Adoption in turmoil?

Thinking of disruption?            We can help!

Need respite care?

The "Ranch For Kids Project" a registered non profit corporation in the States of Wyoming, Montana & Maryland with 501(c)(3) status, has established a Christian home for "at risk" Russian and other adoptees who may be experiencing difficulties in their new families in the U.S. This program was developed through joint cooperation with agencies and child welfare organizations where troubled children adopted from Russia and other countries could come for respite care and/or referral to licensed agencies for placement into a new adoptive home.

The post institutionalized child is unique in that they have been raised in a cultural medium very different from that of children in our foster care system. Due to their unique background and experiences, they are poorly adapted to interface with our social service system. These children need adults in their lives who understand their culture and in particular how an orphanage experience has shaped their lives and who are able to relate to the experiences that they have had. In order for these children to become functioning members of our society they need to heal from the trauma of their orphanage experience and/or further difficulties in their adoptive placements. Sending a child back to their country of origin is rarely the correct solution.

The use of medication and extensive therapies can have positive effects on some of the most disturbed of these children. Others will benefit from an environment where the wide open spaces, contact with animals and a natural environment can create an understanding that we belong to something greater than ourselves and that in giving rather than taking we find our fulfillment.

A common-sense, relaxed approach to every day life and a sound moral base contribute to building a successful life style. Actions and consequences are closely linked. Children benefit greatly by spending time with caring adults. In our busy life styles we get short infrequent contacts with children when many times what they need is one-on-one time with adults, working on projects, playing, and having an adult who will spend time listening and talking with them. For many children the contact with animals, particularly horses has been proven to have very positive effects. We have an equine therapy program so that children can have riding lessons, learn about the care of horses, as well as develop a one-on-one relationship with an animal that is beyond words.

For the children who just need respite care, we hope to be that bridge linking parent and child. For those children who are relinquished our goal will be to find a permanent "forever" family.

The Ranch for Kids program was featured recently in a broadcast of the Hallmark Channel series, Adoption, Real Stories Real Families, titled Second Chances (Click on Episode 13).  Joyce Sterkel and the Ranch for Kids program were also profiled in the March 24, 2008 issue of People magazine.

For further information or to obtain an application, click the email link below: