FFIA's aid and sponsorship programs

Since FFIA was first founded our members have been actively engaged in our aid projects. Through these aid projects families maintain a meaningful contact and mutual exchange with the countries our children were born in. We know that there are always children left behind in the orphanages, and that the abandoned handicapped children are specially vulnerable. We also know that there are many adoptive families who want to make a contribution to giving these children the opportunity to develop and become part of society. Since 2002 FFIA has defined three long-term goals for aid projects:

• To give priority to high quality aid projects in countries FFIA works with.
• To focus on vulnerable children who will not be adopted and on children's rights according to The Convention on the Rights of the Child.
• To manage aid work effectively and in ways that will increase members' and the association's commitment to children's rights.
• Aid projects are managed to a great extent through voluntary work and there is a project leader responsible for each project.

FFIA supports hundreds of children through individual sponsorships for school-fees, books
and lunches in schools situated in poor areas. FFIA also supports special programs for vocational training. Handicapped children receive help with necessary equipment as
well as medical treatment.

Adoption - a different kind of parenthood

An educational program from FFIA

Families deciding to adopt a child must be fully aware of the differences between adopting a child and having a biological child. They must be ready to enter into a different kind of parenthood. The adopted child must never be a substitute for a biological child but should have the advantage of being wished for and accepted for his or her own sake.

Adoptive parents bring part of another culture into their family. Their child's biological background will always be a part of the family's life.

It is important to understand what it means to a child for example to endure separations, suffer lack of parental love and sometimes care during their early life andto change language and culture.
While the Swedish local welfare authorities are responsible for the pre-adoption education in general, FFIA organizes the following classes: Countries of origin, Child care, Preparing for school and pre-school, Parenting teenagers, Identity and roots. The experience of many families shows that well-prepared adoptive families find their task easier and become better parents.

Children become adults

Those children who were adopted when intercountry adoptions were still a fairly new phenomenon are today adults. Studies show that most of these young adults are today leading happy, successful and well adjusted lives in Sweden.

The motivation, dedication and skill of their parents, the positive social attitudes, acceptance and opportunities in the Swedish society, all contribute to the children's well-being and success. These adult adoptees are proof that International adoption in Sweden works, and works well.