New regulations on China's One Child Policy, something of interest to adoptive families

How does China’s One-child policy effect credit reports?

Most adoptive parents know that China has a one-child policy and a societal preference for boys. Therefore, resulting in many little girls available for adoption residing in orphanages. Recently, there was a short article in the September 15, 2007 Examiner newspaper entitled “China Cracks Down on One-Child Violators”. In the article it explains how the Chinese government now puts a red flag on credit reports of Chinese families with more than one child. I found this surprising. This illustrates the seriousness that the Chinese government takes on population control. In the United States, a note on a credit report for this would be unheard of. As we adopt children from other countries it is important to learn and be informed about our cultural differences.

by Robin Bartko
www.ThinkingOfAdopting.com

Have you considered adopting a special needs child?

Prior to my adoption, adoption agencies and other adoptive parents asked me if I would consider adopting a special needs child. I quietly, politely smiled and said I would discuss it with my husband. In my mind, I said to myself “No Way! I already have several children at home, why on earth would I consider a special needs child?” After getting very involved in adoption, I have changed my thinking on this. I know of quite a few families who have adopted special needs children. Let me give you some examples, I know of an adoptive mom who is an occupational therapist who adopted a child with an orthopedic foot problem, a hearing impaired couple who adopted a hearing impaired child, a family who have an older biological child with a heart defect who adopted a child with a minor heart defect. The list goes on and on. The majority of these children have done wonderfully and their families are grateful to have adopted them. I recommend that if you are considering adopting a special needs child, to educate yourself about these conditions and determine what you feel comfortable with. Work with several international adoption specialist (go to aap.org or see adoption links-medical specialists on www.ThinkingOfAdopting.com). Also, note that several of the international medical specialists have adopted special needs children themselves. Be sure to ask about possible related disorders as well. Below is a great special needs checklist to print out for you to look at and consider what special needs conditions you would comfortable with.

http://www.chinesechildren.org/WaitingChild/documents/Medical%20Conditions%20Checklist.pdf

Another thing to consider, with special needs children (especially from China and Korea) tend to have much more information with their referral. These children tend to be monitored more. Some families feel they are much more informed with a special needs child prior to their adoption. Also, grants are sometimes available for special needs children to help defray costs.

written by Robin Bartko
www.ThinkingOfAdopting.com