MEIHEKOU CITY
This project in Meihekou City was introduced to Holt through the Ministry of Civil Affairs. The majority of the children are older and had been placed in foster homes as infants by the local Civil Affairs. Many have special needs. In 1999 when funds provided by the local government to reimburse foster families had become insufficient to meet rising expenses, the local Civil Affairs converted a homeless shelter into an orphanage. Several of the poorest families had to bring their foster children there for institutional care. Most of these children had known no other home and were traumatized by this sudden change in their lives. Holt ensured the return of these children to their familiar foster families and maintains a managed foster care program that provides care for 50 to 60 needy children.

JILIN CITY
This Holt managed foster care program began in early 2007. The project serves around 30 children and focuses on providing nutritional support as well as a caring family environment.

TONGHUA
Holt’s Tonghua project, which began in July of 2007, provides foster families for homeless children. The program served 20 children in 2008.

In 2006 Holt initiated our first HIV/AIDS family preservation project in China. This project is located in Yuncheng, Shanxi province and provides services to children impacted by HIV/AIDS. Holt supports children who have lost one or both parents to remain within their families or with family members. A total of 403 children received services through this project in 2008.

Holt operates foster care programs in several locations in Jiangxi. Holt projects in Shangrao, Shanggao, Fengcheng, Nanchang and Fuzhou provide children with caring foster families. In 2008, 352 children received services through Holt foster programs in Jiangxi. Vocational and social skills programs are also provided for children and youth from Nanchang Orphanage.

Foster care programs for special needs children were started in this province in 2003. In 2008, 60 children were served by the end of the year. Currently, a wide variety of programs are provided for orphanage children in several locations, including educational and vocational and social skills assistance.

JINZHUOTOU

Holt launched a foster care project in Guangzhou in July of 2007, and 67 children were served there in 2008.

In March of 2007 Holt initiated plans to expand services to children and families impacted by HIV/AIDS through a new family preservation project in Longchuan, Yunnan province. Holt works in partnership with local schools and teachers to provide support to 220 children. The goal of this project is to provide children with the opportunity to remain within their families and continue their education.

Children from Nanning Social Welfare Institute and who have special medical and physical needs began to be placed with Holt coordinated and trained foster families early in 2003. A total of 57 children received care through this project in 2008.

The Liuzhou foster care project began in 2004. In 2008 this project provided care for 108 children. Most of the children cared for in this project have special needs. Vocational and social skills programs are also provided for children and youth.

GUIPING

Foster care began here early in 2004. In 2008, 51 children, many with special needs, received home-like care through this project.

The Wuwei foster care project began in August of 2005. In the first year of operation this project provided care for 112 children, and around 70 children receive care there yearly.

LONG-TERM FOSTER CARE
Holt also helps support a number of foster homes for older and special needs children in several locations. These homes provide a family-like environment outside the institution to children who are less likely to be adopted soon.

TRAINING
Holt is developing a program of training for key people in China involved in child welfare. Emphasis is placed on new childcare concepts; international adoption - past, present and future; intercultural awareness; and preparation for adoptive families and for children before adoption. Holt has provided a number of Chinese government and orphanage administrators and staff with opportunities to study child welfare and adoption practices in China and at Holt-U.S.

MEDICAL SUPPORT
Holt maintains a fund to assist homeless children with medical and surgical support.

OUTINGS FOR ORPHANAGE CHILDREN
Children who are not adopted and who are growing up in orphanages have far fewer opportunities to experience the world outside than other children. Holt staff members have escorted hundreds of them on field trips, and to visit restaurants and parks. These simple experiences leave a lasting impression and open up a new world to these children.

SOCIAL AND VOCATIONAL SKILLS PROGRAM
For some older children and youth in Jiangxi, Guangxi and Fujian provinces, Holt provides an opportunity to participate in activities that help them adjust to life in the world outside the institution’s walls. Family Mentor programs, vocational training, choral clubs, art classes, and knitting groups build confidence and practical skills for orphanage residents with disabilities.