Bulgaria
While Bulgaria’s Central Adoption Authority is making progress in implementing a new adoption system, it continues to struggle with the backlog of families and children waiting for a match. The process will most likely take until mid-year to function as expected, but we remain hopeful that children will be matched with Holt families soon.
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BULGARIA COUNTRY PROGRAM
China
Holt continues to promote home-like care in China for children who will eventually enter the adoption process, and also for those with special needs who are unlikely to be adopted. In January a special training project began in January, educating orphanage staff about the preparation of children with special needs for international adoption. Since the beginning of the project, 30 children with special needs from Fujian province have been referred to Holt for home finding, and more than 20 children from Lanzhou Social Welfare Institute in Gansu province have been placed into foster care. Training continues in anticipation of placing at least ten more children into home-like care later this year.
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CHINA COUNTRY PROGRAM
Ecuador
Holt-Ecuador’s Child Protection Project (CPP) provides crisis intervention services to children and families, and continues to serve as a model program for family preservation. With more than 100 families receiving emergency intervention each year, the CPP project is reducing child abandonment and unnecessary institutionalization through a unique combination of the counseling, referral, and support parents need to support their children. While many organizations provide help to developing countries, Holt-Ecuador’s unique program shines as a cost-effective alternative for long-term results for families and children.
Holt desperately needs your support to sustain this effort and fund these services through our Child Sponsorship Program. For more information about sponsoring a child from Ecuador, please contact Sandi Schmidt at 541/687-2202 or sandis@holtinternational.org.
Holt still needs families for waiting children in Ecuador. For more information, please visit www.holtinternational.org or call Mike Noah at 541/687-2202.
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ECUADOR COUNTRY PROGRAM
Guatemala
Holt’s partner agency in Guatemala, Asociación Para la Integración Familiar (APIF), is working to get children home who were caught in last year’s adoption delays. Two children arrived in the United States with their families in March, and at least one family traveled in April. We are encouraged by the new referrals of children sent to Holt from APIF this year, and we hope to continue making placements on a regular basis.
Despite Guatemala’s recent chaotic adoption process, APIF continues to refer children for placement with Holt families. We are actively recruiting families interested in adoption from Guatemala. For more information about adopting from Guatemala, visit www.hotlinternational.org or call Mike Noah at 541/687-2202.
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GUATEMALA COUNTRY PROGRAM
India
The government of India recently implemented the Hague Conven- tion on Intercountry Adoption. While previous procedures of the Indian government are largely in compliance, some changes may affect the structure and process of intercountry adoption.
Agencies within India now place about 60–70% of children with resident Indian adoptive families. Non-resident Indian applicants were previously considered in the same category as domestic Indian families adopting, but have now been re-classified in the category of intercountry adoption.
Because of the growth of domestic adoption in India, children who become available for intercountry adoption are typically older and have a higher proportion of health issues.
India has also narrowed age eligibility requirements from 90 years (a husband and wife's combined age) to 85 years.
The changes mentioned above do not affect Holt’s escort travel option. This option is available for parents who are unable to travel and applies only for children three-years-old and younger.
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INDIA COUNTRY PROGRAM
Korea
To honor the 40th anniversary of the passing of Holt International founder, Harry Holt, Holt Children’s Services of Korea held a ceremony at its Ilsan Center where Mr. Holt is buried. Daughters Linda Pack and Suzanne Peterson joined Molly Holt in remembrance of their father. The legacy of Harry Holt’s mission, and his unwavering dedication to the welfare of homeless children continues to live on in the hearts of adopted children and their families throughout the world.
Holt's Ilsan Center continues to need volunteers especially for this fall and winter. Volunteers serve in Korea for one to three months, typically assisting disabled individuals with their daily activities. Volunteering presents a tremendous opportunity to help others, to learn about Korea, and to make a difference in the world.
For more information contact Paul Kim at paulk@holtinternational.org or call 541/687-2202.
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KOREA COUNTRY PROGRAM
Romania
Romania, recently received a multiple year grant from the International Global Fund for services to children with HIV/AIDS. This grant will help stabilize program funding through 2007, allowing Close To You to significantly expand its programs, offer education about pediatric AIDS, and sponsor more than 20 Parent Associations struggling to fight for their children’s rights.
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ROMANIA COUNTRY PROGRAM
Philippines
A conference for families who have adopted children from the Philippines is being planned for Aug. 2005 in the Philippines. The Third Global Conference for Adoptive Families of Filippino Children will offer opportunities to meet other families from around the world, visit historic sites, and tour child caring facilities. More information will be available in the future
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PHILIPPINES COUNTRY PROGRAM
Thailand
Holt’s Thailand Family Tour will take place July 11–24. Participants will visit Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Nakorn, and may also have the opportunity to visit foster families and Holt programs in Thailand. For the latest information visit Holt’s website or contact dianal@holtinternational.org or 541/687-2202.
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THAILAND COUNTRY PROGRAM
Vietnam
Adoptees and their families will learn firsthand about the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam on Holt’s Vietnam Motherland Tour scheduled for Oct. 15–30. Adoptees may be able to visit former foster families and Holt sponsored programs. The tour is open to all adoptees 18 years and older, regardless of placing agency. Visit Holt’s website or contact Diana Lyons at 541/687-2202 or dianal@holtinternational.org for updated information.
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VIETNAM COUNTRY PROGRAM
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