June, 2010: Orphan Care and Vulnerable Children

143 million orphans live alone in the world. 127,000 kids in U.S. foster care wait for permanent, loving homes.

These numbers, however, can never fully tell the heartbreaking stories of those precious children who long for families and struggle to survive.  Yet sometimes, our only connection to vulnerable children is the faces we see on a TV documentary.  All too often, we forget about the orphans in our own country.

So, this month we’re raising awareness about the plight of vulnerable children in our communities and around the world.

Not all of us are at a place in life where we can adopt orphans, but we can still take action to help change the lives and futures of vulnerable children.

We can spread the word about this important issue and encourage others who might be interested in adoption.  We can come alongside adoptive families in our communities, offering financial support, meals, help with chores or respite care. We can give to groups working to provide food, water, education and crisis funding to kids.

Because there are so many things millennials can do to help orphaned children, both here and abroad, we’re making Orphan Care our Rising Voice Issue for the month of June.  Join us as we learn more about this topic – and about the many practical ways we can become part of the solution.

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Did You Know?

International

There are approximately 143 million orphans in the world.

Sub-Saharan Africa has nearly 50 million orphans.

This year, the number of children orphaned by AIDS globally is expected to surpass 25 million.

International and private adoptions can range between $15,000 and $40,000. In many states, however, adoption through the foster care system costs less than $500.

Domestic

There are nearly 500,000 kids in foster care in the U.S.

About 127,000 orphans in U.S. foster care are waiting for permanent adoptive families.

Each year, an estimated 20,000 young people turn 18 and “age out” or exit the U.S. foster care system belonging nowhere and to no one, lacking the support and connections they really need.

More than one-third of Americans have considered adopting, but just 2 percent of Americans have actually adopted.

Though many children are in need of homes, the process takes time as agencies and case workers seek to make the best possible matches for the children in their care.

Dig Deeper

National Council For Adoption: Great adoption research and resources from the leading voice for adoption.

Adoption and Foster Care Statistics: State and national data on adoption and foster care from the Children’s Bureau

iCareAboutOrphans.org: Focus on the Family’s Adoption and Orphan Care Initiative

What to say: Learn the correct adoption terminology.

Life as an orphan: Focus on the Family President Jim Daly shares his experience as an orphan. And don’t miss his book.

One church, 72 kids: This gut-wrenching, heart-affirming book tells the tale of the families of Bennett Chapel.

Snowflake Embryo Adoption: Find out more about this program to adopt waiting embryos – a specific group of vulnerable children.

Christian Alliance for Orphans: Resources and organizations to help individuals and churches care for orphans

Get Involved

International

Bring Me Hope: Through summer camps, this group brings love and encouragement to Chinese orphans.

Children’s HopeChest: For just $5 a month, you can provide food, water, education and crisis funding to kids in need.

Show Hope: Steven Curtis Chapman’s group provides funding to help families adopt, as well as hope and help to orphans in China.

Buckner: This global ministry offers care and resources to orphans and at-risk children in the United States and more than 50 countries.

Bethany Christian Services: Supporters can get involved in projects caring for orphans in 17 countries.

Vision Trust: This group’s Orphan Survival Kits meet the immediate needs of orphans. They also offer opportunities to collect loose change, vitamins and school supplies for needy kids.

Lifesong for Orphans: This ministry partners with Christian couples, orphan care leaders, churches and missionaries.

Domestic

Wrap Around Adoptive Families: Helping support adoptive families can be just as important as welcoming a child into your home.

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA): The volunteer organization trains everyday citizens to help ensure children are placed in safe, permanent homes.

Hope for Orphans: Learn how to launch an orphans ministry in your church.

Cry of the Orphan: Find out what you and you family can do.

Millennial of the Month

Katie is the program manager of Adoption & Orphan Care at Focus on the Family. Check out our video and interview with Katie here.

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