The children are a reflection of the African American experience - they are strong, resilient and adaptive. They are beautiful children facing challenges. The majority of waiting children have experienced multiple temporary placements and are:

• of African American and African American/biracial heritage
• over the age of two
• part of a sibling group
• physically, emotionally and/or developmentally challenged

As the number of children entering the system grows at an alarming rate, many more qualified families are urgently needed. In these uncertain times there are a number of critical social and economic reasons why there are so many children in need of a secure family environment. In the vast majority, the children are awaiting placement due to circumstances beyond their control, including child abuse, neglect, abandonment, prenatal drug exposure, poverty and death.

While acknowledging their difficult beginnings, BAPRC knows from experience that adoptive and foster parents can make a difference in children realizing their unique potential.