GIVING CHILDREN THE BEST OF FAMILY

Timothy Ballard, Founder of Operation Underground Railroad, and his wife, Katherine Ballard, started the process of adopting two children from Haiti. The parents of seven children, Katherine and Tim knew that two more must join their already 'at capacity' family when Tim met a brother and sister on a trip to Haiti. Months into the adoption process, Katherine felt pulled, impressed, to help more children unite sooner (rather than later) with their adoptive families. She knew first hand, how these waiting children and families were separated not only by distance, but by expenses, government approvals, legal fees, and forms. She and Tim knew very well how tedious the 'wait' was, up to two-plus years for them and others. Emotionally and financially draining for all involved, adopting parents often take a second or third job. Fundraisers, car washes, and yard sales are typically part of the narrative of a family trying to save enough money to bring their children home and complete an adoption. Children Need Families foundation or CNF was created almost overnight, in response to this tremendous need and Katherine's prompting. "What do children need?" was the question raised when this organization was in it’s infancy. The answer: "Children need families."

Tim's Family
Children Need Families
Donate To CNF

Children Need Families (CNF) is passionately dedicated to meeting the most intrinsic need of a child, to have a permanent family and home. CNF works in partnership with adoption agencies, orphanages, and adoptive families, worldwide, offering a grant subsidy to assist with one of the often prohibitive steps of the adoption process, the cost.

CNF STORIES

CNF FAQ

Does O.U.R. operate in the United States?

O.U.R. salutes our nation's law enforcement officers and prosecutors at the federal, state and local levels who protect our country's children. Law enforcement professionals skillfully investigate, arrest and prosecute those who violate children. Our nation's police efforts to protect children in the U.S. are light years ahead of many, if not all other countries. O.U.R. acknowledges the expertise and extraordinary work done by these dedicated men and women who bravely battle the scourge of child sexual exploitation. O.U.R. shares the mission to save children and seek justice for those who victimize them, therefore O.U.R. is committed to enhancing law enforcement efforts by providing resources where budget shortfalls prohibit a child pornography, child exploitation or human trafficking operation from going forward. O.U.R. will also provide or facilitate child exploitation investigative training in U.S. jurisdictions where a need exists. Collaborating with law enforcement will reduce duplication, promote best practices and avoid other potential issues which might arise without close coordination. O.U.R. is privileged and honored to support our nation's heroes in this important cause to deter, disrupt and dismantle child exploitation and the trafficking of children in our nation's communities.

How much does it cost to rescue a child?

Each situation is different depending on travel, research, sting set-up, working with governments, aftercare etc., but on average one operation can costs anywhere between $50,000-$75,000 and each operation can save anywhere from 1 to 50 children.

What happens to rescued children?

Operation Underground Railroad rescue missions are always conducted in cooperation with government authorities. As such, when children are rescued, they are under the jurisdiction of the country where they are rescued and are placed into state custody. O.U.R. works with the government authorities to place rescued children in orphanages and rehabilitation programs which are predetermined and trusted by O.U.R. If family can be located, and it is determined that the family was not complicit, the child will be returned home to their family.

Is it possible for me to foster or adopt one of the rescued children?

We do not currently facilitate in the adoption process.

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