Kidsave As a global voice for change, Kidsave makes miracles happen for children the world has forgotten

1. Kidsave As a global voice for change, Kidsave makes miracles happen for children the world has forgotten

2. 33 million children worldwide are forgotten, growing up without families. Most are overlooked for adoption simply because they are over age 6. • Kidsave exists to change this and give every child the opportunity to grow up in a loving family!

3. Why Host Older Kids? • Older children are typically overlooked by adopting families. Only 10-15% of those who adopt are interested in older kids! • Outcomes for kids who remain in orphanage or foster care are not good! • Kidsave’s hosting model has a proven track record in finding families for older kids – over 1500 kids have participated in Summer Miracles since 1999 and 85% have found families! • A child’s presence in the community makes the problem real and encourages people to help! • Hosting provides a child and family an opportunity to get to know each other in a relaxed enviornment.

4. Summer Miracles

5. The Summer Miracles Program • 5 week summer visit – late June to early Aug. • Children stay with host families who may be participating to consider adoption or to simply advocate. • Families host as “godparents” and adoption is not discussed with the child/children while they are in the U.S. • The visit is a cultural experience and should include cultural activities, camp, community involvement, etc. • Children from Colombia are told there are 3 things that can happen while they are visiting the U.S.: • They will learn about our culture • They may meet a family who will be a life long connection • They may meet a family who will want to adopt them • Weekend events are a critical piece of program advocacy and are mandatory for kids & families as the events. • The goal is to find every child an adoptive family prior to their return to their country.

6. Program Basics • 5- 6 Summer Miracles Communities across the U.S. • Each is tasked with managing the local program through a volunteer planning committee. • Kidsave provides training, guidance and support in local fundraising & program management. • Volunteers, host families, donors, and advocates are needed to run a successful program! • It costs $9,000 per child to have a child participate in the program. Costs include program management, travel and logistics and support.

7. Program Basics Cont. • Together, Kidsave and the local community raise the funds to bring 7 – 10 children to each Summer Miracles Community • Kidsave and agency partners work collaboratively to provide host family screening, training & support during the visit and the adoption services post-visit. • Families who do not host may visit Summer Miracles Kids after completing an visiting family application • Host families have two weeks after the children’s departure to make an adoption decision.

9. How You Can Help • Become a part of the local planning committee • Share the Kidsave story and opportunities to help with others (promotional materials are available) • Consider hosting a child this summer • Sponsor a Child – talk with your family, friends, church, professional/civic organizations, your employer & others to see if they would sponsor or co-sponsor a child’s participation in the local program • Advocate for a specific child or children during their visit to help them find a family • Fundraise the needed local funds to bring children to the local community this summer

10. Basic Volunteer Requirements • Desire to help children find families • Willingness to make a commitment of time and energy to complete committee tasks and assignments by benchmark dates • Interest, ability, desire to share the Kidsave “story” • Individuals, families, school, church, civic, professional & corporate groups are all welcome to participate

11. Basic Hosting Requirements • The Minimum age to host is 24 years. • Single women and married couple can host girls or boys, singles or sibling sets. • Single men can only host/adopt boys. • Same Sex couples are not able to host/adopt according to in country guidelines. • The host family must complete an application process,fulfill training requirements and work though a local home study agency. Families will be approved by the local social worker and sending country. • The host family must commit to attending weekend events and advocating for the child. • There are important considerations regarding prior medical/psychiatric history, arrests (including DUI), substance abuse, etc. that must be disclosed and could prevent program participation.

12. Next Steps • Sign up to support your local Summer Miracles Program – there is something everyone can do to help make miracles! • Donate and/or support fundraising efforts to insure that kids can come to the local community this summer. • Consider hosting a child. • Visit www.kidsave.org to find dates of additional hosting information sessions, committee meetings, local events, access the hosting application, donate on-line, e-mail your community coordinator, etc. • Contact Nancy Spence, National Manager of the Summer Miracles Program: Nancy@kidsave.org.

13. MAKE MIRACLES FOR KIDS THE WORLD HAS FORGOTTEN! www.kidsave.org