Oksana is just four years old. She is one of more than 83 children who call Russia’s Orphanage Number 59 their home. And, according to a CNN report, she’s one of the few who has a real chance of being adopted.

“[Darya Tatarenko] estimates that children at this orphanage, who range in age from 3 to 18, have only a 30 percent chance of being adopted by Russian families," CNN reported. "Tatarenko says that’s because potential parents in Russia often prefer blond and healthy children.”

Children’s Home No. 59 has been open for ten years, and during that time, only four children have been adopted out. Many of the children here are older. Many come from homes where they’ve experience drug and alcohol abuse, emotional and physical abuse, and other traumas.

The workers there hope that, despite what they hear on the news, Americans will continue to adopt children from Russia. Often, they’re the only ones willing to welcome older or less-than-healthy children into their homes.

Labels: international, Russia

Posted By: Adoption Issues