ALBANIAS CHILDREN & PHOTO GALLERY
Compared to many countries, Albanias number of waiting children
is small. Each intercountry adoption
agency receives under 10 children per year, as general rule. Families
in Albania are encouraged to keep their children, and
only relinquish them in exceptional economic, family or social circumstances.
There are approximately 10 orphanages in Albania; each one having
only 12-40 children residing there.
As a result, the caregiver to child ratio is very favourable. It
can range from 1:3 to 1:7. Children receive considerable attention,
and displays of affection are commonplace. A primary caregiver is
typically the norm, as the staff at each of the orphanages understands
that this promotes attachment and corresponding development. It is
not the case that are children left unattended to because of
insufficient staff or large numbers of children residing there.
Caregivers are able to spend time with each child, and the
results are evident in the childrens emotional, physical and
social development. Several, but not all, of the orphanages receive humanitarian
aid in the form of volunteers from England, France and the United
States. However, aid from all adoptive parents from Canada is also
welcomed.
All of this translates to the giving of better care, for children
who have lived in an orphanage.
The children that we request are generally healthy. Some
children may have minor health issues that are acceptable to you,
i.e. strabismus, allergies, asthma, webbed toes, or a benign heart murmur. The age of the
children referred to Adoptionworx Canada, at the time of referral,
are in the 20-36 month range.
Slightly older children (ages 4-5) may be referred to
adoptive applicants who are at the higher end of the age range
indicated. Parents may not indicate a specific
age within the range. Adoptive parents may not specify gender
preference in their application to Albania.
Families are encouraged to educate themselves, have realistic expectations,
and read extensively about children whose beginnings have been in
a group setting or orphanage. Bear in mind that these children do
not start their lives in an intact, family setting. The caregivers
actively attend to the care of their children, to the best of their
ability. Education starts later, as elementary school begins at age
5 1/2 - 6 years of age, later than North American programs.
Adoption education and the understanding of potential
effects of early institutionalization are critical. However, our
adoptive parents have reported that they were very pleased by what
they observed in the way of emotional care offered at the various
orphanages, and the corresponding development of their child. You
can read about their experiences in our section, "Were
home! -Family Testimonials".
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