Answering (hopefully) the Hard Questions about Adoption in the Christian Community

At least from an Orphans Treasure Box perspective…

Over the next couple of months, we will be discussing some issues that arise surrounding Christian adoption, and how Orphans Treasure Box navigates those issues as a ministry seeking to serve orphans. We feel like it’s our responsibility not just to raise money for these children, but to educate others on orphan care, adoption, and foster care to the best of our ability. We’d love to hear your thoughts and perspectives as well, so please feel free to comment!

Question 1:  A few years ago, journalists asked hard questions of the Christian adoption movement. They cited situations in which women in poor countries were giving up their children in what they thought were temporary situations, only to find their babies were being adopted in the U.S.  There is a multi-billion dollar adoption industry. Isn’t that a problem? How does Orphans Treasure Box respond?

First, we agree there is a problem. However, in the overwhelming majority of adoptions, a child is truly in need, they are no longer being cared for by their family of origin, and without an adoption the child would be institutionalized, often lacking in healthy care.

Second, we value family preservation and grant money both locally and internationally to Christian organizations that seek to support families and single parents in keeping their children.  Safe Families is a national group with a local chapter that provides temporary respite care so that children are not placed in foster care.  By working with the local church, Safe Families helps keep children safe and reunites them with their families all in the name of Christ.  An international example of this is Loving Shepherd Ministries in Haiti.  Our financial gifts went to family preservation, supporting Haitians serving other Haitians.

Third, Orphans Treasure Box sets parameters around our adoption grants.  In the past 5 years, we have helped 14 orphans become sons and daughters.  So, in light of the international concerns, what are our guidelines?  We partner with Lifesong, a nationally respected and accredited Christian organization that serves adopting families.  They are committed to serving only those orphans who are truly in need and work with reputable organizations internationally.  We also choose to only give adoption grants to families adopting older children and children with special needs.  Orphans Treasure Box does not fund infant adoptions.

Older and special needs children are not sought after in the multi-billion dollar adoption industry….these are the waiting children, the unwanted, the overlooked, the ones who will age out of the system and be left on their own, for some as young as 13, if they are not adopted.  The cost of international adoption can run as high as $30,000.  Our adoption grants can range from $500 to $2,000 and they are processed through Lifesong.  We do not review any grant applications, but trust Lifesong with the vetting process.

Question 2:  With all the needs in this country, and specifically in Illinois, why is Orphans Treasure Box giving adoption grants? Aren’t there plenty of needs with foster care right here at home?

Orphans Treasure Box takes its direction in this area from the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20).  Jesus clearly charges His disciples with taking the Gospel to the local community, to the far ends of their country and to the ends of the earth.  From that, we believe that Orphans Treasure Box should help locally, nationally in America and then internationally.  Adoption grants, actually, can benefit all three areas.  Most of our adoption grants stay here with Illinois families, but we have also supported families in Arkansas, Missouri and Washington.  And, we have actively supported foster care ministry through the Forgotten Initiative.

Next Month:

Adoption grants:  where to begin looking
How do you support a friend who is adopting
And, we will announce a fundraising possibility through our outlet for those who are adopting.

For further reading:

http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2013/04/christian-evangelical-adoption-liberia

https://cafo.org/2013/04/19/fierce-criticism-of-christian-orphan-fever/