[rafiki]

Russia May Suspend Child Adoption By U.S. Citizens

OMG I'm spooked...what do you all think???

[k8c]

I think it's poorly written and inflammatory. I know there are difficulties in some regions right now, but I suspect after the election next month things will proceed smoothly.

Just my opinion, of course!

[maggie99]

It' been all over the news today, and UPI is reporting that it has already been decided. I do not think that is correct, but there is clearly a renewed call to halt US adoptions. I will be calling my agency first thing in the morning. Our adoption was approved and we are in our 30 day wait (which was waived by the court for medical reasons, but the Ministry of Justice refused to let is leave with our child as there is still a 30 day appeals period), and I'm scheduled to return for my final (3rd) trip next Sunday.

[ippichic]

From what I understand, and veterans, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the only really reliable source of intercountry adoption announcements is the US State Department web site Adoption Alerts and Notices | Intercountry Adoption

As of today, there are no announcements about a moratorium on Russian adoptions. I remember back in April 2010 when all the media was saying that Russian adoptions to the US were halted after that lady sent the boy back to Russia alone on a plane, and after the viral video with the woman forcing her child in a freezing cold shower and putting hot sauce on his tongue, but all of that was false, they never suspended the adoptions.

Of course, I'm not the authority, but I've been thinking about this and did ask my agency last week what information to trust, so although anything is possible, right now, from my perspective there's nothing to get too concerned about until the state department announces something official.

[Oldmama]

Want to chime in agreement with above post. We are waiting for travel dates and are, of course, nervous reading all the reports. My agency has someone available 24 hours a day, so I broke down and called last night. Was told that there is no word from Russia about this at this point, and they said they are in constant contact with their Russian counterparts. They did verify that there is anger about the light sentence given to the latest Russian adoptee abuse case here in the states....understandably....but no word about a suspension at this time. We were told while there can never be a guarantee, not to worry yet.

It is very frustrating that out of thousands of wonderful parents and families who have and will provide homes and love to these kids who have no one.....a few bad apples spoil the bunch.

[Beaglepup]

I've heard the same thing as Oldmama. That as of right now, things are on course for many regions. There are some regions that will handle things differently, but there isn't a country wide suspension yet. Just waiting, hoping and praying right now. :-)

[srishti1775]

OMG..I am so anxious on seeing this news. I really hope that this is just noise, and it does not result in any change. As it is, it is not an easy process and news of this nature is just heart stopping.

[Oldmama]

Just stop and take a deep breath. Things have a tendancy to work out...even it it is not how we expected.

One of the things I have read and has been confirmed by my agency is that when the July 2011 agreement does get ratified that it will require that only Hauge acredited agencies will be allowed to work in Russia, even though they are not currently part of the Hauge treaty. So, make sure any agency you pick is already Hauge acredited to cover yourself.

[tigger44]

In the 10 years that I've been involved in Russia adoptions I've lost count of the number of times a news article or rumored report surfaced that Russia was considering a US moratorium. Regardless, my heart was in my throat more than a few times while we were waiting for our court date for our child, and these reports were going around, so I know how anxious each of you waiting parents feel. It's a very strenuous process! Praying that nothing gets in the way of getting those precious deserving children into a loving family.

[Beaglepup]

We received a message from Joint Council about this confirming that as of now there is not a nationwide moratorium. Wish I knew how to post the email, but I don't. Try doing a web search. It made me feel better for now at least.

[Oldmama]

That is good news. I have spoken to several people who have been through this adoption process. All have said the same thing as Tiger.....These hangups are part of the process. So, I just refuse to get too worked up (at least I am trying) and keep faith that it will all work out fine

Thank you for updating us...please keep doing so!

Good luck and I am sure you will be home with your child soon.