Waiting Children
When people think of adoption, they often think only of young healthy children or babies. In every country where ICANZ goes, there are untold numbers of children waiting, often languishing for lack of personal loving attention, waiting for a family. They are called “waiting children” or sometimes “special needs” children.
Typically these children fall into 3 categories:
Older children. In some countries “older child” means over 5 years; in other countries, over 8 years. Older children may have no health issues, but because they are older, it is harder to find families to adopt them. When an older child joins a new family, there are both joys and challenges for the child, parent and other family members. It is indeed wonderful to see a child settle into a new family and to make enduring links with other family members, friends and neighbours.
Children who join permanent care of adoptive families at an older age may also bring many of the stressful experiences of their earlier lives into their new families. Parents must be prepared to help them deal with this, to learn new ways of behaving and a new language.Large Sibling Groups. Family groups of 3, 4, 5 or more children are often classified as “waiting children” because not many families wish to adopt 3 or more children at once. With a sibling group, often one child will be around 7 or 8 years, or older. Families need to have the resources to parent a larger number of children.
Children with medical needs, of all ages. This does not include minor medical needs that are quickly and easily rectified with minor surgery. Children with special needs have the same need as any other child for a secure and permanent family relationship. In each case of a child with medical needs, the family needs to research the medical facts on the condition and source the best medical treatment from the area in which they live.
Sample profiles of waiting children
Please note—the following profiles and images are compiled from typical waiting children's profiles and are not children currently waiting for adoption, though there are many children similar to these who are waiting in orphanages.
D.O.B 2007
Physical Development The child is developing normally, though is small for age
Medical problem Born with cleft palate and cleft lip and will require surgery, on-going speech therapy and dental treatment. Mental growth is normal.
Emotional & Psychological Development Very well, very active and emotional development is normal. Friendly , outgoing child.
D.O.B Siblings born in 1998, 2001 and 2004
Physical Development The children are developing normally, and are considered healthy.
Medical problem The children have no medical problems
Emotional & Psychological Development The children are developing normally but have suffered the trauma of a dysfunctional life prior to entering the orphanage.
D.O.B 2003
Physical Development The child is developing normally, except for things that require two arms.
Medical problem Born with one limb absent.
Emotional & Psychological Development A freindly, ougoing child, well adjusted to his missing limb.
D.O.B 2006
Physical Development The child is developing normally physically but moderate deafness prevents normal speech development. Makes some sounds.
Medical problem Born with moderate deafness.
Emotional & Psychological Development A friendly, outgoing child.
D.O.B 2000
Relinquished/ Abandoned Abandoned
Physical Development He has achieved all of his milestones. He is able to walk alone and moves all over the building. Very active and intelligent.
Medical problem Has Alopecia over scalp.
Emotional & Psychological Development He attends school and is friendly with other pupils. He is active and normal. His physical and mental development is normal. He likes playing with toys and psychological development is normal. He is very interested in cycling.
D.O.B 2004
Physical Development She has not achieved all her milestones.
Medical problem The child is suffering with umbilical Hernia, and she is a low birth weight baby. Her mental growth is normal.
Emotional & Psychological Development She is not aware of her problem. Her emotional development is normal. She is an average girl. She is able to understand and she loves to play with toys.
If you want to open your heart and your home to a special child that is “waiting”, talk to us.
» What kind of family does a waiting child need?
» Waiting Children Programmes
Related Resources
Adopting An Older Child » – Extract from “Our Own” by Trish Maskew.
Learn how to make the adoption experience and transition into your family as trouble free as you can for your child in our article Easing the Transition»
Read this inspiring story of an older child's adoption »
Find out more about the lives and needs of institutionalised children »