Sal & Monty

Natasha is a pretty little girl, with very calm with big eyes and beautiful white teeth. She is very special. She doesn’t smile at everyone. She must first know you, and trust you, but her smile is fascinating. She loves to drink juice and she likes to eat sweets. She really likes music. She likes to be pampered by her foster family and only cries if she needs a little attention.

In therapy, she works on ways to improve her functional mobility, and increase the functional use of her arms. At school, she does a lot of sensory activities to work on ways to respond and communicate better and fixate her eyes on objects to learn.

Christian

Boy, Age: 6

Country Code: LA-4: Due to the in-country crisis, government offices and courts that process adoptions may be closed or delayed.

Region: Latin America

Primary Diagnosis: Blind / VI, Cerebral palsy, Epilepsy/ seizure disorder

Cerebral Palsy, history of Epilepsy, possible visual impairment

Listed: Dec 2023

2025 MACC, 24 for 2024, Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers

Christian is a handsome boy, calm and very adorable with his beautiful smile. He often falls asleep. He is sensitive to noise. He jumps and cries when he is picked up to change position. Nevertheless, he likes to listen to music, he likes to be rocked and he likes when people communicate with him.

At school, he progresses slowly with his sensory exercises which he likes and are helping him to stay awake longer than before. In therapy, he works on functional mobility, which helps him raise his hand to touch an object. He has consistently shown slight improvement in engagement with increased stimuli. He is responding more to toys and people by raising his head, laughing, smiling, and keeping his eyes open.

Anne #

Girl, Age: 3

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Global developmental delays, Spina bifida

Spina Bifida, hydrocephalus-shunt placed

Listed: Dec 2023

Anne is delayed in all aspects of her development. She recently began eating from a spoon, and the NG tube was able to be removed. She enjoys attention from staff. She smiles when caregivers speak to her. She reaches and grabs objects, but is not yet playing with toys.

Woodrow

Boy, Age: 11

Country Code: LA-4: Due to the in-country crisis, government offices and courts that process adoptions may be closed or delayed.

Region: Latin America

Primary Diagnosis: Blind / VI, Cerebral palsy

Microcephaly, Cerebral palsy, Optic Nerve Atrophy

Listed: Sep 2023

2025 MACC, 24 for 2024, Available to Single Mothers

Woodrow can sit up independently and will sometimes kneel as well. He occasionally bears weight on his feet, but cannot put his feet completely flat and because his ankles are so tight. He would need surgery before being able to do so. Woodrow doesn’t really scoot or crawl, but he can still make his way across a room by rolling and wiggling.

Woodrow loves to eat and gets quite upset if meal time is late. He doesn’t self feed, but eats pureed food by mouth. It can be a messy affair, but he is quite satisfied when he is done. Woodrow drinks some with a sippy cup or water bottle, but also likes to drink from a regular cup if he is feeling particularly thirsty.

Woodrow is not a fan of bath time and tends to move around a lot as he tries to keep his caregiver from bathing him, particularly his face and head. He is very picky about people touching his head – sometimes he likes a good head massage and other times he will duck away from anyone who tries to touch his head at all. He also does not like anyone touching his face, especially to try and wipe it off after a meal or to brush his teeth. The one exception he sometimes makes is for his caregiver to kiss his cheeks and neck, which he occasionally greets with a big smile.

In the past, Woodrow would often cry and thrash inconsolably for long periods at a time no matter what his caregivers tried. Some changes with medications have helped him drastically. He still does not sleep on a regular schedule, but if he’s awake during the night, he is generally calm, sometimes quiet and sometimes “talking” with his little noises.

Woodrow really likes his feet and will often clap them together. He also uses his feet to protect his head which he hits repeatedly for sensory input. Woodrow does not do a lot of purposeful movement with his hands, but often wrings them.

Woodrow goes to physical therapy and attends a special education class every day. He likes to be pushed around in his wheelchair and enjoys going in the swing.

Woodrow is a ticklish guy and will often reward tickles with a smile. While he is not generally a cuddler, he sometimes enjoys being held and cuddled and will lean in to relax.

Progress with Woodrow has been slow, but he is learning and responding. We continue to pray that he would know that he is safe, loved and treasured. We also pray that a brave and bold family would step forward to pursue his adoption. He is worth it.

Toby

Boy, Age: 11

Country Code: SE.Asia.Pac

Region: South Asia

Primary Diagnosis: Down syndrome

Listed: Sep 2023

*** I am eligible for a $15,000 Older Child Grant! For more information or to inquire about this child, please email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

2025 MACC, 24 for 2024, Available to Single Mothers

Precious Toby was born with Down Syndrome but is currently physically healthy. He attends occupational therapy and speech and language therapy to improve his gross motor and communication skills. Toby’s level of adaptive functioning suggests deficits in expressive communication, daily living skills, socialization, and coping skills. At his care center, Toby can perform simple tasks such as setting the table, filling glasses with water, and eating independently with little spillage. He participates during outreach activities and loves being cuddled. Toby can communicate via gestures and facial expressions. We can’t wait to see who Toby’s forever family will be!

Walt

Boy, Age: 9

Country Code: EE-6

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Autism, Global developmental delays

Listed: Aug 2023

*** I am eligible for a $2,000 Grant! ***
This grant is offered by Reece’s Rainbow, for children in this specific country. Grant funds are dependent on available funding. For more information, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Walt has been diagnosed with autism and developmental delays. He is nonverbal, does not engage with peers, and prefers to play with rotating, round objects. Walt does not show aggression and expresses warmth toward others on his own initiative. He likes to receive hugs from his foster parent.

Samuel

Boy, Age: 7

Country Code: Asia.2

Region: Asia

Primary Diagnosis: ADHD, Global developmental delays

Listed: Jul 2023

Samuel is an energetic and strong willed 5 year old boy who loves outdoor activities, playing with robots, puzzles and watching movies! Samuel said he would like to become a policeman when he grows up.

Samuel is not shy! He enjoys interacting with new people and likes playing in groups. His foster father said Sable “feels especially loved when there are more people interacting with him.”

Samuel resides in a foster home and has a 2 year old foster sister. He has a close bond with his foster parents and often expresses his affection to them.

Samuel has developmental delays and suspected ADHD. He attends occupational and speech therapy. During a recent visit with his social worker, he demonstrated his ability to string beads together, stack blocks and draw with a pencil. His articulation and pronunciation have improved, and he is able to clearly express himself. Sable also attends group therapy to help improve his interpersonal skills.

Mahleah

Girl, Age: 16

Country Code: SE.Asia.2

Region: South Asia

Primary Diagnosis: Older Child, Other Special Needs

24 for 2024, Available to Large Families, Available to Single Mothers

Maleah is a medically healthy, active, tall and athletic beautiful teen girl! More than anything she wants to be part of a family, and is open to both a two parent family as well as a single Mom. Maleah has overcome much hardship and adversity in her past and needs a strong, committed family who is well-versed in trauma. Maleah adores younger children and would benefit greatly from cousins or younger friends in the community! Agency staff has met and spent time with Maleah and were immediately struck with the incredible potential this young woman has, if only given the opportunity! Maleah will turn 16 in October 2025, making her ineligible for international adoption to the US at the time. Her family must be ready and willing to race to her in time!

Mina

Girl, Age: 8

Country Code: LA-2

Region: Latin America

Primary Diagnosis: Arthrogryposis, Genetic Condition (non-DS)

Developmental delays/malnutrition; Arthrogryposis; Osteogenesis Imperfecta; Bilateral club feet; Congenital Glaucoma

Listed: Mar 2023

Mina is a beautiful little girl who likes to paint and play “sleepover” with her friends. Mina likes to go to the park and put together puzzles. She also loves to sing and listen to music of all genres, especially tango. Mina enjoys children’s stories and watching her favorite cartoons, which include Masha and the Bear, Puss in Boots, and Blue Shortcuts. Contact the agency to learn more about Mina and her listed medical needs!

The agency staff met lovely Mina in August 2024. She was very talkative and outgoing. She doesn’t allow her special needs to limit her. Mina, born in November of 2016, knows how to start and maintain a conversation. She is very observant and knows how to ask questions and engage in it and the context. She uses very sophisticated words for a seven year old – it was impressive!! She knows how to count in English from one to ten, knows some colors in English, and knows the colors in Spanish. She has a great memory and can remember facts. Mina can easily express her thoughts and ideas.

Mina likes to paint and play “sleepovers” with her friends. Mina likes to go to the park, put together puzzles. She also loves to sing, listen to music of all genres, especially tango. Mina enjoys children’s stories and watching her favorite cartoons (Masha and the Bear, Puss in Boots, Blue Shortcuts).

VIDEOS:
https://vimeo.com/maaspecialkids/maa-mina
https://vimeo.com/maaspecialkids/maa-mina2
https://vimeo.com/maaspecialkids/maa-mina3
https://vimeo.com/maaspecialkids/maa-mina4
https://vimeo.com/maaspecialkids/maa-mina5
https://vimeo.com/maaspecialkids/maa-mina6
https://vimeo.com/maaspecialkids/maa-mina7
https://vimeo.com/maaspecialkids/maa-mina8
https://vimeo.com/maaspecialkids/maa-mina9
Password: Adoptmaa

Mina also has a $500 agency fee reduction, with a specific adoption agency.

Zoey

Girl, Age: 7

Country Code: Africa-1

Region: Africa

Primary Diagnosis: Global developmental delays, Other Special Needs

Developmental Delay, Post-stroke

Listed: Jan 2023

Zoey is one of the most beautiful little girls you’ll ever meet. She was born with some developmental delays, but then experienced a stroke when she was two and a half. This greatly set back her abilities. However, since then she’s been in a foster family where she’s relearned how to sit, roll, and grasp toys. She is working on self-feeding and becoming verbal again. Although Zoey had a seizure with her stroke she hasn’t had one since, and rarely requires medical care now. However, she may benefit from a better neurologist to understand her brain’s unique functions and abilities. Zoey is not short of opinions and will let you know exactly how she is feeling with tears or laughter! She loves to play and her giggle is absolutely infectious. She loves playing with water, musical instruments, and anything that makes noise. Zoey also loves to eat and isn’t picky at all! She is a social girl who has loved having two foster brothers. Zoey will bring an abundance of joy to any family who chooses to love her forever!

Janice

Girl, Age: 7

Country Code: Asia.2

Region: Asia

Primary Diagnosis: Cerebral palsy, Global developmental delays

Moderate Cognitive and Motor Delays

Listed: Aug 2022

Janice enjoys outdoor activities, especially riding her tricycle, sliding down the slide in the neighborhood park and bouncing around a basketball. When she isn’t participating in a physical activity, Janice likes reading books and singing nursery rhymes with “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” and “The Butterflies are so Beautiful” being her favorites!

Janice is shy around strangers, but interacts with them once she becomes familiar. Janice acts affectionately towards people she is familiar with and asks for cuddles. Janice has a close bond with her foster family and likes to seek their affection.

Janice has a Cerebral Palsy diagnosis with moderate cognitive and motor skills delays. She currently attends physical, occupational and speech therapies. Janice has made good progress, and she is now able to climb stairs, jump on the ground 10 times in a row, and complete a 4 piece puzzle! At home, Janice will imitate her foster mother’s speech and ask questions.

Could you imagine pushing Janice on the swings at your neighborhood park or teaching her how to ride a bicycle? If you think you could be the right family for her, don’t hesitate to reach out

Adrien

Boy, Age: 9

Country Code: EE-2

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Other Special Needs

Hernia, Arnold Chiari II syndrome, orthopedic foot defect (clubfoot)

Listed: Apr 2022

2025 MACC, 24 for 2024, Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers

Adrien is a charming and smiley boy. His behavior is very good, he respects the rules in the orphanage. He is interested in learning new things and willingly participate in games and activities. His skills are importing in all spheres. He is willing to play all games proper to his age.

Emma #

Girl, Age: 9

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Epilepsy/ seizure disorder, Global developmental delays, Hydrocephalus, Other Special Needs

Condition after herpes-viral encephalitis. Hepatitis caused by CMV. Hypotrophy. Hydrocephaly – of mild degree. Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia. Delayed neuro-psychological development.

Listed: Sep 2021

Emma was recently transferred to a group home where she can receive more specialized care to help her continue to develop and receive appropriate medical care. She is receiving monthly blood transfusions at this time for her anemia. She had surgery to correct clubbed feet in 2020. She can sit unassisted, stand next to a stable support, walk around fixed supports and walk while holding the hand of an adult. Videos from May 2021 show Emma playing with an electronic toy. She is pushing the button to get the toy to make a sound. Her fine motor skills are not well-developed at this time, due to her spasticity. Emma responds positively to adults and other children. She smiles and laughs when adults interact with her.

The agency staff member who visited her during March of 2024, says the following:

Emma is a sweet little girl who needs a loving and supportive family environment. During my brief visit, the child was constantly on the move except for the brief moments when she played with a particular toy or during her brief moments of protest. At the present time, the child’s needs are met at a basic level, with particular attention paid to her medical needs. The lack of systematic and in-depth work of specialists (such as a rehabilitator, occupational therapist, special pedagogue, speech therapist and others) is felt, which the institution currently does not have the opportunity to provide. By falling into a suitable loving family, receiving more attention and adequate care and activities, Emma could show her potential to a greater extent.

Update 8/2024

Special needs: low birth weight – 1800 gr; condition after herpes viral encephalitis; condition after hepatitis caused by CMV; congenital dyserythropoietic anemia; hydrocephalus – mild degree; infantile cerebral palsy – spastic quadriparesis; symptomatic epilepsy; delayed neuropsychological development

Therapy: Convulex 4+4+4 ml., Clonarex 2 x ¼ tablet, Repitend 4 ml – 0,4 ml. Carsil – 2 x ½ capsule daily, EXJADE – 1 tablet daily, Urinal x 5 ml daily, Vitamin D3 x 2

Emma makes steps but always and only with the help of a support. She does not control her physiological needs and wears diapers. She listens to children’s songs and fairy tales and claps with her hands. She holds a toy she has been offered but she would most often put it in her mouth without playing with it.

Emma needs monthly blood transfusions and regular consultations with a neurologist and hematologist.

Taylor

Girl, Age: 10

Country Code: Asia.4

Region: Asia

Primary Diagnosis: Global developmental delays, Thalassemia

Beta-thalassemia trait; ADD; low average intelligence

Listed: Sep 2021

Taylor was born to a mother who tested positive for Anthetamine and Methanthetamine at the time of her birth. She did not experience any type of withdrawal symptoms. The birth mother also smoked throughout pregnancy. Taylor was placed into government care due to her birth mother’s drug use.

When she was 4 years old, she was placed with a local family for the purpose of adoption. She lived with that family for 17 months. The family chose not to finalize the adoption. Taylor was placed in an emergency foster placement for 7 months and then moved into a permanent foster home, where she currently resides.

The previous foster family described her as “a happy and outgoing child who has a very good memory”. Her current foster parents describe her as “talkative, happy and polite”. She seeks out interactions with others. She can play alone appropriately, but prefers to play with other people. She is willing to share her toys. Her gross and fine motor skills are at the appropriate developmental level for her age. She talks in complete sentences and can answer questions and follow verbal instructions. She is diagnosed with ADD and has difficulty staying focused on activities, especially when required to sit still for longer periods of time. She will also “push the boundaries” to see what she can get away with. If she does not get her way, she will throw a “tantrum” to see if the adult will give in.

She is showing signs of the effects of the placement transitions that she has experienced in her young life. She often asks for permission to do even the smallest things. She worries that she is in trouble. The foster family reports that she says she wants to be good. She is seeing a clinical psychologist, who has begun preparing her for a permanent adoption placement. Interest families should be knowledgeable of the effects of trauma and disruption or be willing to obtain continual education on the topic during the adoption process.

Trina

Girl, Age: 16

Country Code: LA-6

Region: Latin America

Primary Diagnosis: Other Special Needs

Sickle Cell Anemia

Listed: Mar 2021

Trina just glows with positivity! She likes to participate in the activities carried out in the institution, mainly those related to the creative arts such as painting and dancing, she likes to play with her peers and sometimes acts as a leader in social groups. In the psychological report, they describe the girl as responsible, obedient, dedicated, organized and friendly. Trina has a tendency to withdrawal and mild depression, due to the presence of feelings of insecurity, low self-worth and low self-esteem.

Trina also projects a strong need for belonging, parental protection and a strong desire for firm support, these aspects are explained by her life history and have been worked from different approaches by psychology, overall a calm state of mind is reported.

We know that an adoptive family can greatly help Trina feel valued and loved, and will help her improve in these areas with love, security, acceptance and healing.

Photo available from agency!

Trina has Sickle cell anemia, and she was medicated with folic acid. Sickle cell anemia is one of a group of disorders known as sickle cell disease. Sickle cell anemia is an inherited red blood cell disorder in which there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body. While there’s no cure for most people with sickle cell anemia, treatments can relieve pain and help prevent complications associated with the disease. Many people with this condition live very normal lives. Learn more about the illness and living with Sickle Cell by visiting Sickle Cell Speaks.

High altitude risk: The air at high altitudes, such as in an unpressurized airplane or in the mountains at altitudes greater than 5,000 ft (1,524 m), has less oxygen than at sea level. The lack of oxygen can cause cells to sickle which is painful and dangerous for a carrier. For that reason, it is not advisable to place a child for adoption with a family living at higher altitude / mountains.

AJ

Boy, Age: 8

Country Code: LA-6

Region: Latin America

Primary Diagnosis: Other Special Needs

Grade I Osteogenesis imperfecta, controlled asthma, controlled atopic dermatitis, right cryptorchidism (undescended testicle)

Listed: Mar 2021