About one-third of families who adopt internationally have smooth transitions; another third or so have some difficulties, but manage to work through these issues; and another third have serious and more pervasive problems. In these more difficult circumstances, even the best parents are often not prepared. Those families who are struggling need support, like every [...]

The risk for lead exposure is higher in many countries from which children are adopted than in the United States. Sources of lead exposure vary by country. Concern exists about children adopted from overseas who may have been exposed in their home countries.

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 [...]

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.

If you are adopting internationally, you know that there are two particularly critical times that you want professional medical assistance from someone who knows about international adoption: when you get a referral, and when you come home. Nightlight has compiled a state-by-state listing of Medical Providers that specialize in helping internationally adopted children. The list [...]

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.

Adopting out of the birth order can be done, but certain considerations should be acknowledged for the sake of your children in the home and the child you are adopting.

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 [...]

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.

Sensory processing disorders can require a lot of work and understanding from parents. In helping and nurturing our children through the issues and conditions they will face, our ultimate goal is to bring glory to God.

Why children develop sensory processing disorders is not completely understood. It appears to be related to genetic, prenatal, and early environment.

Sensory processing disorders often affect children who have spent their early years in an orphanage setting. These disorders can impact a child’s socialization and learning skills.

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 [...]