We are very excited that just last month one of our families brought home their HIV-positive child! While this is not the first HIV-positive child MLJ has helped join a forever family, or even the first child with other special needs, it is the first Hiv-positive child who has arrived since we started an official Special Needs program.
The idea of adopting and parenting a special needs or HIV-positive child can seem overwhelming on the surface, and while not something to be taken lightly the reality may be different than what you would assume.
HIV is no longer a death sentence. Modern medicine has come a long way, and with proper drug therapies HIV-positive children can live long and happy lives. According to the National Institute of Health, those with HIV who have access to medical care have just about the same life expectancy as someone who is not infected. However, despite the strides made against HIV, the reality is that for many of the HIV-positive orphans very few will find their dream of finding a family realized within their own country. International adoption may be the only option for medical care, life, and a loving family for these children.
Adopting a child with special needs is not for every family. However, with proper education and help from organizations like Project Hopeful whose mission is to, “educate, encourage, and enable families and individuals to advocate for and adopt children with HIV/AIDS and other of the most overlooked children for adoption.” we hope that some of the stigmas and misconceptions about adopting a HIV-positive child can be stripped away so that you and your family are able to clearly see if that is the right choice for you.
For more information on special needs children please read our FAQ document or contact our Special Needs Coordinator, Amy Moore.
MLJ Adoptions is a Non-Profit, Hague-Accredited adoption service provider located in Indianapolis, Indiana, working in Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Pacific Isles. We are passionate about serving children in need.
MLJ Adoptions is a Non-Profit, Hague-Accredited adoption service provider located in Indianapolis, Indiana, working in Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Pacific Isles. We are passionate about serving children in need.
We are very excited that just last month one of our families brought home their HIV-positive child! While this is not the first HIV-positive child MLJ has helped join a forever family, or even the first child with other special needs, it is the first Hiv-positive child who has arrived since we started an official Special Needs program.