Mures County, Romania (NGO Holt Romania)

Beneficiaries: 20 orphaned and abandoned children

The primary objective of this program is to remove older sibling groups (children aged 8-16) from orphanages and reunite them in long-term Romanian foster families and group homes. Older institutionalized children are highly unlikely candidates for adoption or reintegration with their own families, making this program a unique opportunity for brothers and sisters---those well beyond the typical adoptive age---to experience life in loving, supportive family groups. In some cases siblings have been joyfully reunited after years of separation in different institutions.

We have made a long-term commitment to love and nurture these youngsters. Foster families and group home parents provide the children with the emotional framework, daily living skills, and vocational skills that will enable them to become independent members of society. There is no doubt that the relationships nurtured in this program will continue long after our financial support has ended.

In addition to the 17 children placed in foster and group homes, LIFT THE CHILDREN also reintegrated three brothers, institutionalized their entire lives, in the home of their natural mother. The mother received parenting assistance and counseling that helped this family become whole.

In 2002 this unique model program of long term sibling foster care was replicated in Constanta County with funding from the European Union. Another 20 children are now thriving in the care of loving families. The two oldest youths in the original Long Term Foster Care program are now attending university. The children in this program---once neglected and forgotten in institutions---have experienced a remarkable change.