[SingleMama2B]

Just read this article on Moscow News.... Now they want to have Consular Access to our children! They do not elaborate on frequency, cause, etc. It is amazing to me. Also, I know that it is just "terminology", BUT, does anyone else truly DISLIKE their use of being referred to "Foster Parent". Yes, I know that is how Russia views us. I still DISLIKE it. I AM MY DAUGHTER's MaMa, Mommy, parent, etc.

Here is the link to the latest article!

http://www.mosnews.com/news/2006/07/06/seekaccess.shtml

Would love to hear your opinions.... Maybe I'm off the wall with this, but it does not make me feel comfortable.... Maybe if I knew all of the causes or circumstances that a Consular would be "visiting". Just feels CREEPY to me!!!

[angelkisses0102]

Just another avenue for them to stop adoptions to the US without outright prohibiting them. I have to believe the US would never agree to something like this...

Did you happen to read the other articles linked at the bottom...so sad that the focus is on the few cases that ended tragically but not on the vast majority that are fine. UGH!!

[SingleMama2B]

Karen.... Yes!!! I know that ONE tragedy is TOOOO MANY, but when a Child's Advocacy Group in RUSSIA, gathers their statistics and prints them, that in (I believe in 2004), Over 1,400 children where killed by a Parents Hand in Russia. Never mind the # of children abandoned (or whatever phase is used) to the Federal System or Streets!

I too cannot see that our Government would allow this either, but how horrible for the the waiting Families and children!!!

[Kasey]

I would like to know what kind of access? I agree our gov't probably wouldn't go for it at all, so to me that would mean an end to adoption from Russia.
But if they would like to check up on a child via a US intermediary, then I have no problem with that, I have nothing to hide, come in, see my son, see how well he is doing., but if that access also means that the Russia gov't can remove my child from my home, then I have a big problem with that.
But say for instance, they want to check in on those children whose parents have not followed up with post placement reports, etc..then I believe they should be able to, someone should, if you are not following thru with what you promised a judge in Russia, then someone should check in.

So basically if it was limited access with no real authority--then I wouldn't mind, but I don't see our gov't allowing anything.
It is sad that most of these articles never focus on the thousands of Russian domestic instances of abuse and neglect.

[deere1]

Could it be a translation thing as far as the word Foster goes?

[SingleMama2B]

Hi Kasey... I agree! That is why I posted under what cause, etc. It didn't have alot of information (details), and I don't know if a US intermediary would be used. I too have NOTHING to hide. I send new pictures and emails to Russia EVERY month to the Agency, Inspector. They where sooooo kind to me and my DD, and DD loves to see me send off new pictures (i.e. in her soccer uniform with her trophy, with horses that we rode over the holiday, gymnastics, ballet, with her puppy ((now dog)), her beautiful (her words) bedroom.) I am always on time with my PPRs, etc. I too agree if the families are NOT doing what they agreed to, should do, etc. someone should check on them. The Agency that they used and the SW should be on top of this too.

It just sorta creeps me out, and maybe it is a 'trust' issue. I just don't know!!!

[kretzklan]

I agree that in theory I would be against it. I feel that our post-placement reports answer the questions they may have. But, if it was simply something like a home visit - I would be fine with it - really view it as a way to show off my wonderful kids. But, I am NOT their foster mother...there is no one for them to go back to. I would not be ok with them having the right to take my children if they perceive a problem.
I also wondered about the wording on the children who were killed. Were they special needs? Or is that just what Russia terms them as they were adoptable?

[SingleMama2B]

I don't think so.... As they view the children adopted, still Russian Citizens (and not American Citizens). This is what I was told by the agency reps. in Russia after the court appearence, as I did not understand why I was referred to as that.

It's just a personal quirk of mine.... Silly as it may seem

[SingleMama2B]

Hi Kretz..... I agree in theory.... I just don't think I would be comfortable unless it was spelled out. Our cultures are soooooo different, and if their 'outline' of what is appropriate, or acceptable, etc. is not what we (Americans) also feel, then there would be issues.

As I said in another post... I send updated photos and emails every month to the Agency in Russia and the Inspector there. I am sooooo proud of my daughter, and how she is blossoming, thriving, maturing, etc. I want the whole world to see how good she is doing!!!

[GCS]

I wonder if this is only for new adoptions. It would seem that since we didnt agree to this in court, it wouldn't be legal.

That being said, depending on how they manage this I might not be opposed to it. Once they see how well the vast majority of these children are doing it might change some views on IA.

Christina

[JLW99]

This article isn't very clear or detailed: what does "consular access" mean? And according to the article, the US already has specific laws prohibiting consular access in place, so it's doubtful that we would change our laws to suit Russia.
I agreed to post placements and registration of my child in court, and have complied with these, and will continue to comply. Although I will be forever grateful to Russia for allowing me to adopt my child and make him my own, I am not willing to allow a foreign government to have any future authority over my family.

[2Bulgarianbeauties]

Is this similar to what Kazakhstan inacted recently? I remember a big debate about access on those boards.

Kay

[kimber413]

I'm not sure what "consular access" means either. The children are registered with the consulate here, and if you move, you have to notify them of your new address. That's a rule now, so I'm not sure if it's MORE access they're wanting, or if they just want to make sure folks are registering and updating their child's registration information.