Adoption agencies should be free from blame
The story of the Russian adoptee sent back to Russia by his adoptive family certainly caught my eye and heart [“Russia furious: Adopted boy sent back alone from U.S.,” News, April 10].
Having been a social worker for a program that promoted the adoption of special needs or “waiting” children, I cannot help but feel that there is more to this story; I do not think it should reflect negatively on the agency involved unless an investigation shows it is more culpable than I suspect.
Adoption of older children presents known risks that vary by the child’s history and where he or she is originally from.
An adoption agency provides prospective parents the most accurate info it could get from adoption authorities. The agency relies on a social worker’s home-study across the country, who attests a family understands these risks and has the emotional, psychological and financial resources to make a lifelong commitment to the welfare of a child.
When an adoptive family experiences challenges with a child, family members are expected to respond as if the child were born into their family. My understanding is that this adoptive family did not seek services for the child. If it is eventually determined that an adoption cannot be salvaged, the agency should match the child with another adoptive family.
It is possible that the child is reacting to that particular family and might adjust much better in a different home. I have seen that happen. Again, that means working with the adoption agency to assure the child’s welfare.
I am confident the adoption agency did not suggest or support this parent’s actions. While the adoptive parent had laudable motivation in her desire to adopt a waiting child, there was clearly an abandonment of her responsibilities as an adoptive parent.
— Tim Meagher, Fircrest
Abandonment in international adoptions rare
There are many faces to international adoption and so many happy endings. [“Grandmother: Boy terrified adoptive kin,” News, April 11.]
A story like this recent one of abandonment is rare, but is frightening enough that it gives the countries involved in international adoption pause in order to review policy. Sadly, this places so many stable, loving families waiting to adopt a child on hold.
We adopted our daughter two years ago from China. She is a daily joy and we could not possibly imagine our lives without her. We waited three years for our daughter and were guided skillfully and patiently by our agency, World Association for Children and Parents (WACAP).
There were countless, unexpected delays as we waited for our daughter as country policies changed and paperwork increased. Throughout the adoption process, WACAP rigorously educated our family, prepared us for the transition with our daughter and was available for support. Upon our daughter’s arrival, post-placement visits and transitional support were woven into our homecoming. WACAP is an agency of integrity that is highly regarded in the adoption community, and we are so grateful for their work on behalf of children in the United States and worldwide.
We believe in adoption. Every child deserves a loving, forever family to call their own. We hope that these recent events will not deter countries from entrusting children in need to families abroad, nor deter families from adopting children in need.
— Annie & David Drummond, Shoreline