A rant on Adoption

Many kind and compassionate people adopt children from foreign countries such as China where most of the country's ~15 million orphans are girls, as a result of the one-child per family law. (Read this chilling report: http://www.achildsdesire.org/chinaadopt.htm). I applaud people who adopt in this way with the associated costs, travel requirements, and many other sacrifices; however, I can't help wondering about the children who are up for adoption right here in BC!...
According to the Ministry of Children and Family Development (hereafter - MFCD) there are 1200 children up for adoption in BC; 60% of these children are between the ages of 5 - 12, and 30 - 50% are believed to have been exposed to drugs or alcohol prenatally. These children are called "BC's Waiting Children," and they are waiting to become part of a "forever family" for many reasons:
- they are over two
- they are part of a sibling group
- they have disabilities or behavioural problems
- they have attachment disorders from being through so many foster homes
- they have been abused or neglected and not had a chance to learn or develop normally
- they have a combination of the above issues

And they continue to wait... and most will be waiting till they exit the system at age 19... broken, confused, unloved, lonely.

The MFCD posts profiles of some of these children waiting for adoption
(condensed significantly here). The profiles exude positivism, but they are still pretty heartwrenching.

Karl
Birth date: January 1993
Ethno-Cultural Background: Caucasian
Karl is an energetic boy with a fun sense of humor. He is small for his age, but is healthy and active... Since coming into foster care, Karl has done remarkably well... Karl is continuing to work through anxious feelings associated with his experiences in his family of origin. He has an awareness of his need for counselling and medication to address his anxiety. Karl is adjusting to his change in circumstances with the support of his counsellor. He is open about his need for positive attention from his caregivers and presents as teary or sad when his emotions overwhelm him. Karl needs lots of reassurance and positive reinforcement as he builds his self-esteem.
Karl needs an adoptive family who is committed to providing him with emotional safety and permanence... Karl will bring much joy and pride to the family that is willing to put their hearts into caring for him.

Denton
Birth date: July 2005
Ethno-Cultural Background: Caucasian
This endearing, irresistible and loving toddler is Denton. He is a happy, easy-going child who rarely cries. He is known for his amazingly sweet smiles and his special talent for seeking out cuddles. He enjoys snuggling into his foster mom’s arms to soak up affection, then wriggles to show he is ready for play. He is a spunky, busy little boy, inquisitive in his exploration of the world around him... Denton is a compact little boy and is relatively small in stature. He has cerebral palsy and this presents as stiffness in his hips, knees, and ankles... Denton experienced seizures as an infant and continues to receive medication for epilepsy... Denton needs a forever family that celebrates his developmental progress and supports his medical needs.

see more at: http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/adoption/bulletin_external/profiles.htm

Adopt a waiting child.
1-877-ADOPT-07
http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/adoption/index.htm