[LEJ8]

How well pre-screened are the children invited to the hosting vacations? For example, does an orphanage usually choose the most well-adjusted children? Can you be assured the children do not have FAS, for example?

Also, can a hosting family choose who they want to host in advance...not just a "five year old boy", but find out more about the child, his likes/hobbies/family history?

Thanks!

[momm2be]

I think it depends on the program. The nice thing about the older child is you can beter evaluate for cognitive/social function.

From what I was told by my hosting organization, the kids were picked because the are healthy, and resilient From what I saw the kids were bright, happy and pretty much well-adjusted. It is emotionally not an easy program, so the do pick the more resilient kids.

I received a match in somewhat the manner of many referrals. Brief history, picture, video and best of all a short report from the teacher. The video and the teachers report were the most useful, In the video, they try to have them perform age appropriate things- sing a song, bounce a ball, run, jump.

I think it was certainly enough material to make it an easy decision to accept my match. And when these kids get here--- you see they are more amazing than you can ever believe.