year-old has fetal alcohol syndrome and was exposed to cocaine and heroin in the womb. Brown says "it's turned out beautifully for the two of us."
The majority of children in care have special needs. Most were exposed to drugs or alcohol in the womb, have learning or developmental disabilities, or physical and emotional challenges due to poor health or abuse.
Photolisting is common in the US and Alberta has adopted it. Others warn of pitfalls because of the cost to the children [and their privacy].

The Adoption Council of Canada estimates there are 70,000 foster children in Canada, more than 20,000 are up for adoption, but each year under 2,000 are adopted.

In BC, you need to be 19 and a resident of the province to apply--singles and married, common-law and same-sex couples are all welcome. So are people over 40, people with disabilities, lower income earners and non-home owners.

Applicants must undergo up to a year of education and home-study assessment before they are placed on an active list to be matched with a child.

Parents may qualify for post-adoption assistance, which may consist of funding or subsidies, program assistance or help with medical bills, learning assistance and camps. The Adoptive Families Association of BC provides information and peer-based matches with families to provide support.

[darkangelism]

not surprising, always more kids, then familes willing to take them.