Great news for LGBT individuals, couples and families hoping to adopt HIV+ orphans internationally.
La Vida International adoption agency is working with gay and lesbian men and woman who want to adopt children with HIV from South Africa.
From their website:
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We are excited to announce that we are accepting applications for the South Africa Special Needs Program. This program is open to single male and females and married couples. LGBT individuals and couples are welcome to apply.
Most of the children available for adoption are living with HIV and/or some have other moderate to severe special needs. In the last 30 years, living with HIV has changed dramatically and with proper treatment chldren are expected to have a normal life span. HIV has never been transmitted in a normal family living environment. Most orphans have contracted the virus through mother to infant pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding.
The South African government has flexible eligibility guidelines to adopt. These include:
Applicant/s are over the age of 25 (USCIS regulation, South Africa only requires that you be over age 18)
While there is no official cut off age, applicants age 50 and over will be accepted by Wandisa on a case-by-case basis
Applicants must be physically and mentally able to care for a child (If there is a significant health concern a doctor’s letter will be required)
Married applicants’ length of marriage should be a minimum of 2 years (at time of dossier submittal)
Applicants with minor criminal histories may be considered.
Male and Female single applicants may also apply
LGBT individuals are invited to apply
UPDATE 2016. Children’s Home | LSS is placing children from Brazil and Mexico with LGBT families. Contact them directly to find out if any children with HIV are waiting
Positively Orphaned 