Facts About Ukrainian Orphanages

Photos from Sergei and Max's orphanage.

Max and Sergei live at an orphanage in Mariupol, Ukraine. The orphanage they live in is considered to be one of the best orphanages in the country, however it is still nothing like a home with a family. Here are some facts about Ukrainian orphanages:

• After the age of 5, a Ukraine orphan only has a 20% chance to be adopted.
• As they pass through the system, nutrition and living conditions deteriorate.
• Orphans "graduate" from the system at the age of 16. At 16 they are forced to move out of the orphanage and provide for themselves.
• They will be homeless, alone and lacking the education necessary to provide for themselves.
• 10% will have committed suicide by their 18th birthday.
• 60% of the girls will end up in prostitution.
• 70% of the boys will enter a life of crime.
• Only 20% will find work.

We realize that adoption of two children is not going to make dent in the problems facing orphans in the Ukraine but it will make a difference in the life of these two kids. We hope that as time goes by we will be able to support some wonderful programs in the Ukraine that are trying to provide transitional housing to these young orphans as they are forced out of the orphanages. We appreciate your support so much!