While our immediate family has not been involved with international adoption (Reid's adoption was domestic), we have many friends who have been... and it has touched our lives on numerous occasions. This week a story has been plastered all over the news, and our adoption communities are standing up for the TRUTH. Here is an email I received today from an adoption group we are involved with that I thought worth sharing.
The outrageous treatment of Artyem by his adoptive family has rightfully resulted in outrage by the Governments of Russia and the United States and all who care about children. The tragedy has cast a light on intercountry adoption that says it is not safe, the system failed and adopted children cause insurmountable problems. The heartbreak of Artyem Saviliev's abandonment has once again elevated a singular incident to a level which may result in the suspension of intercountry adoption. Suspending adoption, even temporarily, will only cause thousands of children to suffer the debilitating effects of life in an orphanage.
You, the community of adoptees, adoptive parents, adoptive grandparents, child welfare professionals and child advocates know that the outrageous and indefensible actions of one parent are not indicative of how children are treated by adoptive families. You know that families who encounter difficulties do not simply abandon their child. You know that help is available, that solutions are found and that families can thrive. And you know that suspending adoption does not protect children but only subjects them to the depravity of an institution...and an entire life without a family.
You, the adoption community know the truth. You live the truth. You are the truth.
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