The Cambodian government has announced its intention to resume international child placement as early as April 1, 2012. This means adoptions in Cambodia will not resume for U.S. Citizens or Non-U.S. Citizens before April 1, 2012. The U.S. has stated that specific safeguards and procedures must be in place before it will agree to allow [...]

Three months ago and on the other side of the globe, a 2-year-old African orphan named Vivian died of bacterial meningitis. While the news might not seem so out of the ordinary considering the continent’s state of affairs, Vivian’s death was a blow to two local residents who had met and come to love the [...]

The Nightlight team has been in Uganda for 3 days, and I am just now getting around to updating the blog. We have had 3 very busy days and last night, we had a black out in the evening. There are so many wonderful stories to share of God’s grace and love and, I’m certain [...]

Before you adopt a child—any child—it is only natural to consider what the response of friends and family will be. After all, this is one of the steps in the adoption process—telling others.

Adopting a child from another country who is HIV positive requires no special visa beyond the usual IR-3 or IR-4 visas. However, you will want to be prepared for the adoption, getting through the process of bringing a child home, and the care of a such a child. We will next discuss the day-to-day issues of raising an HIV+ child.

Spina Bifida Occulta occurs in 10-20% of the population. Many people have no symptoms, but for those who do, these can vary widely. Surgery and treatment can also be effective.

The  China Centre for Children’s Welfare and Adoption released some new homestudy and post-placements requirements. These new guidelines and regulations for the homestudy go into effect as of October 1, 2011; and those regarding post placement visits and reports apply to families who receive Notice of Coming to China for Adoption after August 1, 2011. [...]

This week we received two breaking news items from China. The first is that the CCAA, as of February 15, 2011, is now referred to as the China Centre for Children’s Welfare and Adoption (CCCWA). The greater news, however, is that single women are now permitted to adopt from China.  Years ago, when single women [...]

Meeting the challenges of a child with clubfoot is most likely very doable. You must also consider the other adjustment issues the child will also be having. To learn more about waiting children with clubfoot and other special needs, do register to receive information through Constant Contact.

When you are referred a child, you will want to have the child’s condition evaluated. Nightlight provides an extensive list of health care providers who can evaluate your child and those who provide services once your child is home. If your child has clubfoot, you may want a specialist in this area to evaluate a child’s file so that you can be very well-prepared for the types of treatment the child may need.

The treatment of a child with clubfoot is usually very standard, but it takes diligence. Also care does not have to be expensive. Through the Shriners Hospital your child can receive excellent care at no cost to you.

This is part one in a 4-part series on clubfoot. Many of the more than 2,000 children who are on the China special needs list have clubfoot. In general, it is condition that can be readily treated and treatment may begin while the child is still in China.

Uganda is known as the Pearl of Africa, and we have certainly found the pearl of Uganda. Heart of a Child Uganda is the NGO that runs Tender Hearts Baby’s Home.  The directors are Kenneth and Cathy.  Each time that I have traveled and gotten to know Kenneth and Cathy better, I am so thankful [...]

Overall, children from China do very well. In one study in looking at children adopted into Canada from China, in which the children on average were 13 months old when they arrived home, they were doing as well as other children in Canada at three years old. (Incidentally, these children arrived home about 10/11 years [...]

Your child’s nutritional status while in an orphanage can affect your child’s overall growth and development. Learn how the lack of certain nutrients can affect your child and what you can do.