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I wrote about the negatives related to hosting an Ukrainian child. Hosting is one way that adoptive parents can get to know a child before adopting them.
Here are some positives
- Health: In many host programs the children get access to dentists and doctors.
Dental health is a major concern for many adoptive families. Here is a blog from a family who hosted from Russia. Search for the word “dentist” on this page. The Ukrainian medical system is very similar.
Why is dental health important for general health and well being?
The health of our teeth and mouth are linked to overall health and well-being in a number of ways. The ability to chew and swallow our food is essential for obtaining the nutrients we need for good health. Apart from the impact on nutritional status, poor dental health can also adversely affect speech and self-esteem.
I am not going to share the link because it is too vague… But a Belarus hosting program (pure hosting with no adoption component) stated that 1-week in a healthy environment added 1 year of life to a child. They were talking about removing a child from a radioactive environment. Belarus was hardest hit by the Chernobyl nuclear meltdown.
But common sense and knowledge of the “average” orphanage….. It does make sense that getting a healthy diet, getting medical attention and experience family life would be a postive impact for a child’s health.
- Adoption: It does give older children an opportunity to join a family.
Only 5% of children adopted from Ukraine are 10 years or older. And a large chunk of the children in the orphanage system (80% according to the NAC in 2002) are older. The NAC never defined older but in 2002 the average age of adopted children was 5 years of age.
Hosting programs only involved older children; typically 8 years and older. Some programs will do bring over children 6 years and older.
Hosting a Ukrainian Child
Negatives
Postives
List of Hosting Programs
