Local nonprofit group adds adoption services
A local humanitarian organization had added "adoption agency" to its list of services.
Lifeline of Hope, a faith-based nonprofit organization, for several years has helped orphans in other countries by providing aid and helping meet children's basic needs such as food and clothing.
The organizations was started principally by Dave Board and Jim Miller as a way to assist foreign orphans who often receive inadequate care.
When members of the organization, which now helps about 15,000 children a year, gave presentations about Lifeline of Hope, people often expressed interest in adopting the orphans.
"It became apparent there was a real need" for a local international adopting agency, said Karlyn Gibbs, executive director of Lifeline's adoption program.
The organization secured its Montana adoption agency license in November 2003 and is offering informational sessions Friday and Oct. 28 for people interested in adopting.
Lifeline of Hope is licensed to assist families with adoption paperwork and procedures for international adoption.
"They held my hand every step of the way," adoptive mother Karol Brown said. "There is a daunting amount of paperwork initially."
Brown returned from Russia in August with her adopted son Aidan, who is now 10 months old. She said she opted to use Lifeline of Hope as her adoption agency because it was a local organization and several of its employees are experienced in Russian adoptions.
Brown is the first local parent the organization has assisted. Lifeline has facilitated two out-of-state adoptions and is helping four other families.
The agency also does home studies - evaluations required by adoption laws where a social worker meets with a family to determine whether or not it would be able to care for a child.
Lifeline of Hope will do home studies for families regardless of what agency handles the adoption, whether domestic or international, but only does paperwork and other services for international adoptions, Gibbs said.
The organization also will do home studies for people in child custody cases.
Lifeline also provides post-placement services, which typically are required to see how a child and family are adjusting.
Lifeline of Hope will continue its humanitarian efforts but has four people available to do home studies.
People interested in adoption may attend informational sessions on Friday from 2-4 p.m. and on Oct. 28 from 7-9 p.m. at the organization's office at 135 Kelly Road in Kalispell. Attendees should RSVP by Oct. 21 by calling 257-0868.
Reporter Camden Easterling may be reached at 758-4429 or by e-mail at ceasterling@dailyinterlake.com