I read an excerpt from an article that was written in Russia pertaining to International adoption. It just about made me sick.
Apparently, there is a fairly widespread negative view about International Adoption - especially by Americans. Naturally, I take offense to this.... seeing as how I'm an American.... and adopting.... Internationally.
Here's the quote:
The Soviet direction sees the greatest demand of Americans. It is easy, is accessible, rather cheaply. And the main thing is practically guaranteed opportunity to find the child with white color of skin. "From the American point of view you can buy that you want," - speaks Elizabeth Case - "we saw the women in Moscow. They - beauties, they have fine hair, and in general in Russia very much and very beautiful people. Many people want a white child from Russia."
Nevertheless, for some reason children from Russia do not get accustomed in the USA. Since 1996 - 12 deaths. One child was scalded alive in a bath, one was left to die in a cold closet, and one was hammered with wooden spoons. Each such news caused a wave of indignation in Russia. But it was not clear, why these horrors occur to our children.
It is extreme discipline. Special educational methods. The American parents study them at special schools. Sometimes - even in houses of worship. Application of force, mental and physical suppression of the child - here is usual. Agencies on adoptions say, that it is a statistical error, and the majority of Russians in America are happy. But the truth is that from the moment of adoption, about their destiny nobody knows.
I'm especially disturbed by the comments about the 12 deaths. I have heard this before. I'd be curious as to what that breaks down to in terms of percentage. 3,000 adoptions on average for 10 years equals 30,000 adoptions. 12 deaths equals .0004 Although these stories are absolutely appalling, they certainly don't make up a meaningful trend. Yes, there are some wack-o's in the US. (I think most of them are on Dodge Street during rush hour) But 99.9996% of the population is adopting because their heart is reaching out to children.
Here's the other one:
"Application of force, mental and physical suppression of the child - here is usual".
Huh?????? What in the world is this person taking about? Suppression is usual? Clearly, this writer has some biases that are beyond healthy.
I'm going on record for all my International readers that here in the US, mental and physical suppression are not "usual".
3 comments:
There is a contingent in Russia that believes international adoption is wrong and very bad for the children. The latest Russian adoptee death was in June or July 2005 and caused a big overhaul of the entire system. Let's just say there were outcries from some of the powers at be to stop Americans from adopting Russian children. It is a very twisted belief, but one that should not be ignored. Officials in Russia may have made accreditation non-expiring, however they are making the process of adopting more difficult for families. They are requiring more medical and psychological evaluations, added paperwork, longer in-between trip wait times and other various hurdles to jump. They are giving financial incentives to Russian families to adopt or foster and it is working. The pool of children to adopt from will eventually get smaller, but in the long run the Russians are working to find homes for orphaned children and they are doing so to keep children in Russian.
Ok, that is a really long comment. Sorry. Just a subject I feel very passionate about.
Yeah, Elle and I went through the adoption drama at the same time. We know this all too well. The biases were very evident during court... The truth is that the majority of Russians don't like Americans adopting. They took a poll of some sort. It came back that most citizens are against it. That's why the judges feel vindicated in making the process so difficult. It doesn't help that every abuse story hits the news and none of the happy stories ever do.
When we were there, an Irish couple was also there adopting. The judge was giving them a hard time about their paperwork, and one Russian who was involved with their case said, "Why is the judge giving them a hard time? Its not like they're Americans."
Jump through the hoops, do what they say, and bring your babies home! In the end, that's all that matters :)
I'm so glad to see Rhonda and Elle already commented. I've never visited your blog before, but I'm glad I did now! Like Elle and Rhonda, I was mid-stream in my Russian adoption when these types of stories were in the Russian press daily. There was (and is) a definite faction that is doing everything they can to halt Americans from adopting from Russia. They've gotten nowhere, but it has resulted in further restrictions. Which, while slightly frustrating, are actually good things.
The abuse cases were shocking and disturbing. They should have never happened. Those poor kids had been through so much already, then they were taken here and abused or killed.
The tens of thousands of good stories are not the sensationalized stories the Russian press wants to hear. That's frustrating and scary when you're trying to adopt. And there are professionals (like the orphanage director who ultimately the adoption of my son) who have biases and misconceptions about Americans and perpetuate the falsehoods and stereotypes. But, even having been through what I went through, I believe there are far more people in Russia (the Ministry of Ed officials, orphanage directors, judges) who want the best for the kids. They want them to find good, permanent homes. They care about the welfare of their children. And they understand that the vast majority of Americans who adopt from Russia are wonderful people.
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