[bjorn]

Hi,my name is stephanie,I've been talking to a facillitator at yunona parents wanted.She has been some what helpful,but just wondering about a photo of a little girl I just feel in love with.Now looking at their feedback if this is really a child that is up for adoption.I can't find her photo on any other photolisting ,but theirs if anybody can help.We are very new at this and don't want negative experince!Thanks

[Tom & Amy]

Stephanie,
I would be careful with photographs at this stage of the game. Even if the picture is legimate (a child ready for adoption), by the time all the paperwork & homestudy, etc., etc. is done, that child will more than likely be spoken for. I cannot imagine that they (or anyone) are willing to hold that specific child out for you unless you are "paper-ready". There are many waiting in the line.
Also, I would be suspicious of any agency that shows photos too early in the process. In my opinion, it is a form of deceptive advertising unless they specify that the photo is representative of the children from a particular district or region.

Good luck,
Tom & Amy

[Edited To Remove Agency/Facilitator/fee based services Recommendations or comments]

Please remember that comments about agencies or other fee based services made after 2/10/2004 MUST be made via Private Message.

[Xanny]

It is illegal to post pictures of children who are available for adoption in/from Russia. The Russian government does not want anyone other than the child's prospective adoptive parents to see or receive information about any child. They consider it exploitation. Some agencies post pictures of children who are already adopted so that you can see what the children from a particular region look like, but don't trust any agency that has a photo listing of "available" children from Russia.

There are many reputable agencies out there who can help you find the right child for you in a legal way. I'm sure you will find the right one for you.

Best wishes,

Xanny

[DaniJ]

We are using the agency in question under similare...er, identical circumstances, and have had no problems so far. I'll send a lengthy PM sharing our expericence with them. I asked them about the photos and they had a reasonable explaination.
Good Luck!

[kimber413]

DaniJ, just make sure that nothing is ever mentioned while you are in Russia that you saw your child on a photolisting, especially in court. That can cause real problems for you in finalizing the adoption. Most Russian judges that I've heard of follow the Russian law on this one (of course I'm sure some let it slide, but I wouldn't risk it). The agencies that use this practice always have good excuses for breaking those laws, but in the end it can hurt you.

[mabelr]

Danij
Can you please share your experience with me too?
I would love to hear what you have to say about photolistings and how your agency explained them.
Can you please PM me with any stories that you would like to share?
thank you!

[ahnasmom]

Please check out frua.org

[Edited To Remove Agency/Facilitator/fee based services Recommendations or comments]

Please remember that comments about agencies or other fee based services made after 2/10/2004 MUST be made via Private Message.


Be very wary of any agency who has photolistings...in almost all cases it is completely illegal. It is my understanding that only 'special needs' waiting children may be photo listed. And then that is done in a respectful manner.

[ahnasmom]

Can I ask why my post was edited??? I try very hard to follow the requirements.

If there is information on a public record (say government based) why can we not post that information?

And I can't help but make a statement of fact....(no sarcasm here) but I find it odd that they are the pestiest pop-up on this site.

I have certainly read in recent posts where there are very obvious positives being mentioned by others.

Maybe we all need a refresher on what is acceptable.

[BrandyHagz]

ahnasmom,

You can read the rules regarding agency discussions by clicking on the Announcement at the top of every forum . It says:

NEW POLICY TO BE EFFECTIVELY IMMEDIATELY:
Adoption Media, LLC has implemented the following new policy.

Due to the occurrence of large numbers of harsh, and potentially slanderous posts about adoption professionals, and the occurrence of large numbers of self-serving advertising disguised as independent posts, all comments and discussions about adoption facilitators, agencies, attorneys, searchers and other adoption professionals, whether positive or negative, MAY NOT BE POSTED ON ADOPTION FORUMS. If individuals desire to provide or exchange this kind of information, it will need to be done privately and by other means, such as through private messaging and emails.

If you are seeking information about a particular adoption professional, it is acceptable to post a message that you are seeking information about the experiences of others with that specific adoption professional, along with a request that others may provide that information to you in a personal message or email sent to your personal account.

It will also be acceptable to post a message that you have experience with a particular adoption professional (WITHOUT GIVING ANY DETAILS) and that you can be contacted on a private basis, at a specific location, for more information.

ANYONE THAT VIOLATES THIS NEW POLICY MAY BE PERMANENTLY BANNED FROM FORUMS WITHOUT NOTICE.

This change has become necessary because there isn’t any way to determine the truthfulness of either positive or negative information that can be posted on forums on an anonymous basis. So it would be equally unfair to erase, or to allow the uncontrolled posting of either. Under the new policy, if an individual is certain that the information to be shared is true, and can be documented, then they will still have the ability to share that information on a private basis.

[kimber413]

Okay, I am beginning to get weary of the new "rule". Why, when information is public knowledge, can that information not be posted on the link? Isn't this forum supposed to be for information exchange? From what I understand, Ahnasmom simply posted easily accessible factual information, not opinion. Could it be that one of the major, if not THE major, sponsors of pop up ads on this forum happens to be the organization in question? Nobody seems to be doing anything when people post positive information about a particular agency. Why can't we then post negative information? If we're going to have this form of censorship, it should go both ways.

By the way, I've read the policy. I've included nothing in this post that should be censored. Brandy, I know you're just doing your job, so please don't consider this a personal comment. I'm simply stating my frustration with this "policy" you're required to follow.

[BrandyHagz]

The discussions of agencies on the forums is not permitted, regardless of public knowledge.

If the information available is “public knowledge” then Private Message the member and advise them where they can view it.

I’m sorry that you don’t agree with the rule, but it is a rule none the less. We have been very lenient in enforcing this rule, by editing the posts as they are made or reported. This wont always be the case.

[Javalita]

I don't mind this rule. Information is there and available if requested. Personal message is no inconvenience. I get PMs asking about my agency and I just copy over what I've written before - no trouble.

We don't *really* know each and every member on the board. I often think that if I owned an agency, I would most certainly monitor the board. Maybe they post too, so sometimes it is an individual's choice to trust in the advise of someone they don't necessarily know. If that was put out for public viewing, it wouldn't seem right to me.

At least that is my thought on the matter. Hope I wasn't too forward! My apologies if this is the case.

[sickmeig]

from what i know, the agency will choose a child and refer the child to you. you do not get to pick from a "picture book" of children. you can then accept or decline that particular referal. if you see a child on the internet - that child is probably not available. the picture may be years old.

[kimber413]

Javalita, my point was that if the censorship is going to be applied to negative comments about a service provide, it should be applied to positive comments as well. All or none.

[BrandyHagz]

It is applied to all.

Any and ALL agency discussion should be done in private, or it will be edited and could result in a ban.

I do my very best to stay on top of this...but I dont see them all. If you see something that needs my (or any of the other moderators attention) then please report it!

Thanks