Program Benefits

Ability to identify a specific child for adoption

Adopting a waiting child means that you will have a much more active part in the process of deciding on the child you adopt. You may view pictures and descriptions of our Horizon Kids by registering for access to our photolistings, then request information on a child. You may consider this information and decide whether this is a child whose needs you could meet. You will also be able to select the gender of the child you wish to adopt.

You will have access to medical records, photographs, and other information, so that you can make your decision. Your social worker or caseworker will also receive copies of the information you request, so that you can talk over your decision with her.

Availability of financial subsidies

Because it is such an important part of our mission, our waiting children need the very best we can give. We know that there are many people, all over our country who want to love and care for them. We want to help, so that these children can be welcomed into a loving home.

Wide Horizons For Children (WHFC) is pleased to be able to offer subsidies, help with the expenses of an adoption, in varying amounts to families who might not otherwise be able to afford to adopt. A consideration in the distribution of inancial subsidies is the child's specific set of circumstances, such as the presence of special needs. More information about WHFC subsidies as well as other sources of funding can be found in the Adoption ABC's section of this website.

More flexible family requirements

It is possible that the requirements of the country from which the child comes will be more flexible if the child is waiting for a family. You may ask about whether parent requirements for a particular child would be more flexible. If you are willing to consider a waiting child, you will find that you will have more possibilities and more countries may be open to you. Please refer to the Country Overview for details on individual programs.

Referrals are faster

If you are interested in adopting a waiting child, you may find that the time frame for being referred a child is greatly reduced, since the child is already available for matching. In countries in which the wait is long, this may mean that you will be able to adopt much sooner than is typical. Sometimes just stretching your limits slightly may mean that you can consider a waiting child and bring your child home more quickly.

Education and support resources

WHFC believes that good preparation to adopt, and support after the adoption of your child, is very important. We will help you to learn more about adopting children who are older, or who have medical or developmental needs by providing pre-adoptive preparation groups and groups for those adopting older children, as well as written material and resource lists for those who live too far away to attend our groups.

Our staff are skilled in counseling our families and they can help you decide if adopting a waiting child is right for you, as well as offering helpful support after your child is placed with you. We can also offer referrals to international adoption clinics, hospitals, and parents who have adopted a child like the one you may be considering.