Where Do We Start?
Where Do We Start?
Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act. Proverbs 24:12
Welcome, and congratulations on your desire to adopt or sponsor a child with Down syndrome (or other special needs) internationally! This whole "family of families" here at Reece's Rainbow is thrilled to have you.
A lot of answers to the initial questions you have about adopting one of our children can be found in the links below. The very first steps include:
1) Sign up to support the ministry through your online shopping at IGive.com!
2) Confirm that your income meets USCIS requirements to adopt internationally.
3) Confirm that if you are married, that at least one of you is 25 years of age and a legal US citizen.
4) Determine the best country options for your family from our Program Comparison Chart
5) Read about the International Adoption Process
6) Learn more about travel abroad, it is so exciting!!
7) Order and read the book The Connected Child, by Karyn Purvis
8) Learn about your options for financial assistance and fundraising (grants, loans, tax credits, etc) Reece Roberts
9) Read about the other families who are currently adopting a child with Down syndrome through Reece's Rainbow Director of Inspiration :)
10) Read about the children who are already home!
11) Don't know much about Down syndrome? Read these books!
12) Make sure you are financially prepared to complete the adoption, even without grants
13) Commit to adopt a particular child
14) Sign up for your own Family Sponsorship Profile
15) Join our Yahoo group, to join our "family of families", lean on others going through the same process you are, and to stay abreast of news, needs, and announcements
16) Even if you decide that now is not the right time to adopt, please consider SPONSORING a child so another family can adopt, or joining our PRAYER WARRIOR team!
| Adopt a Waiting Child | The Adoption Process |
(children with varying disabilities who also need families) |
| Adoption Agencies & Facilitators | Why Down syndrome? | Children with LARGE GRANTS |
| Financing Your Adoption | HOMECOMINGS! | Programs/Countries Available |
| "After the Rainbow" (Post Adoptive Support Group) |
| The Connected Child | Why Adopt? | Overseas Family Support Group Efforts |
Whatever information we have about each child is clearly listed in the child's profile. Sometimes we do have additional photos we can share with you. Be sure to read through our Program Comparison Chart thoroughly, to determine which program is best for the dynamics of your family, your travel abilities, and your budget! This will give you some discernment and guidance in a sea full of uncertainties!
Once you have gone through this program comparison chart and have determined the age range and gender of the child you feel will fit best into your family, please write to me at bamaroberts@comcast.net. I will then be able to put together a private page for you with the photos and profiles of all of our available children who meet hose criteria.
Please keep in mind that we have many new families inquiring every week, and many of the same children are shared with multiple families. Although this is definitely a huge decision and not one to be taken lightly, if you feel drawn to a particular child, please do not hesitate in making your commitment as quickly as you feel comfortable. This eliminates the possibility of any "competition" for the same child.
I am here for you almost 24/7, so please do not hesitate to write me with further questions.
Andrea Roberts at bamaroberts@comcast.net