Adoption offers a profound opportunity to change a child’s life for the better, but it also demands a societal shift in perception, particularly when it comes to older children. Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud’s recent plea to consider adopting older children is a timely reminder of the challenges these children face in finding a permanent loving home. Her message underscores an often-overlooked reality in the adoption process: the persistent preference for younger children, leaving older ones at a disadvantage.
The commissioning of the Central Authority, an agency aimed at streamlining inter-country adoptions, marks a significant step in ensuring that adoption processes in Guyana are thorough and equitable. It is not just a bureaucratic improvement, but is a framework designed to prioritize the welfare and safety of children, no matter their age. Within this context, Dr. Persaud’s call for inclusivity in adoption — especially for older children — carries even greater weight.
Children, irrespective of their age, thrive in environments that provide stability, love, and encouragement. As Dr. Persaud aptly stated, the goal is to provide children with a safe and nurturing family that can motivate them to reach their full potential. This foundation is critical for every child, but is particularly significant for older children, who have often experienced disruptions, instability, or prolonged periods in institutional care.
Adopting an older child may not come with the same initial milestones as adopting an infant, but it offers equally rewarding and transformative moments. Older children bring their own unique personalities, dreams, and potential, all of which can flourish when given the right environment. As the minister highlighted, it is not about when someone steps into a child’s life, but about the love and connection that can be established once they do.
Despite these compelling truths, older children continue to face systemic and cultural barriers in the adoption process. Families often prefer infants or toddlers, mistakenly believing that younger children are easier to bond with, or have fewer emotional challenges. These stereotypes not only limit opportunities for older children to find homes, but also perpetuate the misconception that love and stability are age-dependent.
In reality, many older children are eager for the chance to belong to a family. They yearn for the same love, guidance, and support as their younger counterparts. Their ability to adapt and bond with adoptive families, while sometimes requiring patience and understanding, should not be underestimated. By addressing these biases, society can create a more inclusive and compassionate adoption culture.
Adoption is a life-altering decision, and the process must ensure the safety and well-being of children. The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s emphasis on extensive family evaluation is a crucial component of this effort. Stringent assessment is necessary to ensure that a potential adoptive family can provide the security and nurturing environment every child deserves.
Establishment of the Central Authority reflects Guyana’s commitment to aligning its adoption practices with international standards. Not only would this agency facilitate inter-country adoptions, but it would also work to safeguard children from exploitation and neglect. Such measures are particularly important for older children, who may be more vulnerable to systemic gaps and biases.
Dr Persaud’s plea for inclusivity in adoption should resonate beyond the confines of her speech. It is a call for families, policymakers, and society at large to challenge preconceived notions about adoption and to embrace the full spectrum of possibilities it offers.
Families considering adoption must broaden their perspectives to include older children, recognizing that age does not diminish a child’s capacity for love, or their right to a stable home. Policymakers must continue to prioritize programmes and initiatives that promote awareness and support for older-child adoptions. Meanwhile, society must work collectively to dismantle the stigmas and stereotypes that hinder these children from finding their forever families.
Adopting an older child is not just an act of compassion; it is an investment in a brighter future for a child who has waited too long for the chance to thrive. As the minister so eloquently put it, the potential within these children is enormous; all they need is a family willing to unlock it.
In the words of author Regina Brett, “Sometimes it is the people who no one imagines anything of who do the things no one can imagine.” Let us imagine the extraordinary futures older children can achieve with the love and stability of a home. Let us answer Dr Persaud’s call and give every child, regardless of age, the chance to blossom and thrive.
