Acres of Hope is currently developing our adoption program in the Congo (DRC).   Patty Anglin, Executive Director of Adoptions and Humanitarian programs in Africa was raised in the Congo and is pleased to be back working in the country she has strong attachments and tries to.   The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a country located in central Africa, with a small length of Atlantic coastline. It is the third largest country (by area) in Africa. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is, with a UN estimated population of 66,020,000, the nineteenth most populous nation in the world.  the Democratic Republic of the Congo is often referred to as DR Congo, or is called Congo-Kinshasa after the capital Kinshasa in contrast to Congo-Brazzaville for its neighbour.  In 2009 people in the Congo are still dying at a rate of an estimated 45,000 per month, and 2,700,000 people have died since 2004. This death toll is due to widespread disease and famine; reports indicate that almost half of the individuals killed are children under the age of 5. The aftermath of the war has gutted the country. This death rate has prevailed since efforts at rebuilding the nation began in 2004.  Malnutrition affects approximately two thirds of the country’s population.  The political, social, and economic instability of the country has left thousands of children in need of permanent loving families.

Infants, Toddlers and sibling groups of both genders are currently awaiting adoption from the Congo due to disease, parental death, social and economic factors.  Children awaiting adoption are cared for in small orphanages by loving caregivers or “maman” as they are often called, and will generally experience the usual challenges related to poor nutrition and exposure to diseases typical of the region. All children are tested for HIV and Hepatitis.

From the time of acceptance of a child referral Acres of Hope’s attorney in the DRC will represent you in the legal process of adopting your child.  It is anticipated that this will take anywhere from 4-12 months.  The adoption will be finalized prior to travel to DRC.  For families traveling to Congo (DRC) a one week stay should be anticipated. Acres of Hope will assist you in making the arrangements for your stay in country.

While most of our children are healthy by 3rd world standards, Acres of Hope also seeks families who are interested in raising a special needs child, and who have the desire and talent to help that child flourish.  It is our belief that every child is valuable in God sight and that not one of His children should be overlooked. Every child deserves a family regardless of his or her circumstances or condition.