Uphill task to find adoptive parents for older children

PETALING JAYA: Most orphanages face an uphill task in finding adoptive parents for children aged between two and sixteen.
Women, Family and Community Development deputy minister Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun (pix) said couples prefer to adopt those below two years old as they feel that it is easier to address the attitude and behaviour of children at this stage of growth.
"Hence, this is why there is a need for more awareness programmes or experience sharing sessions to promote a positive perception on adopting older children as well as children with manageable physical disabilities from orphanages nationwide," Chew said when officiating Malaysia Adoption Day 2016, an initiative by OrphanCare Foundation which is supported by the ministry.
Chew also said that based on research, children left to grow-up in orphanages are more prone to life-long physical and psychological harm.
"It is not like any of those institutions or children's homes fail to carry out their duties.
"A family setting allows children to develop life and social skills, opportunities to develop their own identity as well as opportunity to feel the love of parents whereas leaving them to grow up in institutions and children's homes may develop future leaders who do not have leadership qualities or independence that is expected once they turn 18," she said.
Chew stressed that a family environment is a much better option as it provides a more comprehensive atmosphere including the care, love and basic needs for a child's physical and mental advancement.
"An institution cannot replace the family no matter how dedicated the personnel is towards the children as no matter what, these children need to have parental care and love, so that they can have a sense of belonging and security," she said.