It is easy to look at child abuse and think it happens in someone else’s world, in some far away country; but in reality, abuse happens all around us. And just because we don’t see it, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.
Statistics reveal to us:
- Every 10 seconds there is report of abuse in the United States.
- 4-5 children die daily as a result of abuse or neglect
- Around 1/2 million children are in foster care each year.
- Every year, more than 20,000 children age out of the system, never finding forever families.
- Aged out foster children are more likely to end up homeless, imprisoned, pregnant, drug addicted, and are 6 times more likely to die prematurely.
- Nearly 90% of those who have adopted report that they would absolutely adopt again if they had the chance.
The sad thing is, the doors to adoption are slowly closing, both internationally and domestically. As tighter laws such as the Hague make the “red tape” so thick, and the time lapse to get kids out of international orphanages increase, countries are diminishing in their rate of outside adoptions to countries like U.S.
In addition, due to a few “bad adoption” or illegal trafficking incidences, countries like Russia and Guatemala are closing their doors altogether to international adoption.
However, as countries and laws limit orphans from “getting out” of their increasing closing systems, the rate of abandonment and relinquishment has not decreased.
What does that mean? Children are getting STUCK. (And please, if you are interested in international adoption, but haven’t watched the documentary, STUCK, click here to download or order. It will open your eyes in a big way to the tragic plight of the orphan worldwide)
The following graphs give you a visual picture of what is happening in the adoption arena. Some call it the adoption cliff.
However, I beg you, if God is even mildly prompting you to pursue international adoption, do not hesitate, do not be discouraged, do not fear….there are still countries where millions of available children sit waiting. And maybe one of them is meant to call you “mom” or “dad”, maybe God has chosen a specific child that is destined to be part of your family!
