International Christian Adoptions

Unless you’ve had your notifications turned off for the last five years, you’ve probably heard something about the crisis at our southern border. Hundreds of thousands of youth who are separated from their families have arrived seeking to live in the U.S., and the government is struggling to keep up.

The fact is that the nations are coming to us. This is a unique time, and a valuable opportunity to demonstrate the love of Christ.

If you are willing to investigate, explore and inquire about the role you may play, we can use your help. ICA needs safe, nurturing homes for the youth and children awaiting a place of their own after reaching our country.

< Learn more: 5 Words to Explain the Child Refugee Crisis >

As Christians, we know what God expects: “When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong” (Leviticus 19:33). And we may desperately want to help, but many Americans assume there is simply no way to get involved.

You Can Help!

For the youth we serve, all attempts at reunification have been exhausted. Now they need families who are willing to provide them with both the love and structure they need to assimilate into American culture and ultimately to achieve independence.

Hundreds of families are urgently needed to provide foster homes for youth and children who have nowhere else to turn. Thousands are in detainment centers or refugee camps. By opening your home to these youth, you are fulfilling God’s call to love unconditionally.

You may be wondering what it would be like to bring a refugee youth into your home. Here are a few glimpses of the process:

  • Trust

Understandably, everything is new to these youth. They don’t know who to trust. It will take a safe environment to establish and build assurance. By embracing their culture, their religion, their food preferences, their language—accepting them for who they are—you can build the foundation for a trusting and secure relationship.

  • Confidence

Often our youth are on their best behavior, fearful they will do something wrong and jeopardize their legal status. They are stuck in fear. Assuring them you are on their side, by your words and actions, allows them the confidence and freedom to be themselves.

  • Everyday Experiences

Youth learn best by hands-on experience. While a youth is in your home, you will have the opportunity to teach them practical skills like gardening, household repairs, car maintenance, cooking, etc. These opportunities provide valuable training and instill in the youth a sense of accomplishment, independence, and growth.

If you imagine that foster care will be demanding, you are right. But with patience, flexibility, determination, and a sense of humor, you may be ready to assist a child in need.

Contact ICA today to schedule a virtual, no-cost, no-obligation introduction.

Even if You Don’t Have a Home to Offer, We Need Your Help

If you are not in a position to welcome a youth into your home, there are still numerous ways to get involved:

  • Pray: for the youth, the foster families, and ICA staff
  • Spread the word to families who might be interested
  • Educate others: Ask, “Do you know what is really going on? Have you heard about the urgent need for foster families?”
  • Learn the facts, advocate and bust the myths and misconceptions about these youth and the programs that are trying to help
  • Follow ICA on social media and share our posts to help us reach more like-minded families
  • Support ICA financially by making a secure donation on our website
  • Purchase fair trade to ensure your dollars are not furthering child/forced labor or the kind of conditions that are driving the refugee crisis (ICA has a fair trade store in our office during regular business hours)
  • Use your gifts, talents, and abilities to tutor, mentor, or teach
  • Seek out and volunteer at local Christian organizations and events that are meeting the practical needs of children, including foster closets, group homes, Christmas and Easter drives, birthday parties, back to school backpack efforts, and others 
  • Become a Respite Family short term