At any given time there are at least seven older children on the MLJ Adoptions waiting child list. These are children that desire and need a forever family just like the infant babies of the world. So many times the older children are overlooked and considered too much of a challenge. When talking with families who are open to older children, their top concerns are not knowing the child’s past in detail and whether they would be able to handle issues associated with adopting an older child. Truthfully, there are concerns when you choose to adopt a child that has been part of an orphanage or poor living conditions for several years. However, at MLJ Adoptions we strive to educate you to the best of our ability and have you as prepared as possible when bring any child, no matter their age, into your home.
A large majority of our older children on the waiting list are from Bulgaria. Many of these children do come from an orphanage type setting; however, because Bulgaria is a Hague country, a great deal of information about the child you are adopting is available. This helps us at MLJ Adoptions assist you with the proper resources and education. There won’t be a situation where we know every deficiency about the child, but we strive to know the child to the best of our ability.
On November 23,2013 we will be hosting our second annual Bulgaria Open House. This is a great time to talk to Amy Moore, MLJ Adoptions’ Special Needs Coordinator. She will have a list of current waiting children and be able to talk to you further about these children and the process of adopting them. This is also a fantastic time to talk to families that have adopted older children and children on the special needs waiting list. These families are here for support and encouragement during the adoption process. We encourage you to attend this weekend, no matter what part of the adoption journey you may be on. Having the support of others and the staff at MLJ Adoption is priceless.
Please email Amy@mljadoptions.com if you have any questions concerning the waiting children, or the Bulgaria Open House. We look forward to seeing you there!
Photo Credit: Vassilena Valchanova