foster/adopt

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CASI CO
A newsletter for the families and friends of CASI Foundation for Children, Inc.
OUR MISSION
CASI Foundation for
Children is committed to
uniting families through
adoption and improving
the quality of life for
orphans world wide.
Established 1992
A non-profit 501c(3)
In this issue:
~ A family at Last
~ Adoption Quiz
~Foster/Adopt
~Highlights
~ Program Updates
~ Holiday Hours
CASI’s Office
Hours
Mon-Thur
DECEMBER 08
A FAMILY AT LAST
The Canyon County courthouse was brimming
with anticipation and excitement. Families
mingled together in an open room anxiously
awaiting their turn to be called into court.
It was National Adoption Day and several
families had gathered to finalize their
adoptions and become a legal family.
The first family to be called was not typical family. Karla Evans is a
single Caucasian mother who is older then most single mothers. She smiled at
her adopted daughter as she guided Jocelyn with one hand and gently carried
her new son to the awaiting court room. This was a day of triumph for her as
she has overcome so many obstacles to get here.
When she first entered the program in April 2007 she was warned that
her chances could be slim and that her wait may be long. Her profile was shown
to over twenty birthparents in the course of thirteen months. She was about to
give up and not renew her homestudy when her profile was shown one more
time. This time it was the right time. She was chosen by a birthmother to parent
a beautiful little boy who had already been born.
When she first held Isaiah she knew he was her son. She decided then
and there to keep his name given to him by his birthmother in honor of her and
her selfless decision. Karla gave him the middle name of Taliesen in memory
of her own grandfather.
She now feels that her family is finally completed and her home is
bustling this holiday season. Big sister Jocelyn is happy to have a little brother
around to care for and play with.
“He is an intricate part of our family and we love him unconditionally.”
said Karla.
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
She thinks back on the adoption day and recalls the words she swore to
the judge as she took this little boy in her arms.
Fri
“I swear to always shelter, love, protect and teach Isaiah. He will be as
my own child and most importantly he will never doubt that he is loved. “
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
ADOPTION QUIZ
TRUE OF FLASE
1.International
adoption takes longer
than domestic
adoptions?
2. In domestic
adoptions, the birthparents can take the baby
back.
3. Domestic adoptions are
more expensive than international.
4. International children
are healthy except for the “special needs kids”.
5. Adoptive families are encouraged to adopt
children of the same ethnicity.
6. Home studies are required by federal and
state law.
7. Adoption is only for infertile heterosexual
couples.
8 Adoptive parents must live in the same state
that their placement adoption agency is headquartered.
9. There are children waiting in orphanages in
the United States ready for adoption.
10. You must be a foster-parent before you can
adopt a child from the Foster Care System.
ANSWERS
1. While the majority
of domestic adoptions
are shorter, there is no
guarantee.
2. Once the parental
rights have been
terminated, the birthmother can not take
the baby back.
3. There are so many
variables with domestic adoptions. The
price will depend on
the agency with who
you work.
4. Orphanages over-seas are a rough place to
start life; there is no guarantee that your baby
will be perfectly healthy.
5. Families are encouraged to pursue the
adoption of the child they feel is best suited for
their family. There is a need now for families
who are open to children of a different ethnicity.
6. Home studies are a requirement of federal
and state law.
7. Adoption is for every family, including same
sex couples and single parents.
8. Adoptive parents don't have to reside in the
same state as their placing agency unless they
are pursing a foster to adopt child.
9. There are no orphanages in the US anymore.
Children are cared for in foster-homes.
10. You do not have to be a foster-parent to
adopt a child in foster care.
HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW?
MULITPLE CHOICE
1. There are ______
number of children in
the US Foster Care
System
A. 1 million
B. 175,000
C. 130,000
D. 2 million
2. Which countries
“closed “ in 2008?
A. China
B. Guatemala
C. Vietnam
D. B & C
3. The average age of an Idaho birthmother
is______.
A. 27
ANSWERS
1. C- There are currently
over 130,000 children
available for adoption
through the U.S. Foster
Care System. The average
age of these children is 5-9
and there is a great need
for families open to these
children.
2. D- Both Vietnam and
Guatemala closed their
borders for adoption in
2008. There is no timeline
for when and if these
programs will re-open.
3. C- Contrary to popular belief, the average Idaho
birthmother is not in her teens. The average age of
an Idaho birthmother is 21.
B. 15
C. 21
D. 18
4. Which country is a Hague country?
A. China
4. D- Both the United States and China are Hague
countries. Haiti is a non-Hague country and is
therefore not subject to Hague regulations.
B. Haiti
C. United States
D. A & C
5. CASI Foundation completed _______
infant domestic adoptions in 2008
5. A- CASI Foundation for Children, Inc.
completed 38 infant adoptions in 2008.
A. 38
B. 10
C. 21
D. 60
Do you have questions about adoption? Please
contact Janea Walker at janeaw@adoptcasi.org or
call 1-800-376-0558.
FOSTER/ADOPT
Can you imagine a world where a
child isn’t loved? A world where children
are neglected and abused by the people who
are supposed to love them most?
It takes an exceptional family to be
able to bring home a child who has
experienced traumatic events in their young
life. Abuse, neglect, drug exposure and
witnessing
violence are
among the
primary reasons
children are
placed in foster
care. Many have
not had the
opportunity to
feel the love,
security and
comfort from
loving parents.
They have had to
fend for themselves and live in survival mode. They don’t
know what it is like to feel connected to a
trusting adult.
They struggle with learning how to
attach. When there is a lack of attachment,
children’s behaviors are impacted throughout their life. Studies have proven that there
can be profound effects of attachment on
behavior. This awareness brings about
many questions for pre-adoptive parents:
How can I make a frightened, insecure
child feel like he belongs in my family when
he has never been a part of a real family?
How do I parent a child who resists my
every attempt to love and care for him?
not always mean and hurtful?
Isn’t my love enough?
It takes more than “parent love” to bring a
child with a troubled past into your home. It
requires a wide range of training and an array of
personal attributes. It takes the kind of love that
bears up under anything and that never gives up
even in the midst of not being loved in return.
This deeper love
entails a lot of patience,
hope and fortitude. This
love doesn’t fly off the
handle and doesn’t keep
score. It puts up with
anything and remains
hopeful. Loving a child
who is afraid to be loved
requires a large amount
of support from family,
friends and from those
who understand the
struggles and triumphs
of adopting foster children.
All children deserve a safe and happy home
where they can thrive and reach their full
potential. All adoptive parents need resources,
assistance and access to supportive services. If you
are a pre-adoptive parent, or if you have already
been fortunate enough to bring a child home,
continue to seek training and support. Surround
yourself with those who can equip and encourage
you. And the most important advice is to
“Trust steadily, hope unswervingly and
love extravagantly”
(The Message, Remix Peterson)
HIGHLIGHTS
BENJAMIN
(4/97)
Benjamin is legally free for adoption. He is
a delightful 11-year old who wants to tell you a
bit about himself.
“My name is Benjamin, but my friends call
me Ben. I like scouting, hunting, camping and
fishing. I have my hunter's education certificate. I
want to stay in touch with my two sisters who
live in Idaho."
Ben learns best when he can have a handson experience. He loves to work with his hands,
building, and taking things apart. He is also good
with computers, digital cameras and other
technological gadgets.
Ben's caseworker describes him as a very inquisitive boy who enjoys learning.
He can be easily distracted, therefore he generally does well with encouraging prompts to
help him stay focused on the task at hand. This would work well at home as well as in his
classes. Ben especially enjoys math and science.
Ben can be a very compassionate and sensitive boy. He is learning to express
frustration in words rather than actions. He will do best in a family that can be patient
with him as he learns to express feelings and emotions. A parent who teaches through
natural consequences might be a great match for this young man.
Ben has been cared for by multiple caretakers in his life; therefore, his need for
safety and stability is strong. At least one at-home parent after school could supervise and
participate with him in activities that build on his strengths. A firm, yet loving parent
could model respect and boundaries that will help this pre-teen through his adolescent
years.
If you are a family that enjoys outdoor living, Ben would love to join your family
around a campfire.
If you would like to learn more about Ben or view other waiting children like him,
please visit www.NWAE.org or www.adoptuskids.org.
Program Up-dates
US INFANT Program: 2008 was a wonderful year for the Infant Program! We placed 38 babies
into their adoptive homes. There are still 29 families on our list who are waiting for their little
one. We will continue to work to find babies for each and every one of you. Please call Tammie or
Holly if you have any questions. We wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!!
FOSTER/ADOPT Program: The dictionary defines roller coaster as: “An action, event, or
experience marked by abrupt, extreme changes in circumstance, quality, or behavior”.
Sounds like a great explanation of the foster adopt program. Those of you who have been involved
in this program for awhile are shaking your heads vigorously. You have experienced the ups and
downs, swerves and curves of this ride. It is an exciting ride and there are surprises at every turn.
Buckle up and hold on! You are in for a thrilling adventure!
We currently have six families who are actively looking for children. There are two families who are
in the midst of receiving their children from Idaho and one family who is awaiting the arrival of
four siblings from Washington. We are waiting to hear any day whether one family has been
matched with a medically fragile little boy. We continue to receive applications from interested
families who are ready to embark on the ride of their life!
CHINA Program: The CCAA has finished the review of the adoption application documents
registered with our office before February 28, 2007. The CCAA has finished placement for
families whose application documents were registered with our office before February 23, 2006.
CASI had three families bring their children home in November.
Effective January 1, 2009, CCAA has increased the orphanage donation fees. The current fees are
$3,000 USD, and CCAA is requiring the fees now be given to the social welfare institute in RMB. The
RMB will be $35,000, and will fluctuate based on the exchange rate. The minimum in USD will be
$5,000
CHINA WAITING CHILDREN Program: CASI Foundation for Children is waiting to be
included on the China Center of Adoption Affairs electronic system for providing referral
information to families for children with special needs. At this point we do not know when that will
happen, but we will notify you when we have confirmed information. Until then, we will not be
accepting any new applications for the program.
HAITI Program: The wait time for Haiti continues to be 18-24 months. Haiti has not finalized
voting regarding the adoptive parent requirements and or when these changes will take
place. At this time we are reviewing all applying families on a case by case basis. Please call Tammy
Johnson if you have any questions.
Penny for your web-search
.
With rising gas prices, groceries bills and the general cost of living,
donating to charity has become increasingly difficult for our CASI
families.
Microsoft now offers a great way to donate without pinching
pennies. For every web-search you do using searchandgive.com, they
will donate a penny to your chosen charity .
Just visit searchandgive.com, select CASI Foundation for
Children, Inc. as the charity of your choice and start searching the web for
whatever you need. Over the course of a year, those pennies really add
up! You get the information you need and give back to the community all
at the same time.
Funds received from searchandgive.com will go to support the wonderful programs here at
CASI, such as The PEP program, a Public Education Program that offers adoption information seminars
to the general public, as well as to high school students and educators.
So go to searchandgive.com, play games and search the web.
You’ll be donating to charity, but it won’t cost you a cent.
CASI HOLIDAY HOURS
Christmas:
The office will be closed on
Dec. 24th-Dec.26th
New Years:
The office will be closed
from noon on Dec. 31st until Jan. 5th