• Foster homes and foreign adoptions Foster homes and foreign adoptions Adopting children from foreign nations is becoming more and more restricted. Nations where Kauaians have adopted children in the past are now cutting back, and in some cases shutting
• Foster homes and foreign adoptions
Foster homes and foreign adoptions
Adopting children from foreign nations is becoming more and more restricted.
Nations where Kauaians have adopted children in the past are now cutting back, and in some cases shutting down, adoptions of their orphaned children. China is one example.
This week a North Shore woman turned herself in to federal authorities to face charges related to bringing Cambodian children into the United States. The investigation is part of what’s being called “Operation Broken Heart.”
The investigation is the first mounted by the federal government following the passage of a law by Congress in 2000 that brings international adoption laws in the U.S. in line with the 1993 Hague Adoption Convention. The 1993 law set minimum requirements and set up stringent procedures for international adoptions.
The U.S. government in late 2001 began tightly regulating the influx of Cambodian children to the U.S. for adoption by U.S. parents due to then current problems relating to international adoptions.
While the sources of children for those wishing to adopt a child are on the decline, the need on Kaua‘i for foster parents is growing. For those wishing to help children in need taking in a foster child is a noble thing to do, and a relationship that can be rewarding.
Foster children are in great need of loving homes. Some are young victims of abusive homes. Others have been neglected, or in a home where a parent is hospitalized or otherwise unable to care for their child. Probably the biggest problem foster children on Kaua‘i face is having parents – or parent – who are strung out on drugs.
The state Department of Human Services office in Lihu‘e is a place to find out more about adoptions and taking in foster children.
To become a foster parent you fill out an application, have the DHS undertake a home study at your residence and take a course for foster parents. The course is taught through the Hawaii Behavioral Health office.
If you are approved the DHS will call you when a foster child is available that they feel matches your home. Often the child is from the same area as the foster home so the child doesn’t have to change schools.
Some, though not most, foster children end up being adopted by their foster parents. For those interested in adoption on Kaua‘i there’s the Kauai Adoption Support Group that focuses on the needs of families who have permanent custody of children through adoption or guardianship, and for those who are interested in or impacted by adoption.
There is a great need in the world for homes for needy foster and orphaned children. There is also the ability in our relatively wealthy community for families to take care of children in need, as well as a desire by families and individuals to help children.
Taking in a foster child is a sacrifice, but also a blessing for those who want to help. While helping a foster child may not end up in a lifetime adoption relationship, it is still a great way to show love for a needy child.
