Monday, August 31, 2009

So very young

The latest referrals to come to Australia included two very young babies; one born April 2 and one born April 17 - THIS YEAR! That makes them less than five months old each. This is the youngest age of referral I have heard of.

I actually thought Chinese orphanages had to advertise the finding ad for each child for six months, but I've gone back and checked some facts and it is actually only 60 days. If no-one comes forward within that time to claim the abandoned infant, then the orphanage can pursue the adoption route with that child.

It's difficult for waiting families to know what to prepare for. Recent referrals have included toddler girls, toddler boys, lots of infant boys, and now extremely young infant girls! Once upon a time, most referrals were infant girls, age approx 8-14 months age. Now it seems there is no pattern.

Congratulations to all the families who received the glorious news of a referral this month.