Monday, February 20, 2006
Iowa Scandal
I apologize for not posting....It is NOT for lack of news! There is lots going on, but it causing me to work more feverishly on my second book.
The biggest news in adoption right now is coming from Iowa, where an attorney has found convenient loopholes in the law that make it convenient to relocate expectant mothers there untill they give birth - expenses paid indirectly persepctive adoptive parents (through an Iowan loophole).
Those who renege on giving the baby broker their child to sell to waiting adoptive parents, find themselves homeless and one even lost custody fo the child she consider placing for adoption as well as her four-year-old daughter!
Read all about it:
http://www.wcfcourier.com/articles/2006/02/19/news/metro/e2a05f2d1e98937b8625711a0003b68a.txt
http://www.muscatinejournal.com/articles/2006/02/17/news/doc43f6a8f1d5542802085017.txt>
http://www.qctimes.net/articles/2006/02/20/news/local/doc43f7a658b692b508760933.txt
The biggest news in adoption right now is coming from Iowa, where an attorney has found convenient loopholes in the law that make it convenient to relocate expectant mothers there untill they give birth - expenses paid indirectly persepctive adoptive parents (through an Iowan loophole).
Those who renege on giving the baby broker their child to sell to waiting adoptive parents, find themselves homeless and one even lost custody fo the child she consider placing for adoption as well as her four-year-old daughter!
Read all about it:
http://www.wcfcourier.com/articles/2006/02/19/news/metro/e2a05f2d1e98937b8625711a0003b68a.txt
http://www.muscatinejournal.com/articles/2006/02/17/news/doc43f6a8f1d5542802085017.txt>
http://www.qctimes.net/articles/2006/02/20/news/local/doc43f7a658b692b508760933.txt
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Illegal adoption of babies
Committee frowns at illegal adoption of babies
Enugu, Nigeria — The Enugu State Committee on Child Fostering and Adoption has expressed concern at the increasing rate of illegal adoption of babies in the state. Chairman of the committee, the Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, told reporters in Enugu on Wednesday that the most worrisome development was the way some hospitals sold babies in the name of adoption.
He alleged that some of the hospitals harboured young girls to have babies, which they in turn, sold out without passing through the right process of adoption.
The bishop said the committee had closed down some clinics that indulged in the act, while six girls had been arrested during inspection of the hospitals, alleging that some of the babies were used for ritual purposes.
He warned that the committee would not tolerate acts of indecency and child abuse, adding that it would take drastic action against any doctor or clinic that engaged in illegal adoption of babies.
“It is illegal for a doctor to harbour and nurture young girls to have babies for sale,’’ the bishop said.
Chukwuma appealed to the state House of Assembly to speed up the passage of the Child Rights Bill to enable children to exercise their rights.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Adaora Ozobu, urged the public to report any case of illegal adoption of babies to the ministry.
She also advised couples and individuals who adopted babies illegally to come and formalise the process with the ministry.
Enugu, Nigeria — The Enugu State Committee on Child Fostering and Adoption has expressed concern at the increasing rate of illegal adoption of babies in the state. Chairman of the committee, the Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, told reporters in Enugu on Wednesday that the most worrisome development was the way some hospitals sold babies in the name of adoption.
He alleged that some of the hospitals harboured young girls to have babies, which they in turn, sold out without passing through the right process of adoption.
The bishop said the committee had closed down some clinics that indulged in the act, while six girls had been arrested during inspection of the hospitals, alleging that some of the babies were used for ritual purposes.
He warned that the committee would not tolerate acts of indecency and child abuse, adding that it would take drastic action against any doctor or clinic that engaged in illegal adoption of babies.
“It is illegal for a doctor to harbour and nurture young girls to have babies for sale,’’ the bishop said.
Chukwuma appealed to the state House of Assembly to speed up the passage of the Child Rights Bill to enable children to exercise their rights.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Adaora Ozobu, urged the public to report any case of illegal adoption of babies to the ministry.
She also advised couples and individuals who adopted babies illegally to come and formalise the process with the ministry.
Friday, February 17, 2006
BIG NEWS: RE HAGUE
16 February 2006
State Department Issues Final Rules on Intercountry Adoption
Regulations to implement Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoptions
The United States came a step closer to implementing the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoptions when it issued final rules February 15 relating to accreditation of adoption agencies.
The Hague Convention -- formally known as the Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption -- sets minimum international standards and procedures for adoptions that occur between implementing countries to ensure greater protection from exploitation of children, birth parents and adoptive parents.
This multinational treaty was approved by 66 nations on May 29, 1993, at The Hague. The United States signed it on March 31, 1994.
The State Department’s rules outline standards and procedures for accrediting nonprofit agencies and approving for-profit U.S. adoption service providers who seek to provide international adoption services in cases subject to the Hague Convention.
These rules, published in the Federal Register on February 15, take effect March 17. This action is a necessary step toward bringing the convention into force for the United States.
The Hague Convention aims to prevent abuses such as the abduction, sale or trafficking of children and to ensure proper consent to the adoption, as well as allowing for the child’s transfer to the receiving country and establishing the adopted child’s status in the receiving country.
In 2000, the U.S. Senate approved U.S. ratification of the convention once U.S. preparations for its implementation were in place and Congress passed the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (IAA). President Clinton signed the IAA into law on October 6, 2000.
CONTINUES AT: http://makeashorterlink.com/?W278219AC
State Department Issues Final Rules on Intercountry Adoption
Regulations to implement Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoptions
The United States came a step closer to implementing the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoptions when it issued final rules February 15 relating to accreditation of adoption agencies.
The Hague Convention -- formally known as the Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption -- sets minimum international standards and procedures for adoptions that occur between implementing countries to ensure greater protection from exploitation of children, birth parents and adoptive parents.
This multinational treaty was approved by 66 nations on May 29, 1993, at The Hague. The United States signed it on March 31, 1994.
The State Department’s rules outline standards and procedures for accrediting nonprofit agencies and approving for-profit U.S. adoption service providers who seek to provide international adoption services in cases subject to the Hague Convention.
These rules, published in the Federal Register on February 15, take effect March 17. This action is a necessary step toward bringing the convention into force for the United States.
The Hague Convention aims to prevent abuses such as the abduction, sale or trafficking of children and to ensure proper consent to the adoption, as well as allowing for the child’s transfer to the receiving country and establishing the adopted child’s status in the receiving country.
In 2000, the U.S. Senate approved U.S. ratification of the convention once U.S. preparations for its implementation were in place and Congress passed the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (IAA). President Clinton signed the IAA into law on October 6, 2000.
CONTINUES AT: http://makeashorterlink.com/?W278219AC
Money, money, money, money....
Get the money out of adoption and it will be better for ALL parties!!!
Downstate woman charged in adoption scam
The Associated Press
CASEYVILLE, Ill. -- Authorities today were searching for a Caseyville woman accused of allegedly pocketing more than $4,000 by promising her unborn baby to two adoption agencies.
Madison County prosecutors charged Melissa Sparks, 26, on Wednesday with two felony theft counts alleging that she made fraudulent deals to get money and gift cards between last July and November.
Authorities say she portrayed herself as a prospective birth mother to an Indiana woman who sought the baby through Bethany Christian Services in Chicago, as well as to the Family Resource Center Adoption Agency in Chicago.
``You can't be in an agreement with two people to adopt one child,'' Madison County sheriff's Capt. John Lakin said.
When Sparks gave birth in November, she kept the baby, Lakin said.
Pregnant women in Illinois who get gifts from prospective adoptive families or agencies do not legally have to return these gifts if they choose to keep their babies, said Kris Faasse, a national adoption consultant for Bethany Christian Services.
GIFTS!!! AS IF!
But authorities say Sparks ran afoul of the law by obtaining money under fraudulent agreements to give the baby to more than one person or group.
Sparks' bond has been set at $80,000.
Downstate woman charged in adoption scam
The Associated Press
CASEYVILLE, Ill. -- Authorities today were searching for a Caseyville woman accused of allegedly pocketing more than $4,000 by promising her unborn baby to two adoption agencies.
Madison County prosecutors charged Melissa Sparks, 26, on Wednesday with two felony theft counts alleging that she made fraudulent deals to get money and gift cards between last July and November.
Authorities say she portrayed herself as a prospective birth mother to an Indiana woman who sought the baby through Bethany Christian Services in Chicago, as well as to the Family Resource Center Adoption Agency in Chicago.
``You can't be in an agreement with two people to adopt one child,'' Madison County sheriff's Capt. John Lakin said.
When Sparks gave birth in November, she kept the baby, Lakin said.
Pregnant women in Illinois who get gifts from prospective adoptive families or agencies do not legally have to return these gifts if they choose to keep their babies, said Kris Faasse, a national adoption consultant for Bethany Christian Services.
GIFTS!!! AS IF!
But authorities say Sparks ran afoul of the law by obtaining money under fraudulent agreements to give the baby to more than one person or group.
Sparks' bond has been set at $80,000.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Error? or CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The following story is making headlins because of the monetary award. The real issue here though is CONFLICT OF INTEREST. This happens in almost all private adoptions. If the birthmother has any legal reprenstation at all, it is the same lawayer working for, and paid for by, the adoptive parents. CONFLICT OF INTEREST!!!
Jury: $3 million for adoption lawyer error
Feb 15, 2006, 20:06 GMT
KANSAS CITY, MO, United States (UPI) -- A Missouri jury awarded a woman $3 million after finding that her lawyer misrepresented her 11 years ago when she put her child up for adoption.
Kansas City, Mo., jurors found that Sanford Krigel and his law firm failed to adequately represent Chandrika Collins, 32, The Kansas City Star reported.
Collins said she believed Krigel was her lawyer in 1995 when she agreed to let a Pennsylvania couple adopt her baby.
After the proceedings started, Collins changed her mind and chose not to put the baby up for adoption. Jurors said Krigel did not try to stop the process and actually worked with the adoptive parents.
The newspaper said Collins did not see her son, now 10, for more than four years while she fought in court for joint custody.
The Star quoted an adoption advocacy group as saying it is common for lawyers to represent both birth mothers and adoptive parents.
Krigel said during the trial that he never actually worked for Collins and referred her to another lawyer after talking to her for a few minutes. His lawyers said he would appeal.
Copyright 2006 by United Press International
Jury: $3 million for adoption lawyer error
Feb 15, 2006, 20:06 GMT
KANSAS CITY, MO, United States (UPI) -- A Missouri jury awarded a woman $3 million after finding that her lawyer misrepresented her 11 years ago when she put her child up for adoption.
Kansas City, Mo., jurors found that Sanford Krigel and his law firm failed to adequately represent Chandrika Collins, 32, The Kansas City Star reported.
Collins said she believed Krigel was her lawyer in 1995 when she agreed to let a Pennsylvania couple adopt her baby.
After the proceedings started, Collins changed her mind and chose not to put the baby up for adoption. Jurors said Krigel did not try to stop the process and actually worked with the adoptive parents.
The newspaper said Collins did not see her son, now 10, for more than four years while she fought in court for joint custody.
The Star quoted an adoption advocacy group as saying it is common for lawyers to represent both birth mothers and adoptive parents.
Krigel said during the trial that he never actually worked for Collins and referred her to another lawyer after talking to her for a few minutes. His lawyers said he would appeal.
Copyright 2006 by United Press International
Reply to Lois: Fairness in Adoption
My dear Lois,
You do indeed need an education on what is FAIR and UNFAIR in adoption!!!
Adoption does not begin and end with the wishes of people like you who want a child. It does not center around YOUR needs and desires. Adoption is SUPPOSED be CHILD-CENTERED! That is, it’s purpose is to find home for children who need them, not do what is most expedient for YOU!
When you look at adoption from the needs of the child...every child’s first and foremost right is to have the family he was born into be able to care for him. Read The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child – which the US had never ratified, because of pressure from people who want their rights to supercede those of helpless children and who instead see children as a commodity that their money can buy...as it is also (perhaps even more so) opposed by those who profit form the sale of babies.
Every MOTHER has the right to receive the support she needs – financial and emotional – to keep her family together! To PREY on women in destitute conditions and take their children from them like a vulture hovering over an animal waiting for them to die to eat their flesh...THAT is UNFAIR!
For money to be the deciding factor of who is “fit” to keep and raise their own child and who is not, that is unfair! Rickie Solinger, historian and author, states very clearly that adoption exists on the backs of resourceless women. Women who “have” exploiting those who “have not.”
NO – six months is NOT too long for a mother to make together life together and save her family. Sic months is not too long to make a decision that will permanently and irrevocable change her life and that of her child! It is the least we can do to help women in dire situations. If that is inconvenient for those waiting to obtain babies as a result of another’s misfortune, that is just too bad...wait for someone else’s misfortune! I have no pity whatsoever. Adoptors are there to save children WHO NEED SAVING...not pry them loose form mothers who want to keep them!!! That is just a total distortion of what adoption should be.
Furthermore – what is most UNFAIR in adoption law is that adopted citizens in the US are treated as second class citizens in regard to their own birth and medical records. Deprived knowing the truth of their heritage – with less rights in that regard than convicted murderers! That’s unfair.
What’s UNFAIR is a sealed record system that condones and promotes anyone to set up ad adoption “agency” and buy and sell babies like used cars (as Artie Elgart, a real used car salesman did in Philadelphia at the Golden Cradle!) to whoever has the price to pay without any background checks to protect the safely of the children in placed. That’s unfair.
What’s UNFAIR is the kids who die and are abused sexually and physically by adoptive parents as a result of these slipshod gray an d black market adoptions...THAT IS UNFAIR!!!
What's UNFAIR is thousands of kids languishing in institutions and being shuffled from foster home to foster home, abused in many of those homes, while people such as yourself and your friends SHOP overseas for an IMPORTED PRODUCT!!
What’s UNFAIR is that adoptions are allowed to proceed totally unregulated. What's UNFAIR is that the U.S. does not abide by the UN Convention...
What’s unfair is fathers being denied their rights every day...What’s unfair is when a mother looses he battle to regain her own child because the adoptive parents have far more money for attorneys and claim they are “the only parents the child has ever known” an absolute LIE...that’s unfair. And this happens even when it is PROVEN and the court admits, that the adoption was obtained illegally and under duress...or when the father was never notified of the adoption...That’s unfair.
It’s Unfair when women are transported across state lines and told to lie to their parents and/or the father of their child, so their child can be sold on the black market.
The bottom line is that It is sad that some people are not able to have children biologically – but that des not mean that anyone OWES them a child! being blind is also very sad, but that doesn’t mean that we allow corneas to be SOLD and offer money to indigent people to give theirs up so someone “more deserving” with more “resources” can have their eyes and the poor should go blind.
Adoption was ever intended as a “cure” for infertility and the “needs” of adoptors are totally secondary to the children needing homes. It’s not all about what is best for YOU as an adoptor....making it quicker and easier for YOU!
Lois, there is a LOT that is unfair about adoption, and when you begin to realize that it does not all resolve around you and your needs as an adoptive parent, I welcome you to join the fight to humanize and reform adoption to make it much more fair to the ones who need it the most – the children.
There are adoption conferences you can attend and books to read (and not just the HOW TO adopt books) and many things you can do to educate yourself and help make adoption better for ALL. Beacuse TOGETHER we can shut down the illegal, corrupt adoption "agencies" and facilitators who prey on BOTH birth and adoptive parents at the expense of the children they flesh peddle.
With hope,
Mirah
You do indeed need an education on what is FAIR and UNFAIR in adoption!!!
Adoption does not begin and end with the wishes of people like you who want a child. It does not center around YOUR needs and desires. Adoption is SUPPOSED be CHILD-CENTERED! That is, it’s purpose is to find home for children who need them, not do what is most expedient for YOU!
When you look at adoption from the needs of the child...every child’s first and foremost right is to have the family he was born into be able to care for him. Read The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child – which the US had never ratified, because of pressure from people who want their rights to supercede those of helpless children and who instead see children as a commodity that their money can buy...as it is also (perhaps even more so) opposed by those who profit form the sale of babies.
Every MOTHER has the right to receive the support she needs – financial and emotional – to keep her family together! To PREY on women in destitute conditions and take their children from them like a vulture hovering over an animal waiting for them to die to eat their flesh...THAT is UNFAIR!
For money to be the deciding factor of who is “fit” to keep and raise their own child and who is not, that is unfair! Rickie Solinger, historian and author, states very clearly that adoption exists on the backs of resourceless women. Women who “have” exploiting those who “have not.”
NO – six months is NOT too long for a mother to make together life together and save her family. Sic months is not too long to make a decision that will permanently and irrevocable change her life and that of her child! It is the least we can do to help women in dire situations. If that is inconvenient for those waiting to obtain babies as a result of another’s misfortune, that is just too bad...wait for someone else’s misfortune! I have no pity whatsoever. Adoptors are there to save children WHO NEED SAVING...not pry them loose form mothers who want to keep them!!! That is just a total distortion of what adoption should be.
Furthermore – what is most UNFAIR in adoption law is that adopted citizens in the US are treated as second class citizens in regard to their own birth and medical records. Deprived knowing the truth of their heritage – with less rights in that regard than convicted murderers! That’s unfair.
What’s UNFAIR is a sealed record system that condones and promotes anyone to set up ad adoption “agency” and buy and sell babies like used cars (as Artie Elgart, a real used car salesman did in Philadelphia at the Golden Cradle!) to whoever has the price to pay without any background checks to protect the safely of the children in placed. That’s unfair.
What’s UNFAIR is the kids who die and are abused sexually and physically by adoptive parents as a result of these slipshod gray an d black market adoptions...THAT IS UNFAIR!!!
What's UNFAIR is thousands of kids languishing in institutions and being shuffled from foster home to foster home, abused in many of those homes, while people such as yourself and your friends SHOP overseas for an IMPORTED PRODUCT!!
What’s UNFAIR is that adoptions are allowed to proceed totally unregulated. What's UNFAIR is that the U.S. does not abide by the UN Convention...
What’s unfair is fathers being denied their rights every day...What’s unfair is when a mother looses he battle to regain her own child because the adoptive parents have far more money for attorneys and claim they are “the only parents the child has ever known” an absolute LIE...that’s unfair. And this happens even when it is PROVEN and the court admits, that the adoption was obtained illegally and under duress...or when the father was never notified of the adoption...That’s unfair.
It’s Unfair when women are transported across state lines and told to lie to their parents and/or the father of their child, so their child can be sold on the black market.
The bottom line is that It is sad that some people are not able to have children biologically – but that des not mean that anyone OWES them a child! being blind is also very sad, but that doesn’t mean that we allow corneas to be SOLD and offer money to indigent people to give theirs up so someone “more deserving” with more “resources” can have their eyes and the poor should go blind.
Adoption was ever intended as a “cure” for infertility and the “needs” of adoptors are totally secondary to the children needing homes. It’s not all about what is best for YOU as an adoptor....making it quicker and easier for YOU!
Lois, there is a LOT that is unfair about adoption, and when you begin to realize that it does not all resolve around you and your needs as an adoptive parent, I welcome you to join the fight to humanize and reform adoption to make it much more fair to the ones who need it the most – the children.
There are adoption conferences you can attend and books to read (and not just the HOW TO adopt books) and many things you can do to educate yourself and help make adoption better for ALL. Beacuse TOGETHER we can shut down the illegal, corrupt adoption "agencies" and facilitators who prey on BOTH birth and adoptive parents at the expense of the children they flesh peddle.
With hope,
Mirah
Unfairness in Adoption???
I wrote a reply to, and also posed here, yesterday: “Puky Adoption Language”
As a result, a mother who adopted from Guatemala – the new “in” country for quick adoptions...started writing to me, trying to prove me wrong and her right....
It’s been an educational glimpse into the other (DARK) side of adoption...
In the course of our back and forth “discussions” via email...she informed me of the newest RATIONAL for adopting from overseas as opposed to here:
“children in the USA have a better chance of survival with government assistance than the countries we adopt from that offer no assistance for their people. The Hague and Unicef suggests that the children be adopted from within the country, but doesn't offer any solution or funding for the problems of poverty, hunger, thirst or caring.”
I replied asking if she thought that makes it OK for kids to be abused on foster homes and shuffled around with no permanence, because they are government subsidized???
She ignored that and instead told me that the other reason she went international – which we’ve heard before are the “unfair adoption laws.” I challenged that saying that singles, gays..anyone could adopt one of the thousands of kids here in foster care needing permanent homes ... There were no unfair laws. I also reminded her she could have also done an open adoption here, privately with no “unfair laws”...
This is her reply to UNFAIR adoption laws!!!:
A birthmother has 6 months to change her mind after the child is placed. That is unfair! The child has unequivocally bonded with the adoptive parents by the time the birthmothers change their minds in many cases. My husband and I originally tried a domestic adoption granted not from a foster home but the birthmother changed her mind at the end of her pregnancy. That is her right -she should be respected right? However, I have the right to go to another country to bring home a child and deserve the same respect as does my child.
and...you also could have has any child you wanted in an OPEN adoption here...privately. No unfair laws...pictures are real nice but not a substitute for a child. Would you give your son away and be content to see photos him. I DON‚T THINK SO!! nice that you plan to visit her.
At what cost? That the birthparent will all of a sudden become maternal? In our case, the birthmother wants contact once a year and requested only photos and guess what - money. I am respecting her choice. I certainly wouldn't give up my son for anything that is the difference between she and I. I want to be a parent she does not.
Anyone else who’d like a shot at educating this woman, please write to: Lois Hausner She needs to learn what is REALLY unfair in adoption bigtime!
As a result, a mother who adopted from Guatemala – the new “in” country for quick adoptions...started writing to me, trying to prove me wrong and her right....
It’s been an educational glimpse into the other (DARK) side of adoption...
In the course of our back and forth “discussions” via email...she informed me of the newest RATIONAL for adopting from overseas as opposed to here:
“children in the USA have a better chance of survival with government assistance than the countries we adopt from that offer no assistance for their people. The Hague and Unicef suggests that the children be adopted from within the country, but doesn't offer any solution or funding for the problems of poverty, hunger, thirst or caring.”
I replied asking if she thought that makes it OK for kids to be abused on foster homes and shuffled around with no permanence, because they are government subsidized???
She ignored that and instead told me that the other reason she went international – which we’ve heard before are the “unfair adoption laws.” I challenged that saying that singles, gays..anyone could adopt one of the thousands of kids here in foster care needing permanent homes ... There were no unfair laws. I also reminded her she could have also done an open adoption here, privately with no “unfair laws”...
This is her reply to UNFAIR adoption laws!!!:
A birthmother has 6 months to change her mind after the child is placed. That is unfair! The child has unequivocally bonded with the adoptive parents by the time the birthmothers change their minds in many cases. My husband and I originally tried a domestic adoption granted not from a foster home but the birthmother changed her mind at the end of her pregnancy. That is her right -she should be respected right? However, I have the right to go to another country to bring home a child and deserve the same respect as does my child.
and...you also could have has any child you wanted in an OPEN adoption here...privately. No unfair laws...pictures are real nice but not a substitute for a child. Would you give your son away and be content to see photos him. I DON‚T THINK SO!! nice that you plan to visit her.
At what cost? That the birthparent will all of a sudden become maternal? In our case, the birthmother wants contact once a year and requested only photos and guess what - money. I am respecting her choice. I certainly wouldn't give up my son for anything that is the difference between she and I. I want to be a parent she does not.
Anyone else who’d like a shot at educating this woman, please write to: Lois Hausner
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
More Puky Adoption Langauge
More from: vroberts@tablemannersforkids.com (see previous post)
“Don’t ask questions about the birthparents in front of the child unless you are certain that the adoptive parents are open to that. The birthparents role should always be in the past. The should be spoken of sympathetically, as adopted children need to feel pride in their origins. They need to feel that their birth parents would certainly have kept them of they could have and that they made a very loving plan for them to be with their adoptive families forever. “
Birthmothers are NOT just in the PAST! Intelligent – and CARING - adoptive parents maintain open adoptions and keep birthparents an ongoing part of their child’s life to help them have a healthy integration of their heritage. In loving adoptive homes, birthparents are family members like an aunt or a grandparent. NOTHING about the adoptee should be secretive or hushed or not spoken of in public....or with SYMPATHY! To do so makes adopted children feel like THEY are something to be ashamed of. However you treat their birthparent reflects directly on them because at some point in time they learn biology and realize that they are biologically connected to others. If their birthparents are kept secretive, or spoken of as in need of sympathy, it is unhealthy for the child’s psychological development and fosters a difficult identity crisis. It can lead to acting our behavior or withdrawal.
Further, many birthparents did NOT make a “loving plan” for their child. Many simply had no other option. Language like that serves one purpose only – to assuage adoptive parents feelings of guilt. It does nothing to help the children they are raising.
As a Table manner experts. Perhaps you should stick to offering advise on which fork to use!
“Don’t ask questions about the birthparents in front of the child unless you are certain that the adoptive parents are open to that. The birthparents role should always be in the past. The should be spoken of sympathetically, as adopted children need to feel pride in their origins. They need to feel that their birth parents would certainly have kept them of they could have and that they made a very loving plan for them to be with their adoptive families forever. “
Birthmothers are NOT just in the PAST! Intelligent – and CARING - adoptive parents maintain open adoptions and keep birthparents an ongoing part of their child’s life to help them have a healthy integration of their heritage. In loving adoptive homes, birthparents are family members like an aunt or a grandparent. NOTHING about the adoptee should be secretive or hushed or not spoken of in public....or with SYMPATHY! To do so makes adopted children feel like THEY are something to be ashamed of. However you treat their birthparent reflects directly on them because at some point in time they learn biology and realize that they are biologically connected to others. If their birthparents are kept secretive, or spoken of as in need of sympathy, it is unhealthy for the child’s psychological development and fosters a difficult identity crisis. It can lead to acting our behavior or withdrawal.
Further, many birthparents did NOT make a “loving plan” for their child. Many simply had no other option. Language like that serves one purpose only – to assuage adoptive parents feelings of guilt. It does nothing to help the children they are raising.
As a Table manner experts. Perhaps you should stick to offering advise on which fork to use!
Monday, February 13, 2006
Puky Adoption Language
The following is my reply to:
Expert Commentary...Adoption Etiquette
Feb 13, 2006, 03:40 PM EST
By: Valarie Roberts, Evansville indiana
http://www.14wfie.com/Global/story.asp?S=4495991&nav=3w6o
“Positive Adoptive Language” (PAL) seems only to work well those who are on the RECEIVING end of adoption, by allowing them to feel more ‘real’ in their role, but it does little to help their children overcome their realities. How does it help a child to hear that his mother made a “decision” to give him away – like deciding whether to have chocolate or vanilla ice cream?
It is not only intended to make adoptive parents feel better without considering their child’s needs, but it is also by no means an accurate definition as many children – especially those those from poor countries with unstable governments, as in Eastern Europe and South America – are STOLEN and sold on the black market!
Like all newspeak and euphemisms, it very conveniently, and oh so pleasantly, covers up any of the harsh – more seamy, or distasteful – aspects of adoptions by defining the role of the birthmother as have “made a decision.” Even when less dramatic, a “decision” or “choice” made based on poverty and other accepts of recorucelessness and powerlessness is hardly a “choice” in the way we like to think of it. After all, is it a choice YOU would make?
In order for adoption language to be truly positive it must be HONEST, and that means it must reflect pain. To erase all pain does not do a service to the most important person involved in a adoption – the child. Adopted children KNOW that they were given away by someone in order to adopted another – this causes feelings of rejection and abandonment. These feelings need to be VALIDATED in our language, not sugar coated.
Further, if adoptive parents are uncomfortable with questions about how much their adoptions cost, they should try to avoid high costs and adopt children who need adopting – free of charge! They should also avoid constantly complaining and trying to sue and press charges, when they pay money and the adoption fails because it is found to be illegal, or the mother is able to parent her child. Seems at times like that it’s ALL about the money! Can’t have it both ways!
Expert Commentary...Adoption Etiquette
Feb 13, 2006, 03:40 PM EST
By: Valarie Roberts, Evansville indiana
http://www.14wfie.com/Global/story.asp?S=4495991&nav=3w6o
“Positive Adoptive Language” (PAL) seems only to work well those who are on the RECEIVING end of adoption, by allowing them to feel more ‘real’ in their role, but it does little to help their children overcome their realities. How does it help a child to hear that his mother made a “decision” to give him away – like deciding whether to have chocolate or vanilla ice cream?
It is not only intended to make adoptive parents feel better without considering their child’s needs, but it is also by no means an accurate definition as many children – especially those those from poor countries with unstable governments, as in Eastern Europe and South America – are STOLEN and sold on the black market!
Like all newspeak and euphemisms, it very conveniently, and oh so pleasantly, covers up any of the harsh – more seamy, or distasteful – aspects of adoptions by defining the role of the birthmother as have “made a decision.” Even when less dramatic, a “decision” or “choice” made based on poverty and other accepts of recorucelessness and powerlessness is hardly a “choice” in the way we like to think of it. After all, is it a choice YOU would make?
In order for adoption language to be truly positive it must be HONEST, and that means it must reflect pain. To erase all pain does not do a service to the most important person involved in a adoption – the child. Adopted children KNOW that they were given away by someone in order to adopted another – this causes feelings of rejection and abandonment. These feelings need to be VALIDATED in our language, not sugar coated.
Further, if adoptive parents are uncomfortable with questions about how much their adoptions cost, they should try to avoid high costs and adopt children who need adopting – free of charge! They should also avoid constantly complaining and trying to sue and press charges, when they pay money and the adoption fails because it is found to be illegal, or the mother is able to parent her child. Seems at times like that it’s ALL about the money! Can’t have it both ways!
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Another child murdered by his adoptors
Adoptive parents charged with murder in Holland case
The Associated Press
MASON, Mich. (AP) — The adoptive parents of a boy whose body was found last month have been charged with open murder.
Tim Holland, 36, and Lisa Holland, 34, were charged Tuesday in an Ingham County courtroom in connection with the death of their son. Each entered a plea of not guilty, according to a statement from the Ingham County prosecuting attorney's office.
Ricky Holland was 7 when he vanished last summer. His remains were found in rural Ingham County on Jan. 27.
The case was featured on the TV program "America's Most Wanted."
During the early days of the search, authorities said they suspected the boy ran away from home. He had run away before, but never for that long.
ED: A kid that age running away? Maybe he was running from abuse??
They had 3 other kids anges 1 to 4 who were removed and placed in the care of thie grandparents. Didn'y say if any of those kids were adopted. One wonders if they adopted first and then were able to have "their own"?
The Associated Press
MASON, Mich. (AP) — The adoptive parents of a boy whose body was found last month have been charged with open murder.
Tim Holland, 36, and Lisa Holland, 34, were charged Tuesday in an Ingham County courtroom in connection with the death of their son. Each entered a plea of not guilty, according to a statement from the Ingham County prosecuting attorney's office.
Ricky Holland was 7 when he vanished last summer. His remains were found in rural Ingham County on Jan. 27.
The case was featured on the TV program "America's Most Wanted."
During the early days of the search, authorities said they suspected the boy ran away from home. He had run away before, but never for that long.
ED: A kid that age running away? Maybe he was running from abuse??
They had 3 other kids anges 1 to 4 who were removed and placed in the care of thie grandparents. Didn'y say if any of those kids were adopted. One wonders if they adopted first and then were able to have "their own"?
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Agency Ignored Father's Rights
Colo. Father Not Giving Up on His Lost Son
By ANDREA S. ANDERSON
The Associated Press
Saturday, February 11, 2006; 6:39 AM
VERONA, N.J. -- David Archuletta says he knew his former girlfriend was pregnant in 2001, but she told him the baby was stillborn. More than a year later, she told him the truth _ that she had given birth after traveling to New Jersey from their home in Colorado, and turned over the baby for adoption. Ever since, Archuletta has been fighting for custody _ his efforts stymied by what state officials now say was a mistake by the adoption agency involved, Children of the World.
"He looks just like me. I just want to be able to see my son," said Archuletta, who has Parkinson's disease and lives with his mother in Pueblo, Colo.
An Associated Press review of hundreds of state documents shows the Verona-based adoption agency knew of Archuletta's existence for nine months before it allowed the adoption to move forward. But, in violation of state law, it made no attempt to track him down, Gary Sefchik, Department of Human Services licensing chief, said in a letter to the adoption agency's executive director in September.
"Children of the World didn't do nothing to find me," said Archuletta, 46.
Veronica Serio, the executive director, would not comment. The state cited the adoption agency for failing to notify Archuletta, for not giving him the opportunity to surrender his parental rights and for withholding information from the state during an investigation.
Children of the World's response to the citations is under review by the state attorney general's office.
Under New Jersey law, adoption agencies must notify anyone who may be a child's biological parent before the adoption process can be completed. The state also is obligated to search for a birth parent when an adoption agency is told one has been identified.
But state adoption investigators say the boy's birth mother, Penny Sue Candelaria, first told adoption agency workers the father was unknown. Later, but still months before the adoption was completed, Candelaria sent a letter to the adoptive parents asking for more money for expenses and threatening to tell the child's father about the adoption if the couple did not comply, according to DHS records.
Steven Sklar, an attorney for the adoptive parents, notified Serio of the letter nine months before the adoption was finalized, but she did not follow up on the information, according to DHS records. Sklar would not comment on the case.
In an interview with state investigators in 2003, Serio said she had only recently learned of the birth father's existence that year, according to the records. But in an affidavit taken in December 2004, Serio wrote she had received the information in 2001. Serio also said that the father had failed to come forward within the required window of 120 days, and that the agency was not legally obligated to locate him, according to state records.
State officials say Serio's interpretation of the law was wrong.
"Your agency's explanations for failing to reach out to the birth mother after receiving information that she knew how to contact the birth father are unacceptable," Sefchik wrote in the letter to Serio in September.
Gary Skoloff, a New Jersey adoption attorney not involved in the case, said Archuletta may have a good chance of getting the adoption overturned if he takes his fight to court. Archuletta said he has no money to pay an attorney.
"It is clearly a fraud on the biological father," Skoloff said. "The agency should have notified him. It's a gross violation of due process."
By ANDREA S. ANDERSON
The Associated Press
Saturday, February 11, 2006; 6:39 AM
VERONA, N.J. -- David Archuletta says he knew his former girlfriend was pregnant in 2001, but she told him the baby was stillborn. More than a year later, she told him the truth _ that she had given birth after traveling to New Jersey from their home in Colorado, and turned over the baby for adoption. Ever since, Archuletta has been fighting for custody _ his efforts stymied by what state officials now say was a mistake by the adoption agency involved, Children of the World.
"He looks just like me. I just want to be able to see my son," said Archuletta, who has Parkinson's disease and lives with his mother in Pueblo, Colo.
An Associated Press review of hundreds of state documents shows the Verona-based adoption agency knew of Archuletta's existence for nine months before it allowed the adoption to move forward. But, in violation of state law, it made no attempt to track him down, Gary Sefchik, Department of Human Services licensing chief, said in a letter to the adoption agency's executive director in September.
"Children of the World didn't do nothing to find me," said Archuletta, 46.
Veronica Serio, the executive director, would not comment. The state cited the adoption agency for failing to notify Archuletta, for not giving him the opportunity to surrender his parental rights and for withholding information from the state during an investigation.
Children of the World's response to the citations is under review by the state attorney general's office.
Under New Jersey law, adoption agencies must notify anyone who may be a child's biological parent before the adoption process can be completed. The state also is obligated to search for a birth parent when an adoption agency is told one has been identified.
But state adoption investigators say the boy's birth mother, Penny Sue Candelaria, first told adoption agency workers the father was unknown. Later, but still months before the adoption was completed, Candelaria sent a letter to the adoptive parents asking for more money for expenses and threatening to tell the child's father about the adoption if the couple did not comply, according to DHS records.
Steven Sklar, an attorney for the adoptive parents, notified Serio of the letter nine months before the adoption was finalized, but she did not follow up on the information, according to DHS records. Sklar would not comment on the case.
In an interview with state investigators in 2003, Serio said she had only recently learned of the birth father's existence that year, according to the records. But in an affidavit taken in December 2004, Serio wrote she had received the information in 2001. Serio also said that the father had failed to come forward within the required window of 120 days, and that the agency was not legally obligated to locate him, according to state records.
State officials say Serio's interpretation of the law was wrong.
"Your agency's explanations for failing to reach out to the birth mother after receiving information that she knew how to contact the birth father are unacceptable," Sefchik wrote in the letter to Serio in September.
Gary Skoloff, a New Jersey adoption attorney not involved in the case, said Archuletta may have a good chance of getting the adoption overturned if he takes his fight to court. Archuletta said he has no money to pay an attorney.
"It is clearly a fraud on the biological father," Skoloff said. "The agency should have notified him. It's a gross violation of due process."
another day...another child killed....
ED: Another child killed by someone who took the child to adopt...a very INTENTIONAL act...with a promise to care for the child "better" than the child's natural parents could or would...
And, another case of our social system failing its most innocvent victims...
Cleburne man arrested in death of 3-month-old baby
By MARTHA DELLER and BILL MILLER
STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITERS - TEXAS
http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news/local/13841521.htm
A 42-year-old Cleburne man was arrested Friday in connection with the death of a baby he was in the process of adopting, and the infant’s twin and an older child were later removed from the home by state child abuse investigators, authorities said.
David Michael Giddens was arrested on a charge of injury to child by omission resulting in death after the medical examiner found that 21/2-month-old Nicholas Hoffert sustained head injuries near the time of his death on Thursday, a Cleburne police spokeswoman said.
Giddens is being held in the Johnson County Jail in lieu of a $150,000 bond.
In a written statement, Giddens’ family said the baby’s death was accidental.
“David, our son and brother is a good man and loving father who suffers from multiple sclerosis,” said the statement, released by Giddens’ father, Roy Giddens Jr. and brother, Doug Giddens. “We make no excuses for his alleged actions, but firmly believe that this tragic death was accidental.”
Cleburne Police Sgt. Amy Knoll said investigators have determined that the baby was struck at least twice.
“This is not an accidental death,” Knoll said.
The initial charge alleged that Giddens injured his child by failing to provide him medical care.
Knoll said the district attorney could modify that first-degree felony to include the allegation that Giddens inflicted the injuries. Possible charges could include murder or capital murder.
The Giddens family declined comment beyond the written statement issued Friday.
Knoll said police initially did not suspect foul play in the baby’s death when Giddens’ wife called 911 about 2:15 a.m. Thursday to report that the baby had stopped breathing.
“I would guess she was probably checking on (the twins) or feeding them since the babies were that old,” she said.
Arriving police and paramedics took over CPR from family members, Knoll said. When those efforts failed, the baby was pronounced dead and taken to the Johnson County Medical Examiner, whose preliminary investigation revealed the head injuries, she said.
Cleburne police then launched the investigation, which led to Giddens’ arrest, Knoll said. Police are continuing their investigation while awaiting the final autopsy report, she said.
Meanwhile, case workers from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services took custody of the dead baby’s twin and the Giddens’ 9-year-old daughter late Friday after interviewing Giddens’ wife and reviewing police information about the death, a spokeswoman said.
Giddens and his wife, Latresa, apparently were adopting the twins, who were born Nov. 19 in Michigan and were brought back to Cleburne just before Christmas, according to police and state officials.
Protective services spokeswoman Marissa Gonzales said the department had closed an unsubstantiated allegation of abuse or neglect against the Giddens family several years ago involving the family’s older child, who also is adopted.
Gonzales said the earlier complaint was not a factor in the department’s decision to remove the children Friday.
“We’re concerned about the way the child died because it was a very young child and preliminary reports indicate it was a very serious injury to that child,” she said. “We want to see exactly what happened and what the police find out in their investigation.”
Gonzales said the two children will be checked by medical professionals to determine whether they were abused or neglected before placing them in foster care.
A judge will decide within 14 days whether they are returned to their mother, placed with a relative or remain in foster care, she said.
And, another case of our social system failing its most innocvent victims...
Cleburne man arrested in death of 3-month-old baby
By MARTHA DELLER and BILL MILLER
STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITERS - TEXAS
http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news/local/13841521.htm
A 42-year-old Cleburne man was arrested Friday in connection with the death of a baby he was in the process of adopting, and the infant’s twin and an older child were later removed from the home by state child abuse investigators, authorities said.
David Michael Giddens was arrested on a charge of injury to child by omission resulting in death after the medical examiner found that 21/2-month-old Nicholas Hoffert sustained head injuries near the time of his death on Thursday, a Cleburne police spokeswoman said.
Giddens is being held in the Johnson County Jail in lieu of a $150,000 bond.
In a written statement, Giddens’ family said the baby’s death was accidental.
“David, our son and brother is a good man and loving father who suffers from multiple sclerosis,” said the statement, released by Giddens’ father, Roy Giddens Jr. and brother, Doug Giddens. “We make no excuses for his alleged actions, but firmly believe that this tragic death was accidental.”
Cleburne Police Sgt. Amy Knoll said investigators have determined that the baby was struck at least twice.
“This is not an accidental death,” Knoll said.
The initial charge alleged that Giddens injured his child by failing to provide him medical care.
Knoll said the district attorney could modify that first-degree felony to include the allegation that Giddens inflicted the injuries. Possible charges could include murder or capital murder.
The Giddens family declined comment beyond the written statement issued Friday.
Knoll said police initially did not suspect foul play in the baby’s death when Giddens’ wife called 911 about 2:15 a.m. Thursday to report that the baby had stopped breathing.
“I would guess she was probably checking on (the twins) or feeding them since the babies were that old,” she said.
Arriving police and paramedics took over CPR from family members, Knoll said. When those efforts failed, the baby was pronounced dead and taken to the Johnson County Medical Examiner, whose preliminary investigation revealed the head injuries, she said.
Cleburne police then launched the investigation, which led to Giddens’ arrest, Knoll said. Police are continuing their investigation while awaiting the final autopsy report, she said.
Meanwhile, case workers from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services took custody of the dead baby’s twin and the Giddens’ 9-year-old daughter late Friday after interviewing Giddens’ wife and reviewing police information about the death, a spokeswoman said.
Giddens and his wife, Latresa, apparently were adopting the twins, who were born Nov. 19 in Michigan and were brought back to Cleburne just before Christmas, according to police and state officials.
Protective services spokeswoman Marissa Gonzales said the department had closed an unsubstantiated allegation of abuse or neglect against the Giddens family several years ago involving the family’s older child, who also is adopted.
Gonzales said the earlier complaint was not a factor in the department’s decision to remove the children Friday.
“We’re concerned about the way the child died because it was a very young child and preliminary reports indicate it was a very serious injury to that child,” she said. “We want to see exactly what happened and what the police find out in their investigation.”
Gonzales said the two children will be checked by medical professionals to determine whether they were abused or neglected before placing them in foster care.
A judge will decide within 14 days whether they are returned to their mother, placed with a relative or remain in foster care, she said.
Friday, February 10, 2006
and another....
ED: Days like this, it's hard to read the ews when there is one after another child hurt or killed...
Mom on toddler's death: 'I didn't plan to hurt Emma'
Spring Hill woman says she lied earlier to protect husband, family
Jennifer Alvey is charged with murder in the death of adopted daughter Emma.
By MITCHELL KLINE
FRANKLIN, TN — A Spring Hill mother charged with killing her 20-month-old daughter told police she shook the toddler "without thinking," striking the child's head on a coffee table.
That caused damage that led to the death of Emma Alvey, police say. Jennifer Alvey and her husband, Phillip Alvey, adopted the toddler, who had been abandoned on a roadside in China, eight days after her birth.
In a written statement to police, Jennifer Alvey said she first lied about Emma's injuries, implying she was not involved, because she was trying to protect her husband and family.
"I lied because I was scared," she wrote in a statement taken Nov. 18 at the Spring Hill Police Department. "Not so much for myself, but I didn't want to hurt my husband and my family.
"People hate people who hurt kids. I hate those people, too. I didn't plan to hurt Emma."
The statement is one of a stack of recently released documents related to the death of Emma Alvey, who died Oct. 25 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
A police report, the statement, adoption records, an autopsy report and medical records filed by Williamson County prosecutors on Friday show how investigators gathered evidence to charge Alvey, 34, with first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, aggravated child neglect and reckless homicide.
She remains free on $250,000 bail, with a case review date set for April 18. Her attorney, Mark Puryear, said she would not talk to a reporter, and said it was "premature to comment on the evidence."
In her written statement, Alvey said that on Oct. 19 she was "busy in the kitchen" and Emma "was fussing."
She told police that she went to Emma to see what was wrong, then "without thinking I just shook her and she hit her head on the coffee table." Alvey then cuddled with her daughter and put the child down for a nap.
Emma never woke up. She was taken to Vanderbilt, where she died six days later after doctors performed surgery and several procedures.
District Attorney General Ron Davis said he was "always pleased when any defendant in a criminal case decides to take responsibility and admit their conduct."
Davis said Alvey's written statement would be taken into consideration as prosecutors prepare their case.
Emma Alvey was born Feb. 11, 2004. She was found on a roadside in China, wrapped in a blanket, with a piece of paper denoting her birthday, according to documents from the Huangmei County Social Welfare Institution.
Then named Mei Fu Ping, the infant girl was taken to a social welfare institution in Huangmei. Chinese authorities were unable to locate the child's birth parents, according to the institution.
Emma was taken to a foster family when she was 11 days old, the documents say.
On Feb. 14, 2004, Jennifer Alvey filled out an adoption form with Bethany Christian Services in Nashville.
Alvey answered a question about how she would discipline a child by writing: "No hitting. Limits will be set according to age and action. They need to know even if they do something wrong they will not be loved any less."
Alvey told police she'd wanted a child for a long time and had the name Emma picked out for 10 years.
Her ex-husband, Jimmy Terhune, told a Spring Hill detective that Alvey was "on a mission to have a child." Terhune said he and Alvey never had a child and that was the driving force behind their divorce.
Jennifer Alvey told police that she suffered from panic attacks and had taken medication to control the attacks. She said stress from being a new mom and stress from her mother-in-law were "the reason I started taking (medication) in the first place."
In February 2005, Jennifer and Phillip Alvey went to China to pick up Emma.
Medical records show that the couple brought Emma to Pediatric Associates of Franklin at least seven times between March and October. Emma was receiving speech therapy.
In a statement to police, Jennifer Alvey wrote, "I made sure Emma had the best doctors, eye doctors, medications, clothes, therapist … anything that was going to help her grow and develop into a healthy, happy, little girl."
Emma received 13 stitches on Sept. 27, after she fell down a flight of stairs, according to medical and police reports. She was examined and found to have no serious head injuries.
Spring Hill Detective Steve Cretin was called to Vanderbilt on Oct. 20, when social worker Carolyn Orr reported possible child abuse, according to his investigative report. Cretin interviewed Jennifer and Phillip Alvey that day.
Both told him that Jennifer Alvey was home alone with Emma, emptying the dishwasher while the baby was playing in the living room.
Jennifer Alvey told Cretin she heard Emma crying and found her in a crawling position. She said she consoled the child and laid her down for a nap, according to Cretin's report.
An autopsy conducted the day Emma died revealed that the child had suffered blunt head trauma. Dr. Thomas Deering, a medical examiner for the state, concluded that the death was a homicide.
The case was presented to a grand jury in Williamson County on Dec. 12. Jennifer Alvey was arrested the next day, and freed four hours later after posting bail. Jennifer Alvey has entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. •
Published: Thursday, 02/09/06
Mom on toddler's death: 'I didn't plan to hurt Emma'
Spring Hill woman says she lied earlier to protect husband, family
Jennifer Alvey is charged with murder in the death of adopted daughter Emma.
By MITCHELL KLINE
FRANKLIN, TN — A Spring Hill mother charged with killing her 20-month-old daughter told police she shook the toddler "without thinking," striking the child's head on a coffee table.
That caused damage that led to the death of Emma Alvey, police say. Jennifer Alvey and her husband, Phillip Alvey, adopted the toddler, who had been abandoned on a roadside in China, eight days after her birth.
In a written statement to police, Jennifer Alvey said she first lied about Emma's injuries, implying she was not involved, because she was trying to protect her husband and family.
"I lied because I was scared," she wrote in a statement taken Nov. 18 at the Spring Hill Police Department. "Not so much for myself, but I didn't want to hurt my husband and my family.
"People hate people who hurt kids. I hate those people, too. I didn't plan to hurt Emma."
The statement is one of a stack of recently released documents related to the death of Emma Alvey, who died Oct. 25 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
A police report, the statement, adoption records, an autopsy report and medical records filed by Williamson County prosecutors on Friday show how investigators gathered evidence to charge Alvey, 34, with first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, aggravated child neglect and reckless homicide.
She remains free on $250,000 bail, with a case review date set for April 18. Her attorney, Mark Puryear, said she would not talk to a reporter, and said it was "premature to comment on the evidence."
In her written statement, Alvey said that on Oct. 19 she was "busy in the kitchen" and Emma "was fussing."
She told police that she went to Emma to see what was wrong, then "without thinking I just shook her and she hit her head on the coffee table." Alvey then cuddled with her daughter and put the child down for a nap.
Emma never woke up. She was taken to Vanderbilt, where she died six days later after doctors performed surgery and several procedures.
District Attorney General Ron Davis said he was "always pleased when any defendant in a criminal case decides to take responsibility and admit their conduct."
Davis said Alvey's written statement would be taken into consideration as prosecutors prepare their case.
Emma Alvey was born Feb. 11, 2004. She was found on a roadside in China, wrapped in a blanket, with a piece of paper denoting her birthday, according to documents from the Huangmei County Social Welfare Institution.
Then named Mei Fu Ping, the infant girl was taken to a social welfare institution in Huangmei. Chinese authorities were unable to locate the child's birth parents, according to the institution.
Emma was taken to a foster family when she was 11 days old, the documents say.
On Feb. 14, 2004, Jennifer Alvey filled out an adoption form with Bethany Christian Services in Nashville.
Alvey answered a question about how she would discipline a child by writing: "No hitting. Limits will be set according to age and action. They need to know even if they do something wrong they will not be loved any less."
Alvey told police she'd wanted a child for a long time and had the name Emma picked out for 10 years.
Her ex-husband, Jimmy Terhune, told a Spring Hill detective that Alvey was "on a mission to have a child." Terhune said he and Alvey never had a child and that was the driving force behind their divorce.
Jennifer Alvey told police that she suffered from panic attacks and had taken medication to control the attacks. She said stress from being a new mom and stress from her mother-in-law were "the reason I started taking (medication) in the first place."
In February 2005, Jennifer and Phillip Alvey went to China to pick up Emma.
Medical records show that the couple brought Emma to Pediatric Associates of Franklin at least seven times between March and October. Emma was receiving speech therapy.
In a statement to police, Jennifer Alvey wrote, "I made sure Emma had the best doctors, eye doctors, medications, clothes, therapist … anything that was going to help her grow and develop into a healthy, happy, little girl."
Emma received 13 stitches on Sept. 27, after she fell down a flight of stairs, according to medical and police reports. She was examined and found to have no serious head injuries.
Spring Hill Detective Steve Cretin was called to Vanderbilt on Oct. 20, when social worker Carolyn Orr reported possible child abuse, according to his investigative report. Cretin interviewed Jennifer and Phillip Alvey that day.
Both told him that Jennifer Alvey was home alone with Emma, emptying the dishwasher while the baby was playing in the living room.
Jennifer Alvey told Cretin she heard Emma crying and found her in a crawling position. She said she consoled the child and laid her down for a nap, according to Cretin's report.
An autopsy conducted the day Emma died revealed that the child had suffered blunt head trauma. Dr. Thomas Deering, a medical examiner for the state, concluded that the death was a homicide.
The case was presented to a grand jury in Williamson County on Dec. 12. Jennifer Alvey was arrested the next day, and freed four hours later after posting bail. Jennifer Alvey has entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. •
Published: Thursday, 02/09/06
and another...
ED: I am saddned to report yet another child adopted from Russia who has been abused by his adoptors.
Interfax: Russian prosecutors investigating adoption by WNY couple
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February 10, 2006, 8:08 AM EST
MOSCOW (AP)_ Russian prosecutors are investigating the legality of the adoption of a disabled Russian boy by a western New York couple who have been accused of abuse, the Interfax news agency reported Friday.
The 4-year old was repeatedly beaten by his adoptive mother, who cut his ear with scissors and threatened to cut out his tongue for not reading his prayers correctly in English, according to prosecutors in Allegany County.
Prosecutors from the boy's native region of Rostov will check the legality of adoption and might open a criminal case, Interfax quoted Deputy Prosecutor-General Sergei Fridinsky as saying.
"We've had precedents when an investigation into activities of mediators and civil servants in various regions of Russia resulted in criminal cases being opened," he told Interfax.
The boy, who was born with one arm, was placed in protective custody Thursday after his mother, Jane Cochran, 43, of Alfred, was charged with second-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child. Cochran's husband Timothy, an associate professor of electrical engineering technology at Alfred State College, also was charged with endangering the boy.
The couple's three other children also were taken from them after an emergency Family Court hearing on Tuesday. The mother was released on $10,000 bail and the father on $5,000 bail.
In recent years, Russian officials have reacting increasingly negatively to foreigners' adopting Russian children, with some nationalist lawmakers asserting children are being "bought" by foreigners. Cases of abuse by foreign adoptive parents are widely reported in the Russian media.
Advocates for children, however, have disputed the assertions and say restricting foreign adoptions would harm thousands of Russian children waiting to be adopted.
The number of Russian adoptions has dropped from 14,000 to about 7,000 annually since the early 1990s, while the number of foreign adoptions rose from 1,400 to 9,000. U.S. families account for half of those.
------------------------
- In 2000, Denise Thomas of Littleton, Colo., was put on probation for a year after being accused of trying to sell her 8-year-old Russian-born daughter on the Internet. Thomas contended she was trying to find a new home for the girl after making the decision to disrupt and wanted to recoup some of the costs of the girl's adoption and medical care.
- February 9, 1996 - David Polreis, Jr: age 2, of Greeley, Colorado was beaten to death. Over 90% of David's body was covered in cuts, which his adoptive mother, Renee Polreis, claimed was due to the boys severe RAD. Renee stated that David would hit himself with a wooden spoon. Husband, David Polreis, Sr. was out of town at time of attack and was not implicated. Rene Polreis was convicted of child abuse resulting in death and sentenced to 18 years in prison. David was adopted 6 months before his death.
- November 25, 1998 - Logan Higginbotham: age 3, of Shelburne, Vermont died of massive head injuries. Adoptive mother Laura Higginbotham, stated that Logan fell and hit her head on the floor of an upstairs bedroom. It took 3 years for the medical examiner to determine whether the case was accidental or homicide. In 2004, Laura Higginbotham pled no contest to a charge of involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 1 year in prison. Logan was in US 7 months before her death.
- October 31, 2000 - Viktor Matthey: age 6, of Hunterdon County, New Jersey died of cardiac arrest due to hyperthermia after adoptive parents Robert and Brenda Matthey locked him overnight in a damp unheated pump room. Viktor was also severely beaten by his adoptive father. Both parents are sentenced to 10 years for confining Viktor to a pump room, 10 years for excessive corporal punishment and 7 years for failing to provide medical care. The sentences run concurrently. Viktor was in the US 10 months before his death.
ED: I actullay knew the a-grandmother!
- November 30, 2001 - Luke Evans: age 1.5 of Lowell, Indiana died of massive head injuries, shaken baby syndrome, and poor nutrition. Adoptive mother, Natalie Fabian Evans, stated that she couldn't wake Luke one morning and so placed him in a tub of water to "stimulate him" where she says he may have bumped his head on the tub. The authorities took a year to investigate the case. Evans is scheduled to stand trial for murder in October 2005. Luke was in the US 6 months before his death.
- December 14, 2001 - Jacob Lindorff: age 5, of Gloucester Twp, New Jersey died of blunt force trauma to head. Also suffered from 2nd degree burns on feet, hemorrhaging in 1 eye; bruises, and seizures. Adoptive mother Heather Lindorff, was found guilty of 2nd degree endangering, aggravated assault and sentenced to 6 years. Adoptive father, James, sentenced to 4 years probation and 400 hours of community service for child abuse. Adoptive mother claimed that the injuries were accidents. Jacob was in the US 6 weeks before his death.
- August 15, 2002 - Zachary Higier: age 2, of Braintree, Massachusetts, died of severe head trauma. Adoptive mother Natalia Higier, stated that he had fallen out of his crib or hit his head on the floor. She later admitted to tossing him into the air and he hit his head on the coffee table. Zachary sustained a bilateral skull fracture, strokes, brain swelling, and detached retinas. Natalia pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in jail with 18 months balance of sentence suspended for 4 years.
- October 23, 2002 - Maria Bennett: age 2, of Lancaster, Ohio, died from shaken baby syndrome. Adoptive mother Susan Jane Bennett, said that she had tripped while carrying Maria and had dropped her. Medical evidence proved otherwise. Susan Bennett pled no contest to 1 count of reckless homicide and was sentenced to 3 years in prison. Maria was adopted 9 months before her death.
- August 11, 2003 - Jessica Albina Hagmann: age 2, died from smothering. Adoptive mother, Patrice Hagmann claimed that she accidently killed Jessica while trying to stop her from having a tantrum. Patrice was sentenced to probation and to 2 suspended 5-year terms.
- October 16, 2003 - Liam Thompson: age 3, of Columbus, Ohio, died from scalding and neglect. His adoptive father, Gary, placed him in a tub of 140-degree water. He received 2nd and 3rd degree burns. His LPN adoptive mother, Amy, neglected treatment for 2 days, then treated him with Tylenol and Vaseline. She took Liam to the hospital only after he went into respiratory failure. Amy was sentence to 15 years for child endangering and involuntary manslaughter. Gary received 15-life for murder. Liam was adopted 5 months prior.
- December 18, 2003 - Alex Pavlis: age 6, of Illinois, was beaten to death by his U.S. adopted mother, Irma, 6 weeks after his adoption from Russia. He was found to have 32 bruises, scars, and cuts. Irma had a difficult time with Alex. He banged his head on the walls, floors, and defecated and urinated on himself. Reports indicate that his injuries could have been self-inflicted. Irma was charged with involuntary manslaughter.
- January 22, 2005 - Dennis Merryman: age 8, born Dennis Uritsky, of Harford County, Maryland died after suffering cardiac arrest brought on by starvation. He weighed 37 pounds. Both parents, Samuel and Donna Merryman, were arrested and charged with manslaughter and first-degree child abuse resulting in death and reckless endangerment. He was adopted almost 5 years ago.
- July 2, 2005 - Nina Hilt: age 2, of Wake Forest, North Carolina died after suffering several blows to her abdomen. Her adoptive mother, Peggy Hilt, has been charged with second-degree murder. Nina was adopted in 2003.
Interfax: Russian prosecutors investigating adoption by WNY couple
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February 10, 2006, 8:08 AM EST
MOSCOW (AP)_ Russian prosecutors are investigating the legality of the adoption of a disabled Russian boy by a western New York couple who have been accused of abuse, the Interfax news agency reported Friday.
The 4-year old was repeatedly beaten by his adoptive mother, who cut his ear with scissors and threatened to cut out his tongue for not reading his prayers correctly in English, according to prosecutors in Allegany County.
Prosecutors from the boy's native region of Rostov will check the legality of adoption and might open a criminal case, Interfax quoted Deputy Prosecutor-General Sergei Fridinsky as saying.
"We've had precedents when an investigation into activities of mediators and civil servants in various regions of Russia resulted in criminal cases being opened," he told Interfax.
The boy, who was born with one arm, was placed in protective custody Thursday after his mother, Jane Cochran, 43, of Alfred, was charged with second-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child. Cochran's husband Timothy, an associate professor of electrical engineering technology at Alfred State College, also was charged with endangering the boy.
The couple's three other children also were taken from them after an emergency Family Court hearing on Tuesday. The mother was released on $10,000 bail and the father on $5,000 bail.
In recent years, Russian officials have reacting increasingly negatively to foreigners' adopting Russian children, with some nationalist lawmakers asserting children are being "bought" by foreigners. Cases of abuse by foreign adoptive parents are widely reported in the Russian media.
Advocates for children, however, have disputed the assertions and say restricting foreign adoptions would harm thousands of Russian children waiting to be adopted.
The number of Russian adoptions has dropped from 14,000 to about 7,000 annually since the early 1990s, while the number of foreign adoptions rose from 1,400 to 9,000. U.S. families account for half of those.
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- In 2000, Denise Thomas of Littleton, Colo., was put on probation for a year after being accused of trying to sell her 8-year-old Russian-born daughter on the Internet. Thomas contended she was trying to find a new home for the girl after making the decision to disrupt and wanted to recoup some of the costs of the girl's adoption and medical care.
- February 9, 1996 - David Polreis, Jr: age 2, of Greeley, Colorado was beaten to death. Over 90% of David's body was covered in cuts, which his adoptive mother, Renee Polreis, claimed was due to the boys severe RAD. Renee stated that David would hit himself with a wooden spoon. Husband, David Polreis, Sr. was out of town at time of attack and was not implicated. Rene Polreis was convicted of child abuse resulting in death and sentenced to 18 years in prison. David was adopted 6 months before his death.
- November 25, 1998 - Logan Higginbotham: age 3, of Shelburne, Vermont died of massive head injuries. Adoptive mother Laura Higginbotham, stated that Logan fell and hit her head on the floor of an upstairs bedroom. It took 3 years for the medical examiner to determine whether the case was accidental or homicide. In 2004, Laura Higginbotham pled no contest to a charge of involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 1 year in prison. Logan was in US 7 months before her death.
- October 31, 2000 - Viktor Matthey: age 6, of Hunterdon County, New Jersey died of cardiac arrest due to hyperthermia after adoptive parents Robert and Brenda Matthey locked him overnight in a damp unheated pump room. Viktor was also severely beaten by his adoptive father. Both parents are sentenced to 10 years for confining Viktor to a pump room, 10 years for excessive corporal punishment and 7 years for failing to provide medical care. The sentences run concurrently. Viktor was in the US 10 months before his death.
ED: I actullay knew the a-grandmother!
- November 30, 2001 - Luke Evans: age 1.5 of Lowell, Indiana died of massive head injuries, shaken baby syndrome, and poor nutrition. Adoptive mother, Natalie Fabian Evans, stated that she couldn't wake Luke one morning and so placed him in a tub of water to "stimulate him" where she says he may have bumped his head on the tub. The authorities took a year to investigate the case. Evans is scheduled to stand trial for murder in October 2005. Luke was in the US 6 months before his death.
- December 14, 2001 - Jacob Lindorff: age 5, of Gloucester Twp, New Jersey died of blunt force trauma to head. Also suffered from 2nd degree burns on feet, hemorrhaging in 1 eye; bruises, and seizures. Adoptive mother Heather Lindorff, was found guilty of 2nd degree endangering, aggravated assault and sentenced to 6 years. Adoptive father, James, sentenced to 4 years probation and 400 hours of community service for child abuse. Adoptive mother claimed that the injuries were accidents. Jacob was in the US 6 weeks before his death.
- August 15, 2002 - Zachary Higier: age 2, of Braintree, Massachusetts, died of severe head trauma. Adoptive mother Natalia Higier, stated that he had fallen out of his crib or hit his head on the floor. She later admitted to tossing him into the air and he hit his head on the coffee table. Zachary sustained a bilateral skull fracture, strokes, brain swelling, and detached retinas. Natalia pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in jail with 18 months balance of sentence suspended for 4 years.
- October 23, 2002 - Maria Bennett: age 2, of Lancaster, Ohio, died from shaken baby syndrome. Adoptive mother Susan Jane Bennett, said that she had tripped while carrying Maria and had dropped her. Medical evidence proved otherwise. Susan Bennett pled no contest to 1 count of reckless homicide and was sentenced to 3 years in prison. Maria was adopted 9 months before her death.
- August 11, 2003 - Jessica Albina Hagmann: age 2, died from smothering. Adoptive mother, Patrice Hagmann claimed that she accidently killed Jessica while trying to stop her from having a tantrum. Patrice was sentenced to probation and to 2 suspended 5-year terms.
- October 16, 2003 - Liam Thompson: age 3, of Columbus, Ohio, died from scalding and neglect. His adoptive father, Gary, placed him in a tub of 140-degree water. He received 2nd and 3rd degree burns. His LPN adoptive mother, Amy, neglected treatment for 2 days, then treated him with Tylenol and Vaseline. She took Liam to the hospital only after he went into respiratory failure. Amy was sentence to 15 years for child endangering and involuntary manslaughter. Gary received 15-life for murder. Liam was adopted 5 months prior.
- December 18, 2003 - Alex Pavlis: age 6, of Illinois, was beaten to death by his U.S. adopted mother, Irma, 6 weeks after his adoption from Russia. He was found to have 32 bruises, scars, and cuts. Irma had a difficult time with Alex. He banged his head on the walls, floors, and defecated and urinated on himself. Reports indicate that his injuries could have been self-inflicted. Irma was charged with involuntary manslaughter.
- January 22, 2005 - Dennis Merryman: age 8, born Dennis Uritsky, of Harford County, Maryland died after suffering cardiac arrest brought on by starvation. He weighed 37 pounds. Both parents, Samuel and Donna Merryman, were arrested and charged with manslaughter and first-degree child abuse resulting in death and reckless endangerment. He was adopted almost 5 years ago.
- July 2, 2005 - Nina Hilt: age 2, of Wake Forest, North Carolina died after suffering several blows to her abdomen. Her adoptive mother, Peggy Hilt, has been charged with second-degree murder. Nina was adopted in 2003.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Sharon Stone(d)
STONE IS HONEST (?) ABOUT ADOPTION
ED: NOT my title!
http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/mndwebpages/stone%20is%20honest%20about%20adoption_09_02_2006
Actress SHARON STONE refuses to hide her two children's adoption from them, and will tell baby son LAIRD as soon as he is old enough to understand.
Stone adopted five-year-old son ROAN with ex-husband PHIL BRONSTEIN, and went on to add to her brood, last May (05), after their divorce.
The BASIC INSTINCT actress insists adopted parents have a deeper connection with their children than biological parents.
She says, "Roan already knows he's adopted and Laird will learn as soon as he's able to comprehend it. I have a bunch of friends who also have adopted children. And we jo
kingly refer to all the poor mothers who just have birth children - they don't know what it really means to have a child pick you and you pick them. There's kind of cosmic intensity about it. Our kids look so much more like us than birth children look like their parents."
--
If this is honesty, I have a bridge to seell this lady! Is she smoking funny stuff??? me tghinks Ms. Stione IS STONED! She sure is in lala land!
ED: NOT my title!
http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/mndwebpages/stone%20is%20honest%20about%20adoption_09_02_2006
Actress SHARON STONE refuses to hide her two children's adoption from them, and will tell baby son LAIRD as soon as he is old enough to understand.
Stone adopted five-year-old son ROAN with ex-husband PHIL BRONSTEIN, and went on to add to her brood, last May (05), after their divorce.
The BASIC INSTINCT actress insists adopted parents have a deeper connection with their children than biological parents.
She says, "Roan already knows he's adopted and Laird will learn as soon as he's able to comprehend it. I have a bunch of friends who also have adopted children. And we jo
kingly refer to all the poor mothers who just have birth children - they don't know what it really means to have a child pick you and you pick them. There's kind of cosmic intensity about it. Our kids look so much more like us than birth children look like their parents."
--
If this is honesty, I have a bridge to seell this lady! Is she smoking funny stuff??? me tghinks Ms. Stione IS STONED! She sure is in lala land!
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Adoption is a Feminist Issue
The following are quotes from Joss Shawyer, author of "Death by Adoption."
The entire piece is at:
“Does the woman who decides to resolve her infertility by adopting really manage to kidhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif herself that the donor of an adoptable child has a ‘choice’?. Would any woman with a choice put herself through nine months of pregnancy and go into labor having made the decision to surrender her child, if in fact there was another way? With the rare exception of surrogacy, carried out for money, no woman would knowingly, willingly do this. Does the infertile woman have the moral right to complete her family with another woman's child? I think not.
“Whatever happened to sisterhood, that brave frontier of gender equality where women banded together to fight the monster, that oppressor enabled by a structural inequality that collectively used woman's fertility to keep her oppressed, uneducated, downtrodden, poor. I put it to every woman, that any woman who expects to exercise a ‘choice’ to fulfill her maternal needs with another woman’s child, has herself become that oppressor....
“Until every woman, everywhere, has the right to raise the child she carried and birthed, the patriarchy is alive and well, still using ‘good’ women to punish ‘bad’ women - through the role of adoptive applicant. The personal remains political; adoption is a feminist issue.”
The entire piece is at:
“Does the woman who decides to resolve her infertility by adopting really manage to kidhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif herself that the donor of an adoptable child has a ‘choice’?. Would any woman with a choice put herself through nine months of pregnancy and go into labor having made the decision to surrender her child, if in fact there was another way? With the rare exception of surrogacy, carried out for money, no woman would knowingly, willingly do this. Does the infertile woman have the moral right to complete her family with another woman's child? I think not.
“Whatever happened to sisterhood, that brave frontier of gender equality where women banded together to fight the monster, that oppressor enabled by a structural inequality that collectively used woman's fertility to keep her oppressed, uneducated, downtrodden, poor. I put it to every woman, that any woman who expects to exercise a ‘choice’ to fulfill her maternal needs with another woman’s child, has herself become that oppressor....
“Until every woman, everywhere, has the right to raise the child she carried and birthed, the patriarchy is alive and well, still using ‘good’ women to punish ‘bad’ women - through the role of adoptive applicant. The personal remains political; adoption is a feminist issue.”
Monday, February 06, 2006
Ukrainian Adoption
New State Adoption Department announced
The Minister for family affairs, youth and sport announced the creation of a State Department on Adoption and Protection of Children's Rights on Monday.
Yuri Pavlenko explained that the department will replace the government Adoption Center currently responsible for bringing together orphans and prospective parents. The department will deal with adoptions by foreign parents, but the priority will remain finding parents for the country's orphans within Ukraine. The new department will coordinate its activities with the Prosecutor General's Office, the Interior and the Justice ministries. A separate Supervisory Board will oversee the new department's activities. It is expected to be fully functional by May of this year, according to Pavlenko.
The Minister for family affairs, youth and sport announced the creation of a State Department on Adoption and Protection of Children's Rights on Monday.
Yuri Pavlenko explained that the department will replace the government Adoption Center currently responsible for bringing together orphans and prospective parents. The department will deal with adoptions by foreign parents, but the priority will remain finding parents for the country's orphans within Ukraine. The new department will coordinate its activities with the Prosecutor General's Office, the Interior and the Justice ministries. A separate Supervisory Board will oversee the new department's activities. It is expected to be fully functional by May of this year, according to Pavlenko.
Saturday, February 04, 2006
MASHA'S LAW
New Legislation - Masha's Law
Senators John Kerry (D-Mass) and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga) today introduced legislation to increase the penalties for anyone who downloads child pornography off of the Internet. Senator Kerry began work on the Legislation after hearing the story of Masha, a Russian orphan, who was adopted by an American pedophile. Her adoptive father started sexually abusing her the first night she spent with him and immediately sharing hundreds of pictures of her on the Internet. He was found guilty of 11 counts of child sexual abuse. Her images still remain on the Internet. "Masha's Law” will allow for a stiffer penalty for downloading child pornography off of the Internet. Today downloading songs carries a penalty that is 3 times greater than downloading exploited children. The law will also allow adults to sue those who downloaded images of them taken when they were children.
ED: Where is the law that says "agencies" cannot place children in the home of single men who have no room for the child and instead expect to share their bed with them?
Where is the law that says that background checks on perpsective adoptors should include their ex-souses and children from previous marriages (in this case,one who would have reporetd her father's abuse)
Where is the law requiring home inspections and follow-ups?
Where is anyone protecting children from being imported into the country (or adopted domestically) for the purpose of being abused, sexually or otherwise?
Senators John Kerry (D-Mass) and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga) today introduced legislation to increase the penalties for anyone who downloads child pornography off of the Internet. Senator Kerry began work on the Legislation after hearing the story of Masha, a Russian orphan, who was adopted by an American pedophile. Her adoptive father started sexually abusing her the first night she spent with him and immediately sharing hundreds of pictures of her on the Internet. He was found guilty of 11 counts of child sexual abuse. Her images still remain on the Internet. "Masha's Law” will allow for a stiffer penalty for downloading child pornography off of the Internet. Today downloading songs carries a penalty that is 3 times greater than downloading exploited children. The law will also allow adults to sue those who downloaded images of them taken when they were children.
ED: Where is the law that says "agencies" cannot place children in the home of single men who have no room for the child and instead expect to share their bed with them?
Where is the law that says that background checks on perpsective adoptors should include their ex-souses and children from previous marriages (in this case,one who would have reporetd her father's abuse)
Where is the law requiring home inspections and follow-ups?
Where is anyone protecting children from being imported into the country (or adopted domestically) for the purpose of being abused, sexually or otherwise?
