When Sherrie Heginbotham first heard the sound of her son’s footsteps, she was sitting in her hotel room in Nanchang, China.
She opened the door, and after quick introductions by the adoption agency, she had a son named Henry. “I was left this precious little being,” said Sherrie. “It is almost a fairy tale.”
During Sherrie’s adoption journey, Children’s Home Society of Washington helped her navigate the international adoption process, handled her home study, and prepared her with training and education.
Helping more families
Children’s Home Society of Washington has been providing safe, secure homes for children since 1896. By fall 2013, the society is expected to receive its accreditation through the Hague Adoption Convention, an international agreement that establishes safeguards for intercountry adoptions.
“We have a 117-year legacy of being the state’s premier adoption service provider. By having Hague accreditation, we will be known internationally and nationally for holding the highest and safest standards for intercountry adoptions,” said Children’s Home Society of Washington's President/CEO Sharon Osborne.
“We can’t wait to help more families like Sherrie’s provide safe, loving homes for children from other countries,” she said.
Bringing Henry home
Two years ago, Sherrie decided to adopt through a special program in China that places children with mild birth defects or genetic problems. She was sent pictures of Henry, who has a disorder that affects the development of the lower half of the face but is treatable in childhood with proper medical care.
To adopt Henry, she needed assistance in completing her home study and complex paperwork. CHSW Adoption Counselor Cheramy Hassen provided constant support so that Sherrie would not miss a step. “Just having someone in my corner was so encouraging,” Sherrie said.
She brought Henry home in August 2012, and he is now three years old. However, she has felt like a mom since the moment she opened that hotel door.
“I have been Mommy since then,” Sherrie said. “That bond has been a part of our lives right from the start.”