Child Hosting Programs: Preparing to be a Host Family

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What should you consider when preparing to become a host family to a child who is eligible for international adoption? We talk with Misty Lucas, an International Program Director at Gladney Center for Adoption.

In this episode, we talk about:

• For listeners new to this topic, what is a child hosting program, and what are the goals of hosting today?
• How have hosting programs changed in recent years, especially around ethics and child welfare practices?
• What types of children most commonly participate in hosting programs (ages, sibling groups, common needs, etc.)?
• Are children typically already eligible for adoption before participating?
• What does it look like to be a host family?
• What types of families tend to thrive in hosting programs
• What does it mean to advocate for a child during hosting?
• What signs may suggest a family is not ready?
• What kind of screening, training, and preparation do host families typically complete?
• How much information do families usually receive about a child beforehand?
• How should families prepare the children already living in their home?
• Are there special considerations for families whose children already have trauma histories or who were adopted themselves?
• Why is it so important for host families to understand trauma before hosting?
• How does trauma commonly show up during hosting, especially in a short-term environment?
• What behaviors or emotional responses should families realistically expect?
• What are common mistakes well-intentioned host families make?
• Hosting programs can raise strong criticisms and concerns. What are the most common criticisms or misunderstandings about hosting?
• How do ethical programs work to reduce a child’s feelings of being “chosen” or evaluated?
• How are children prepared emotionally before they travel?
• How do programs and host families work to avoid creating false hope for children?
• What does a typical hosting session look like? How long, what to do, etc.
• What activities and support should host families expect during hosting?
• What financial realities should families understand before committing?
• Can families host even if they are unsure about adoption?
• If a family decides they want to pursue adoption, what typically happens next?
  • What does that process and timeline often look like?
• What is emotionally difficult for families after a child returns home while adoption decisions are pending?
• Are the children made aware of a potential adoption plan once hosting is over?
• What does a successful hosting experience look like from the child’s perspective?
• What’s one thing you hope every prospective host family understands before beginning?

Resources:

• Gladney Center for Adoption, Hosting Program
• Hosting Package from CreatingaFamilyEd.org
• Is Our Family Right for an “Orphan” Hosting Program? 7 Questions to Ask
• Prepare for Hosting an International Orphan

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