b'Waiting ChildrenWaiting children are those in the U.S. foster care system and children who are living in orphanages in other countries who need, want, and are legally eligible to be adopted but have not been. All of these children have been determined to have specialized needs.Specialized Needs International Children Specialized needs covers a wide range ofwith Specialized Needsmedical, physical, cognitive, and emotionalGlobally, thousands of children are in need conditions. Children with specialized needsof an adoptive family who can support often wait for long periods to be adopted,their specialized needs. Many of these and many are never adopted. In some cases,conditions are manageable or correctable specialized needs means only that the childwith appropriate care that is widely available is over the age of 10, or part of a siblingin the U.S. group, all of whom are physically healthy. Examples of other specialized needs includeBarkers donors make it possible for us to missing limbs, in utero alcohol and otherhave the skills, experience and resources drug exposure, autism and developmentalnecessary to recruit, train and support delays.families to adopt children with specialized needs. Barker and its donors share the Foster Care belief that children deserve a loving family. There are more than 400,000 childrenPlease consider donating today to help currently in U.S. foster care; 120,000 of themsupport our efforts to help these children are waiting to be adopted. Children notwho desperately need a home to escape adopted from foster care are destined tohorrific odds and outcomes. live without family support and love. 23,000 children age out of the system each year. When children age out, they are left on their own with little to no support, and their likely outcomes are abysmal. 50% will serve time in prison, and 1 in 8 will become homeless. Many others will suffer from substance abuse, unemployment, and a future with their own children in the child welfare system. Helping children to be adopted is a major step in addressing the systemic issues of incarceration, homelessness, substance abuse, unemployment, and an underlying lack of education. Adoption can provide opportunity and hope for a better life. 8BARKER ADOPTION FOUNDATION'