Adoption in the news...

I'm sure you've seen the headlines regarding a Russian adoptee being sent back to Russia by his adoptive Mom in the headlines today.  As always, the negative adoption stories get the attention, and my heart aches for all involved.  I thought the statement by the  CEO of NCFA (National Council For Adoption), put this in wonderful perspective...

"Reacting to Russian officials' demands for a moratorium on intercountry adoptions, Johnson continues, 'This news sends a false picture of intercountry adoption that now jeopardizes the lives of other children. If the reports are true, Ms. Hanson made a terrible, inexplicable decision. Fortunately, this single act does not represent intercountry adoption as a whole, or the commitment that American parents make to their children. Clearly, justice must be served, but a moratorium on adoptions would only hurt more children.' "

Of course, Unicef latches on to these stories as reasons to shut down intercountry adoptions... Another quote from NCFA states...

"While the majority of internationally adopted orphans end up doing very well, adopting formerly institutionalized children is not without its challenges. Many of these children suffer physical and emotional challenges as a result of the shortcomings often found with institutional care. "

Again, Unicef's answer is to keep children in institutions longer so long as the child is being kept in his/her own country.  In the case of Guatemala children being placed for adoption used to be cared for in foster homes with stable family units as opposed to institutions.

To my knowledge since Guatemala shut down over 2 years ago so did the use of foster care, and the creation of institutional care for these children, and in those 2+ years no new adoptions have taken place.   Which is heartbreaking to me.

Study after study has shown that children do much better in a home environment as opposed to an institution.  Even the best of institutions can't take the place of a home/family environment.

Please pray that the one decision by this overwhelmed woman doesn't prevent 1,000s of other children from being placed in loving, caring homes.  Also, pray that this story doesn't deter families considering adoption.  It is one of the most amazing journey's, and for me God's greatest gift.