Mother’s Choice CEO Sky Siu aims to reduce the number of children waiting for adoption in Hong Kong, focusing on those from complicated backgrounds. Photo: Kylie KnottIn Hong Kong, 89 children are waiting for adoption into what most of us take for granted – a loving family.
Sky Siu is the new chief executive of Mother’s Choice, a Hong Kong charity that helps pregnant teenagers and children without families. She is determined to reduce that number.
She said the most vulnerable children in the care system are the ones from “complicated backgrounds”. According to the Hong Kong government’s Social Welfare Department, 68 per cent of the 89 children waiting for adoption fall into this category.
A “complicated background” could mean one of their birth parents was abusive, experienced mental health issues or was drug dependent. “About 70 per cent of the kids that come to us have had at least one parent that’s had drug exposure in their lifetime,” Siu said.
It is especially challenging to find adoptive families for children with special needs.
While potential adoptive parents may be reluctant to take on a child with special needs, Siu wants families to know that help is available.
She explained that a vital part of the charity’s work is early intervention in cases and offering access to therapy. This improves the chances of adoption for children with complex profiles.