Dear Editor,

I strongly believe that people in Jamaica aren’t fully aware about the many advantages of adoption.

Adoption happens when children who cannot be raised by their biological parents become full and legal permanent members of another family.

One of the general assumptions is that the children are “bad” and they won’t want to adopt any misbehaving kids. This is not the case, as children are in State care for various reasons, such as being neglected, abused or even losing their birth parents.

Adoption should be one of the top priorities for women who have unplanned pregnancies and can’t maintain the baby due to their own reasons. Also, it is a safer alternative to abortion, which should never be the way out.

Many women who are unable to have a baby due to medical reasons tend to turn to adoption.

The major disadvantage of adoption is the time frame in which the process takes. To legally adopt a child in Jamaica takes a very long time, as there are many interviews, counselling and background checks involved.

However, the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), which is the adoption agency in Jamaica, has a programme called ‘Take a Child Home for the Holiday Programme’, which allows approved individuals to interact with the kids and take them home for the holidays.

It’s only fair that adopted children get as much love and attention as those who live with their biological parents. They will be grateful for your courageous decision and thankful that someone cares about them.

Having the opportunity to bring joy to a child is wonderful and most people would enjoy the feeling of taking care of a child.

The Government needs to spread more awareness on adoption and teach persons the benefits and advantages of adoption.

Tiasha Whyte

twhyte12@stu.ncu.edu.jm