Out for a Little Bit

Oh Jared I will pray for you to find your family daily.  I am not going to be here until my son's special needs are stable again.  I will keep posting Jared's pic throughout FB, but my after just burying a grandmother, and having to fight the school system, I need a few weeks to catch up. 

Have a blessed Memorial Day.

Aho,

Val

Proposition....

Both Sutter and Jared are in the same country.  IF we can all work together to raise the money to fund them both, my husband and I will run to get them both.  Can we do it?  We have less than a year.  How about 3 months?  Jared needs to get home as soon as possible, and Sutter will age out next year.  I am decided on a fundraiser for Jared's fund.  Jared's picture at the top right of the page brings him directly to his fund.  Here is a link for Sutter's:  http://reecesrainbow.org/52642/sutter

Still Looking Jared

Once again, I am asking for help in finding Jared's forever family.  In case I do not post this enough, Jared has Stickler Syndrome.  It is a congential condition that is highly treatable, and the earlier the better.  Unfortunately for Jared, earlier is not happening and he is already 6.  Please help us find his family!  Just look at "my" boy's cheeks! 

http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/stickler-syndrome

Julie!

Yes, I usually stick to the boys but this girl sounds like the perfect daughter.  She had an American family host her one summer, and she did well.  I bet her hair would be amazing if she was able to grow it out.  Well, if she wants to! :-)

http://reecesrainbow.org/1696/julie

Simon

Here is yet another handsome boy that will be aging out this year.  He has until October for his family to commit to him.  Let's bring Simon home!!  He has an amazing grant, is smart, and that smile makes me think a little bit of a joker inside.  Wouldn't you love to make him laugh?  Oh, and his grant is >$5,000 to help find his family faster.   http://reecesrainbow.org/50017/simon.

Is Anyone Approved/Ready for China?

If so, this young man needs a family NOW!!!  He needs his adoption finished by September.  He has a great smile, and I am betting he would love an active family. 

http://reecesrainbow.org/58929/matthew-john

Seriously...

Someone needs to go get Jared.  Please!  There is just so little information available on him, and that is never a good sign.  Even though he is now 6 even his picture from his country is REALLY old, and there have never been updates.  It's not unheard of for inexperienced and under funded orphanges to ignore these children completely.  It is also not unheard of for them to die when they are transferred into an adult institution at the ripe old age of 5 or 6. 

Stickler Syndrome is a highly treatable syndrome.  Unfortunately, intervention needs to be done sooner rather than later.  Jared really needs his family to get him NOW.  Help me raise Jared's funds!  Help me spread the word!  Help me find his family!

Brighest Blessings,

Val

Cannot Decide on Which Country?

Well, I am sharing the page from Reece's Rainbow.  Don't forget if you find a child on another site, and they are classified as a special needs child (sans healthy older), you can put in an application for an FSP.  Please ignore the requirements for Russia if you are American.  Sadly, Russia has slammed the door shut for Americans at the moment, and are considering closing it to all other countries.  Pray for those children that will be left behind, and those whose families were in the middle of adopting their children. 

International Programs

Reece’s Rainbow is a VOICE OF HOPE for children with Down syndrome and other special needs in around the world. We started in 2006 with only five children in Ukraine! We are thrilled with the success and growth of this ministry, and God’s ability to raise awareness for these beautiful children through us. More than 800 children are currently listed on our website waiting for their family to find them. Even if you are not in a position to adopt, you can make a life-saving difference for any child with your grant sponsorship gifts!
Info listed here is based on most recent program requirements and restrictions as stated by the individual country officials.
This page updated February, 2013.

Africa 1	Married couples, and single women are allowed to adopt girls No length of marriage requirement One parent has to be 21 years older then child they are adopting No family size restrictions Unrelated children on a case by case basis 1 or 2 trips, depends on location of child Total cost estimated between $20,000 – $25,000 depending on travel preferences, age and special need of child Orphan investigations are completed for each child before placement, to verify their orphan status.
Africa 2	Married couples only No age restictions No family size restrictions 2 short trips required; for at least one parent: first trip a week or less and the second is just to pick up the child
Africa 3	Married couples, single women can adopt girls Couples married at least 1 year One parent must be over 25 years old Less than six children in the home preferred, exceptions made on a case-by-case basis Parents must be practicing Christians and provide a letter of recommendation from a pastor Unrelated children on a case by case basis One trip of 4-6 weeks in most cases. Two trips on a case by case basis. Total cost estimated between $20,000 – $25,000 depending on travel preferences, age and special need of child.
Africa 4	Married couples only; must be married at least 5 years Couples between the ages of 30 and 45 are preferred, but older couples requesting an older child will be considered Small families preferred (3 or fewer children), but exceptions may be made. Travel required; one trip, about 2 weeks Total cost approximately $23,000 – $25,000
Bulgaria	2 trips, 5 days each Approx cost only $19-25k! (depends on how many people travel, time of year for travel, etc) NO UPPER AGE LIMIT Single mothers may apply Easy dossier, very few restrictions Only one parent has to travelCANADIAN FAMILIES WELCOME!
China	Typically one trip of 10-14 days, only one parent needs to travel Married couples and single mothers may apply One parent must be US citizen Both parents must be between 30-54 years old (a waiver is possible for up to age 65) Married at least 2 years Previous experience with Down syndrome preferred, if adopting a child with DS Minimum of $10,000 of annual income per family member, including the new child you hope to adopt A minimum of $80,000 net worth (a waiver is possible) Health good, no history of cancer. No medication for depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia. Body Mass Index (BMI) must be under 40 (a waiver is possible) No criminal record or alcohol within the past 10 years Total estimated costs approximately $25-30K depending on agency and location
Colombia	Single heterosexual parents may adopt No family size restrictions Multiple unrelated children may be adopted together Both parents must travel to the country and stay until completion of adoption — approx 5-7 weeks (one parent may leave after a week or two) Estimated total cost $21,000-24,500
Ecuador	Parents must be 25-50 years of age Single women AND MEN accepted Couples must be married a min of 3 years Parents must be healthy, both physically and mentally Totally clean criminal background No more than 4 children at home Both parents travel for 3 weeks One can return home, the other must stay an additional 5 weeks
Haiti	Multiple unrelated children can be adopted together One parent must be at least 35 years old Parents must be married at least 10 years The number of children can depend on other factors Singles may currently adopt Past depression is OK, but must explain the circumstances and past and/or current treatment If a criminal history/background, must be explained in detail Travel is not required; however, it is strongly encouraged Travel for pick-up is about a week. It is not required, but strongly encouraged.
Hong Kong	Full medical and social info available EASY travel, both parents for one trip (5-7 days) Families are encouraged to travel, but escorting is available No more than 5 children at home Parents must be at least 25 years old, no more than 54 Married couples only Couples married at least 3 years for first marriage. A minimum of 5 years is preferred for a second marriage Mental health/depression history considered case by case Relatively low cost – generally estimated around $15,880.00 – $18,810.00
India	Married couples, must be married a minimum of 2 years, ages 25-53 Single women, ages 30-50 No more than 3 children at home Both parents must travel 1 or 2 trip process, minimum of 10 days per trip No history of chronic or serious illness No current use of medication for mental health issues (including depression or anxiety) Very minimal history of criminal incidents; please inquire
Kazakhstan	Information coming soon
Korea	From the time of paperwork completion and match until travel is about 12+ months One trip (minimum length of 3 business days) and both parents must travel There are some restrictions, so any family that has a medical, mental, arrest or substance dependency should contact the agency Married couples only Parents must be between the ages of 25 and 41 ½ at time of application
Latvia	Both parents for approximately 2-3 weeks for bonding time Stay in a furnished apartment or house with your new child for bonding One parent returns for court 2-3 months later (very short trip, 2-3 days) Third trip is 4-6 weeks after second; One parent returns for a Sunday-Friday to complete Embassy paperwork Children can go home with parents after first trip, and return with parent for the third trip. Total cost, including travel approx $29,000 Multiple unrelated children can be adopted Parent history of anxiety or depression is usually allowed, if parent is now in good health
Lithuania	Married couples only (married at least 2 1/2 years) Parents must be 18 years older than child Parents over age 50 will be considered on an individual basis No history of mental health conditions or infectious diseases Two unrelated children can be adopted together Two trips are required Both parents must travel for the first trip (approx 5-7 days in country) Only one parent needs to travel for the second trip (10-12 business days) Total costs estimated around 30,000CANADIAN FAMILIES WELCOME!
Panama	Single mothers over age 30 accepted No same-sex couples Parents should be under 50 years of age 2 trips, both parents must travel both times, but only 7 days each trip No family size restrictions Multiple children can be adopted simultaneously Total cost under $19k!
Peru	Single women or married couples, age 25-55 Couples must be married 2 1/2 years Both parents, one trip of 4 weeks After the adoption finalization and new birth certificate, one parent can go home early (about 2.5-3 weeks); one parent remains for final visa exit interview and new passport Approx 9-12 months from dossier submission to travel No set restriction on family size Parents with mild mental health history may be considered on a case by case basis Two unrelated children in the same orphanage can be adopted together The agency seeks Christian adoptive parents Total cost approx $27,000 (additional child, add about $5000)
Poland	Married couples and unmarried mothers welcome Parents must be at least 25 years old No family size restrictions No parent age caps Both parents must travel for about 2 weeks until court, then one can leave and one stay for another 3 weeks. Other children/family welcome to join you. Special “bonding” program allows for the child to live with you in an apartment during your entire visit. They are not returned to the orphanage or foster home. Full medical information available Total costs estimated around $30,000
The Phillipines	Married couples only Mother can be no more than 45 years older than the child, father’s age is flexible Must be married at least 5 years Family size considered based on child desired One trip, only 7 days!
Russia	2 trips 1st trip, Both parents for 5-7 days Wait 2-3 months for court Both parents travel for 2nd trip, one can leave after 4 days, the other waits 10-25 days longer (depending on if the 10 day grace period is waived) No family size restrictions Both parents must be younger than 60 years Total program and travel fees approx 35k Summer travel may result in significantly higher travel costs Fee includes a $500 orphanage donation Married couples and single mothers may apply CANADIAN FAMILIES WELCOME!
Taiwan	Full medical and social info available EASY travel (both parents for 4-7 days) Relatively low cost No more than 5 children at home Married couples only, must be married 5 years Parents should be 30-50 years of age and in good health Fees vary greatly, $25,000-40,000 plus travel (adoption of children with special needs tends to be on the lower end of that estimate)
Ukraine	Married couples only Parents must be a minimum of 15 years older than the child they’d like to adopt As of late 2011, there’s no longer an upper age limit for parents No stated family size restrictions Total with travel approx $25k Both parents for 2 1/2 weeks to attend court Both parents return home for 10 day wait Only one must return to complete the adoption for approx 14 days No history of mental health conditions or infectious diseases No criminal history May adopt multiple unrelated children This is a very fast program! Start to finish is an average of 7 months. Families committing to children in this program, especially the children at risk of the institution, should be in a financial position to complete the adoption quickly. It is a blessing to be able to adopt so quickly, but leaves little time for major fundraising efforts. CANADIAN FAMILIES WELCOME!

Kolya

Another child little man with Down Syndrome!  Here is Kolya: http://reecesrainbow.org/1513/kolya-7-2

Veronika

This beautiful girl only has a few years until she is no longer available for adoption.  She is just beautiful, and the country she is in has a stable program.  Here is a synopsis of the steps/requirements:

Full medical and social history available. Single moms, older parents and larg families welcome. This is a wonderful program!

• Both parents for 2 weeks for bonding time
• Both parents come back for court several weeks later (only a couple of days)
• One parent returns for 4 days to complete Embassy paperwork
• Total cost, including travel approx $22,000
• Stay in a furnished apartment or house with your new child for bonding

Veronika has been waiting a long time, and has a grant over $5000.  Here is her link: http://reecesrainbow.org/4432/veronika-l23

Critical Need-Mark

Most of the boys I have posted have been in Eastern Europe.  Here is Mark, he is in Latin America!  Mark is critical not only because he is an orphan with a special needs (Down Syndrome), but this little guy has leukemia.  He needs his family NOW!  Please please pass this on.  Or, if you are him Mom, please go get him.  His grant is now over $10,000!!!  http://reecesrainbow.org/297/mark-latin-america

Sorry for the grainy picture, but it is due to the original quality.

Devon

This young man is older and waiting for his family to find him.  He only has 4 years to find a family.  Devon is HIV positive.  Not only is he an orphan, but carries the stigma of being HIV+.  Please consider Devon.  He also has over $2000 in his grant fund at the moment.  http://reecesrainbow.org/3459/devon2803.  Want more information on adopting a child with HIV, please go here: http://projecthopeful.org/

Urgent/Casey

I am posting for Casey AGAIN. He really really really needs his mama. He needs a family to commit/file their basic paperwork by June 15th, or he will no longer be able to be adopted. Here is his link: http://reecesrainbow.org/51124/casey. If you are interested, here is the new family information, please inquire about what needs to be done to adopt this boy: http://reecesrainbow.org/new-family/newfamily. 

iPad Mini Raffle!!

The Mitchell Family is bringing home two little boys from Eastern Europe.  Please help them meet their needs.  Each raffle entry is $20.  "This is from facebook post:  We only have 15 spots (out of 35) left. $20 per spot donated to Grumpyjax@yahoo.com via paypal. I would love to draw a name today!!! Please help if you can".  If you DO NOT want to enter the raffle but still donate, or just read up on this family, here is that link:  http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=mitchell

Come on folks, they're traveling soon, and need every penny they can get! 

Thanks,

Val

Jared's Team Came in Second!!!

And with they split a small grant. But every little bit helps!! Come on folks, let's help Jared out, he has been waiting for soooooooo long!!!!  The link to the right goes directly to his page.  Thank you!!!

Sutter Needs a Family Again!

Please please consider Sutter!  He needs a family to take a leap of faith and bring him home.  He will do amazing with a family, some good nutrition, therapy, and most importantly....LOVE!!!  Please pray for the family who could not go get Sutter, and for the family that can!  If you cannot adopt this handsome young man, consider donating to his grant to help his forever family find him!  http://reecesrainbow.org/52642/sutter