For the last several years, Adopolis, Inc. has managed the “Citizens of the World” Hosting Program for families interested in providing special needs and older children from Colombia an enriching family experience. With the help of New Beginnings Family and Children’s Services in NY, NJ and PA, Adopolis is facilitating this program to help children see the unconditional love, nurturing and fun memories that only families can provide. Adopolis, Inc., located in Washington, DC, and has an agreement with the Colombian Family Welfare Institute (ICBF) to initiate this Hosting Program. They are fully accredited in Colombia by the ICBF. Both Adopolis and New Beginnings are Hague accredited agencies. By having these children in their home, host families can get to know these children and possibly consider adopting or supporting them in other ways. Here are a few commonly asked questions about the hosting program:

How long is the hosting program? When does it take place?Menta Hosting

During the Christmas and summertime vacations, the children are able to come to families in the United States to have an enriching experience in the home. The timeframe varies from about 3 weeks during the Christmas season, to 4 weeks during the summer months.

What should we expect during the hosting period?

Testimonial: “We were approved and on ICBF’s waitlist for one child when we made the decision to host a child while waiting. We learned that 2 siblings Linda, age 12 and Miyer, age 6 were in the hosting program and ready to come to the United States. We decided to accept and host them for 17 days in the Winter of 2013. As soon as we met them at the airport, we fell in love with them. Although 17 days seems to be a short time to really get know someone, it gave us all a chance to experience family life. We knew immediately that they completed our family. Hosting changed our perceptions about adopting older children. It opened our mind and hearts to 2 beautiful children. We are so happy to say that they are joining our family”. – Anthony and Francesca M., New York.

Many families choose to proceed with adopting the child or children they have hosted. Adopolis and New Beginnings will assist you with all of the necessary steps of the adoption process and will be available every step of the way. After the hosting program is completed, families will also have the option to keep in touch with the children via Skype or telephone calls.

Since this program is designed with the family experience in mind, it is requested that one parent be at home and not working outside of the home during the child’s stay. By including the child in activities such as family celebrations, music and recreation, the child will be educated and enriched with part of American culture and family life.

What children are available for the hosting program?

Menta hosting 4The age rage of the children is from 3 to 14 years old, and sibling groups of the same age range. Hosting families will receive the same, comprehensive information about each child that would be provided if they were adopting that child. This includes photos, social and medical history, information on current or previous medical treatments or interventions, schooling reports, current living situation, etc. Information on each child’s behaviors, personality, abilities, weaknesses, are also given to hosting families. Special consideration and training will be given to a family who hosts a child with a disability or medical need.

What are the costs for hosting?

Adopolis, in association with New Beginnings, coordinates and oversees the hosting process from beginning to end. The fees for the hosting program can vary depending on where you live and on how many children you are hosting. The fees range from $3,000 for one child and $5,000 for two children which includes managing and overseeing the hosting program between Colombia and US families, translation of documents, round trip travel expenses for the children and chaperones, and medical insurance for the children and chaperones. Additional fees will be incurred for parent training, a short version of a home study report on hosting family, and supervision during the hosting period. For those families only interested in hosting, a shorter, condensed version of a home study is required. For those seeking to adopt, a full Hague home study will be composed. Some credits can be given to families who choose to move forward with adoption after the hosting program.

If you are ready to adopt or not, the hosting program provides you with the opportunity to show a child or children a nurturing family environment and a positive, happy experience they will remember for many years to come. Host families are expected to provide a safe, welcoming home, nurturing, support, and to provide for each child’s basic needs.

Contact Information:

For more information on how you can participate in “Open Mind, Open Hearts, Open World” Colombia hosting program contact:

Constanza Cardoso-Schultz, MSW – President and CEO of Adopolis
5247 Wisconsin Ave, NY
Washington, DC 20015
Phone: 301-879-9524
www.adopolis.org

or

Liz Westermann, LMSW
Director of Social Services
New Beginnings Family and Children’s Services, Inc.
87 Mineola Blvd.,
Mineola, NY 11501
Phone: 516-747-2204
www.new-beginnings.org

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