Anti-USA propaganda ? Or just plain sick...

[Boethius]

LOGAN HIGGINBOTHAM (birth name unknown)

Aage 3, Shelburne, Vermont. Died November 25, 1998 of massive head injuries. Adoptive mother Laura Higginbotham, 33, claimed Logan fell and hit her head on the floor of an upstairs bedroom. The medical examiner was unable to determine if death was an accident or homicide. Three years later police reopened the case with other medical experts and concluded that Logan's head had been intentionally slammed into a wall. In 2004, Laura Higginbotham pled no contest to a charge of involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 1 year in prison. She will remain on parole until her older daughter, Layne also adopted from Russia is 18. According to an unsuccessful lawsuit filed in 2002 to force the state to pay for expert testimony, the combined annual income of Higginbaum and her husband was $72,984 (she grossed $5,264/mo with monthly expenses of $6.725) Higginbotham divorced and remarried. She remains in Shelburne with her new husband, adopted daughter and an infant daughter, presumably biological.

NINA HILT, born Viktoria Bazhenova

Age 2.5, Wake Forest, North Carolina. Died July 2, 2005 on visit to Manassas, Virginia from blows to the abdominal area. Adoptive mother, Peggy Sue Hilt, 33, told investigators she was "enraged and angered" at Nina, shook her, dropped her on floor, kicked her in the stomach, then picked her up, put her in bed and continued to strike her with a closed right fist on her back and stomach. Nina's sister adopted from Ukraine was put into protective custody and later placed in the custody of an aunt. Peggy Sue Hilt was held without bond in Prince William County, Virginia until trial; husband Christopher Hilt was not charged. a Functional alcoholic, Hilt had worked as a dental assistant; her husband was a computer consultant. On May 25, 2006, Hilt was sentenced to 35 years in prison with 10 years suspended; will serve 21-22 years due to time served awaiting trial. Christopher Hilt plans to divorce his wife and is expected to regain custody of Nataliya. In Nina was adopted from Siberia; in US 1.5 years .

ISSAC JONATHAN DYKSTRA, (birth name unknown)

Age 21 months, Iowa City, Died August 14, 2005 , the day after he was hospitalized for injuries reportedly incurred from an accidental fall a few days earlier. On August 7, 2008, after a nearly 3-year investigation, adoptive father, Brian Dykstra, 31, was charged with 2nd degree murder. He plead Not Guilty on October 2 and is currently free on $15,000 bond. Adoptive mother, Dr. Lisa Dykstra, now an Assistant Professor of Spanish at Clemson University is not implicated and wasn’t charged.  On August 13, 2005, Brian Dykstra called 911 saying Isaac was having a 'little seizure" and difficulty breathing from what "might be related to a head injury" Isaac was recovering from club foot surgery and Dykstra claimed the baby had fallen a few days earlier after the cast was removed, but had shown no signs of injury. According to police, Isaac had massive brain swelling, severe bleeding inside the skull, and retinal swelling in both eyes. He also had severe bruising on his torso and legs. The description is consistent with shaken baby syndrome, not a fall on the floor.  Isaac was adopted from Krasnoyarsk. In US: 3 months.

NICOLI (KOLYA) EMELYANTSEV, (birth name unknown)

Age 14 months, Tooele, Utah. Died March 7, 2008 from a "significant skull fracture" caused by blunt force trauma. Adoptive mother, Kimberly Emelyantsev 33, charged with murder. Called 911 saying Kolya was barely breathing after fall from a chair. Adoptive father, Fyodor Emelylantsev, 31, a Russian citizen, under investigation for suspicion of child abuse by malnutrition involving 4-year old, Luka, adopted from Russia in December. Kolya had Down Syndrome as does Luka and F. Emelylantsev's biological 10-year old daughter. F. Emelylantsev reportedly holds an MA in genetics, is trained to work with the disabled and is an RN working at a local nursing home. Kolya's parents voluntarily relinquished their rights, visited him in an orphanage weekly and wanted regular updates on him from adoptive family. On June 6, K. Emelylantsev, pled guilty to a lowered charge of 2nd degree felony child abuse homicide. She admitted to dropping Kolya on the floor "more than once." The county prosecutor says that no intent to kill the baby could be shown. Abuse charges against the couple in Luka's case were dismissed due to lack of evidence. On October 10, 2008 K. Emelylantsev's was sentenced to up to 15 years in prison. During her post-conviction psychiatric evaluation she admitted grabbing Kolya by an arm and leg and repeatedly slamming him in the floor. According to defense attorney, Kimberley suffered from a ""depressive disorder" after the adoption, and her husband Fyodor refused to participate in "an extraordinary familial situation." She says she never wanted to adopt Kolya, but was afraid to say no to Fyodor and afraid of what the neighbors would think if she didn't go through with the adoption plan. K. Emelyantse is a parlaegal and wanted to attend law school. Kolya was adopted from the Moscow Region; in US less than 1 month.

CHASE HARRISON (born Dmitry Yakolev)

Age 21 months, Purcellville, Virgina. Died July 8, 2008 in Herndon, Virginia after adoptive father Miles Harrison, 49, left him in SUV for "several hours," in 91 degree heat. Temperature inside anywhere between 131-172,. Harrison was supposed to take the boy to daycare, but "forgot" about him and left him in the car all day while he was at work. Chase was found after a co-worker reported seeing something in SUV (windows are tinted). Harrison is the managing relocation director at Project Solutions Group. He collapsed at the scene and was hospitalized. He has been charged with manslaughter and faces up to 10 years in prison. Wife Carol, 45 questioned, but not implicated. According to the July 12 edition of the Russian language paper Gazetta, attempts to place Dima in Russia were unsuccessful because he had "a series of serious diseases."

Chase was adopted from the Pechora City Children's Home, Psov area; in the US 3 months.

NATHANIEL MICHAEL CRAVER (birth name: Ivan Skorobogatov)

Age 7, Dillsburg/Carroll Township, Pennsylvania. Died August 25, 2009 at Penn State Hershey Medical Center after being taken off life support. The autopsy revealed Vanya suffered 80 external injuries, including 20 to the head. Old injuries, including fractures to his forehead and old blood beneath his scalp were found. The coroner also found evidence of malnourishment and "severe failure to thrive." Adopters Michael and Nanette Craver say that Vanya caused injuries to himself. On August 19, the Cravers claim Vanya fell and hit his head on a wood stove in their home, but seemed OK. Next day he was found unresponsive in his urine soaked bed and taken to the ER. Michael Craver's mother told investigators that on Memorial Day 2009 she was shocked to see Vanya's eyes swollen shut and was told by her son that the boy rubbed and scratched his eyes and wouldn't leave them alone. She also reported that Vanya would shake when he thought he would get in trouble over something. An adoptive aunt reported that in August 2009 Nathaniel's eyes were swollen shut and the left side of his face was swollen. There are no records of medical treatment for any of the injuries Vanya supposedly suffered at his own hand.

On February 26, 2010, Michael J. Craver, 45 and Nanette L. (Korkuch) Craver, 54 were arrested and charged with criminal homicide, conspiracy, and child endangerment. They are currently held in the York County Prison without bond. Authorities said they made no connection between the death and Vanya's Russian adoptee status and were surprised when Russia TV crews showed up at his office. In May 2010, York County Senior deputy prosecutor Jennifer Russell, citing Vanya's age and the state's contention that his death constituted torture, said she would seek the death penalty. On June 14, the Cravers pled not guilty to all charges. No trial date has been set.

Sometime in 2008 , the Cravers briefly lost physical custody of Vanya and his twin sister Elizabeth (now in care) while York County Children and Youth Services investigated alleged negligence and poor conditions in the home. (no details) The children were returned and pulled out of public school to be home schooled. (Another report says they were already being home schooled).

In 2003, Vanya and his twin sister Dasha (now known as Elizabeth) were adopted from Dom Rebyonka #9 in Troiotsk, Chelyabinsk region. In US 6 years (approx).

KELSEY HYRE

Age 2, Akron Ohio. Permanently paralyzed September 26, 2002. Spine severed after her adoptive father Gerald Hyre slammed her on the floor. Adoptive mother, Bonnie Hyre, who was at work at the time, took her to hospital when she came home. Ms. Hyre had previously suspected her husband of abusing both Kelsey and her adoptive brother Nathan, 3, and taken photos of other injuries, discussed suspicions with co-workers, but after husband's arrested she destroyed pictures and did nothing. Gerald Hyre sentenced to 16 years for felonious assault and child abuse. Bonnie Hyre sentenced to 2 years for permitting child abuse and evidence tampering and is now out of jail. Kelsey has been adopted by another couple and is reportedly responding well. Nathan was placed with Bonnie Hyre's mother, but Bonnie Hyre now has custody.  Kelsey and Nathan were probably adopted from Blagoveshchensk.

[Boethius]

From the U.S. State Department:

What does Russia require of the adoptive parents after the adoption?

Adopted Russian children must be registered with the Government of Russia either by registering with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) before they leave the country or by working with their adoption agency to register their adopted children with the G.O.R. when they return to the U.S. If registering prior to departing Russia. U.S. citizen families should do this after an adopted child has received an immigrant visa to the United States.

Russia requires periodic post-adoption placement reports on the welfare of the adopted orphan in his or her American family. The initial post-placement report is due six months after the court decision went into effect. The second report is due six months after the first report but no later than 12 months after the court decision. The third report is due at 24 months and the fourth at 36 months.

We strongly urge you to comply with the wish of Russia and complete all post-adoption requirements in a timely manner. Your adoption agency may be able to help you with this process. Your cooperation will contribute to that country’s history of positive experiences with American parents.

The problem is, there is no enforcement mechanism for non compliance.  Adoption agencies, working with individual states, should be monitoring this, but it isn't happening.

Here is more information:

http://www.mapsadopt.org/post-placement/John%20Towriss.pdf

[Ade]

Boe, let's not let facts get in the way of good old "national pride" shall we?

I will say that I don't think it's possible to remove all risk of abuse but it can be reduced to minimal levels. Would these checks and balances be intrusive? You bet. Would they be annoying? To some. Would they be expensive and time consuming. Probably. But, they would help save the lives of abused adopted children, not all perhaps but some, perhaps most.

In Norway, most foreign adopted kids are from China. I know 2 couples that adopted from there and, on average, from the start of the proceedings to actually getting the child home I think it takes going on 2 years. The regulations and controls prior to and after adoption are quite strict as they should be. I really don't see what all the kerfuffle is about besides the injured national pride and the predictable defensiveness from the US of A crowd.  

[GQBlues]

Boe, let's not let facts get in the way of good old "national pride" shall we?

OY SJ...seriously.

5% of Norwegian children are sexually abused. A whopping 5%!! Boggles the mind what the total would be if you include all other forms of child abuse. The number gets worst for handicapped children. LOL. 2 or 3 times greater risk, 10 - 15% greater? Dang. The report implied there's actualy 'more' than you'd like to think (!?) 'Tip of the iceberg' WTF? Further states that incest isn't uncommon. LOL.

http://theforeigner.no/pages/news/thousands-of-norwegian-children-sexually-abused/

Published January 5, 2011. What the heck is wrong with you folks out there, can't wait until they at least reach puberty?

If that statistics embarasses you and you would like to call yourself British because of it, hold on, the number gets even worst for abused children.

http://www.nspcc.org.uk/news-and-views/media-centre/key-information-for-journalists/facts-and-figures/Facts-and-figures_wda73664.html

Children are abused the world over, including Canada, and Boethius can likely find the same information just as easily except in Canada they don't call it 'abused', they term it maltreated. 6.5 per 1,000 but that number is fairly sketchy because Canada didn't keep numbers of abused children until 2001.

In Canada, national statistics on child abuse and neglect first became available in 2001, with the publication of the first Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect (CIS-2001). Before then they had not been compiled, largely due to the challenge posed by varying definitions of child abuse across the country's provinces and territories.

So it was anything goes prior to 2001, I supposed. LOL. Lacking those numbers, and the fact tallying abused children is relatively 'new', why not easy up on the tally, eh? LOL. Got to keep the integrity of the Maple Leaf and all that. A  Trudeau philosophy and practice.  If these guys can beat defenseless baby seals to death as an annual festival, imgaine what those clubs are good for the rest of the year.

There's an average of 1,600 +/- adopted Russian children to the US in the last year report. Multiply that 19 years, approximately 30,400 +/-. The sample Boethius gave say, 20? Let's make that an even 100. 100 from the 30,400. Considering in '06, US abused child is reported a staggering rate of 1 in 58 US child is abused. That's one too many regardless of nationality.

If you can find it, want to guess the rate of abused children in Russia? If you'll even believe those numbers, like Canada's, or if they even make a count.

Give it a rest. Child abuse is just plain wrong regardless of where.

[Voyager36]

Of course these stories are just sick, and of course there should be oversight.

More than just oversight, they should be banned! 

No not the adoptions, these idiots like Doc Philraud & their ilk. 

[Boethius]

Actually, no, Canada does indeed keep statistics of abused children, and has since before 2001.  But, as this is a matter within provincial jurisdiction, those statistics are compiled at the provincial, rather than the national, level.

I don't think you can compare abuse in general, with abuse of adopted children.  Most children who are abused or murdered, at least in Canada, are abused or murdered by biological parents.  There are a handful of cases across the country of foster parents charged with abuse, but no adoptive parents.   But in all but one of those cases, the foster parents were biologically related to the child, or the child was placed in the home by a first nations band.  Now, we can't control who has children, nor can we always know the psychological make up of those who do, in fact, have children.  But we can control who becomes an adoptive parent.  

Part of the issue with Russian adoptions is that there is far more oversight of American born children than there is of adoptions from abroad.  That is likely because the state gets involved.   That is not the case with foreign adoptions.  This is not in the best interests of children, and is just wrong, period.  There are many couples who would not qualify for adoption if they went through normal channels, yet, through independent, for profit agencies, they can, in effect, buy a positive home study.

Note that in most of the murders listed above, the child had been in the US only a very short time.  These are not individuals who could cope with the responsibilities and frustrations of toddlers, let alone children with whom they cannot communicate.  

ETA - In Canada, when a child is murdered by a foster parent or a biological parent, and the province was ever involved in that child's life, a public inquiry is usually held after all trials have been completed, in order to ascertain what the province could've done better to avoid the death.  In Ontario, for example, a biological parent who killed a child had been reported to child welfare authorities, the child had been removed, and then, ultimately returned to the parent.  The failures in doing that were examined for months.  Inquiries are usually presided over by sitting or retired judges, who issue a report on how to improve the system.  The intent is to ensure such incidences don't occur again.

No not the adoptions, these idiots like Doc Philraud & their ilk.  

Why?  He was a licensed psychologist, with a PhD.  The 10 year old of the woman sent the tape of abuse to Dr. Phil.  Because of him, at least two children will perhaps no longer be abused.  Would you be happier if little Kristoff continued to suffer abuse?

[Voyager36]

Why?  He was a licensed psychologist, with a PhD.  The 10 year old of the woman sent the tape of abuse to Dr. Phil.  Because of him, at least two children will perhaps no longer be abused.  Would you be happier if little Kristoff continued to suffer abuse?

Why? because he and Maurey Povich and these types are putting this crap on TV just to get ratings, and it will be sensationalized to damage the adoption process.
I would be happier if there was proper screening of prospective parents, and swift & severe prosecution for those who broke the law.
"Because of him"? What actions did he do to protect the children that couldn't have been done by the authorities?

[Boethius]

Dr. Phil exposed the abuse.  The mother in that story has a 10 year old daughter.  She taped the abuse, and sent the tape to Dr. Phil.  Without that tape, the abuse may have never come to light.

Dr. Phil is not Jerry Springer or Maury Povich.  He does call out guests for bad behaviour, and arranges post appearance counselling for them.

[mrs.Shadow]

JR I asked how would America react if such a case was presented. Instead of thinking of an answer you ask me to present a case. I know my English is bad, but I thought this could be understood.

As for Dr Phil, probably she was right that sending it to the TV will get more chances of the abuse being stopped as sending it to the police.

[GQBlues]

Actually, no, Canada does indeed keep statistics of abused children, and has since before 2001.  But, as this is a matter within provincial jurisdiction, those statistics are compiled at the provincial, rather than the national, level.

...and likely the 6.5 in 1000 will dramatically reach staggering heights, won't it?

I don't think you can compare abuse in general, with abuse of adopted children.  Most children who are abused or murdered, at least in Canada, are abused or murdered by biological parents.  There are a handful of cases across the country of foster parents charged with abuse, but no adoptive parents.   But in all but one of those cases, the foster parents were biologically related to the child, or the child was placed in the home by a first nations band.  Now, we can't control who has children, nor can we always know the psychological make up of those who do, in fact, have children.  But we can control who becomes an adoptive parent.

Give it up Boethius, rocks don't fly. If biological parents abuse their natural children, are you implying adoptive parents have have a natural tendency to not abuse their child/ren?

Part of the issue with Russian adoptions is that there is far more oversight of American born children than there is of adoptions from abroad.  That is likely because the state gets involved.   That is not the case with foreign adoptions.  This is not in the best interests of children, and is just wrong, period.  There are many couples who would not qualify for adoption if they went through normal channels, yet, through independent, for profit agencies, they can, in effect, buy a positive home study.

You conveniently dismiss the bigger problem because it suits you. The bigger problem is why are there so many parentless children in Russia open for global adoption to begin with. 3rd biggest in the world? I can understand Africa, but Russia is relatively a 'rich' nation. Whatever happened to the whole 'social' system everyone always bragged about? Especially compared to Sudan/Somalia/Kenya. So much for family-oriented / traditional values, eh?

Note that in most of the murders listed above, the child had been in the US only a very short time.  These are not individuals who could cope with the responsibilities and frustrations of toddlers, let alone children with whom they cannot communicate.  

Yes, that's a tragedy indeed. I remember last year when that silly woman shipped that 7 year old boy back to Moscow citing the kid is violent and mentally unstable. LOL crazy isn't it?

[Boethius]

...and likely the 6.5 in 1000 will dramatically reach staggering heights, won't it?

I have no idea what you're trying to say here.

Give it up Boethius, rocks don't fly. If biological parents abuse their natural children, are you implying adoptive parents have have a natural tendency to not abuse their child/ren?

No.  I am saying that nobody gives a biological parent a psychological assessment to determine his/her suitability to parent.  Nobody does a home study to ensure the biological parent is fit to parent.  But adoptive parents do undergo, or are supposed to undergo, rigorous screening to ensure they are fit to parent. 

You conveniently dismiss the bigger problem because it suits you. The bigger problem is why are there so many parentless children in Russia open for global adoption to begin with. 3rd biggest in the world? I can understand Africa, but Russia is relatively a 'rich' nation. Whatever happened to the whole 'social' system everyone always bragged about? Especially compared to Sudan/Somalia/Kenya. So much for family-oriented / traditional values, eh?

Actually no, Russia is not a relatively rich nation.  Why?  Because of alcohol and drug abuse, which are huge problems.  You can't destroy the soul of a nation - abuse and kill it citizens with impunity - for 70 odd years, and expect the destruction that entails to a society, and most individuals therein, to turn around overnight.  It will take generations.

Yes, that's a tragedy indeed. I remember last year when that silly woman shipped that 7 year old boy back to Moscow citing the kid is violent and mentally unstable. LOL crazy isn't it?

Certainly it is crazy, and it points again to the fact that a proper home study should have been done on that woman.  She was a single mother.  Strike one.  She lived with her parents.  Strike two.  They were closed, had a huge fence, didn't interact with the neighbours, except in negative ways (threatening lawsuits over stupid things like noise, fences, etc.).  How anyone that strange could adopt not one, but two children, is beyond my comprehension.

[Voyager36]

Dr. Phil exposed the abuse.  The mother in that story has a 10 year old daughter.  She taped the abuse, and sent the tape to Dr. Phil.  Without that tape, the abuse may have never come to light.

So what exactly did the show`s producers do for the child?

If she had sent the tape to the authorities (or even to a teacher or councillor at school) it would still have been acted on.

Certainly it is crazy, and it points again to the fact that a proper home study should have been done on that woman.  She was a single mother.  Strike one.  She lived with her parents.  Strike two.  They were closed, had a huge fence, didn't interact with the neighbours, except in negative ways (threatening lawsuits over stupid things like noise, fences, etc.).  How anyone that strange could adopt not one, but two children, is beyond my comprehension.

Absolutely correct.

[Boethius]

So what exactly did the show`s producers do for the child?

If she had sent the tape to the authorities (or even to a teacher or councillor at school) it would still have been acted on.

Maybe it would have been acted on, but perhaps not.  We don't know.

I don't think the child even attended the show.  The abuse was reported to authorities, and Dr. Phil's show (he is one of the producers) arranged counselling for the mother.

I think she even had an "aha" moment on the show, when Dr. Phil told her what she was doing (punishing the child for lying) wasn't working because, he was still lying.  So obviously, the "discipline" was not productive.  She also pulled out the old canard of reactive attachment disorder (RAD), but Dr. Phil asked her if he'd been diagnosed (no), and his twin brother is fine, so how could one have RAD and not the other?  She, of course, had no answer.

[GQBlues]

I have no idea what you're trying to say here.

The problem Canada faced in defining their child abuse reports is the difficulty trying to uniformly define what is/was an otherwise varying definition of maltreatment. I suppose that would mean something like hitting a child with a bat is abuse on one provincial town while it may not be defined as such in another. Bad example but you get the meaning...

So the tidy report for now is that 6.5 in 1000 children are abused in Canada.  

Certainly it is crazy, and it points again to the fact that a proper home study should have been done on that woman.  She was a single mother.  Strike one.  She lived with her parents.  Strike two.  They were closed, had a huge fence, didn't interact with the neighbours, except in negative ways (threatening lawsuits over stupid things like noise, fences, etc.).  How anyone that strange could adopt not one, but two children, is beyond my comprehension.

Well, a far more stringent check system will definitely help. The woman did say she/they tried to contact the adoption center, Russia, etc..to no avail. Again, having stringent, comprehensive programs (in the US) to help avoid abuse numbers of Russian adopted children will definitely help - a little - but little you can do if the other side is simply trying to get rid of problem children to begin with without proper evaluation and/or counseling/therapy.

RUSSIA

In Russia, children were abandoned to the state at a rate of more than 100,000 per year. In a 1998 report, Abandoned to the State: Cruelty and Neglect in Russian Orphanages, Human Rights Watch documented the brutal treatment of these children, thousands of whom are exposed to appalling levels of cruelty and neglect. They were beaten, locked in freezing rooms for days at a time, and often subjected to degrading treatment by staff. From the moment the state assumes their care, "orphans" in Russia, 95 percent of whom have at least one living parent, are shockingly mistreated. Infants classified as disabled are segregated in "lying-down" rooms, where they are changed and fed, but bereft of stimulation and essential medical care.

Those who are officially diagnosed as "imbeciles" or "idiots" at age four are condemned to life in little more than a warehouse, where they may be restrained in cloth sacks, tethered by a limb to furniture, denied stimulation, training, and education. Some lie half-naked in their own filth, and are neglected, sometimes to the point of death. The "normal" children, those deemed to be "educable", are subjected to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment by institution staff. These children suffer a lifelong stigma that robs them of fundamental economic, social, civil and political rights guaranteed by international treaties.

We hope, through our work on orphanages and other non-penal institutions, to raise international awareness about the plight of children doomed to death or to life stunted by inhumane and degrading conditions, and to make significant changes in the way orphaned and abandoned children are treated throughout the world.

http://thirdworldorphans.org/gpage43.html

[possum]

Besides, should the US alone be responsible for increasing oversight or perhaps Russia should provide some guarantees, too?  How about dealing with domestic corruption that allows foreigners with less-than-perfect record to adopt in Russia through bribes?

Blues,

I'm usually the first to accuse everyone of corruption, but in this case I can't say I've come across enough evidence of it to make any sort of definitive statement.. The process is riddled with bureaucracy and unnecessary paperwork (they require that your fingerprints be recent, taken within the last 3 months, how stupid is that?), but to say it is mired in corruption is akin to accusing the Russian government of child trafficking, and I'm not sure I'm willing to go that far.. yet.

The argument that the Russian side isn't doing enough screening is bogus, because once the adoption is granted and the child arrives in the US, the parents need to adopt him/her in the US, at which point the US government takes some responsibility for the child until the adoption is finalized on US soil..

[Blues Fairy]

I'm usually the first to accuse everyone of corruption, but in this case I can't say I've come across enough evidence of it to make any sort of definitive statement..

I've talked to parents of adopted Russian children here; ALL say they had to pay bribes at some points in the process.

[ECOCKS]

Blues,

I'm usually the first to accuse everyone of corruption, but in this case I can't say I've come across enough evidence of it to make any sort of definitive statement.. The process is riddled with bureaucracy and unnecessary paperwork (they require that your fingerprints be recent, taken within the last 3 months, how stupid is that?), but to say it is mired in corruption is akin to accusing the Russian government of child trafficking, and I'm not sure I'm willing to go that far.. yet.

The argument that the Russian side isn't doing enough screening is bogus, because once the adoption is granted and the child arrives in the US, the parents need to adopt him/her in the US, at which point the US government takes some responsibility for the child until the adoption is finalized on US soil..

I agree with Al here except that the FSU needs to put in whatever controls they are going to require (hopefully enforcing them properly) since that is the only part they can really dictate. Once they are here, they become the responsibility of the various child welfare and protective service organizations in their local area.

Properly protecting children is certainly a legitimate function of government. Ours has it's challenges for efficiency and dealing with reality and could certainly be a lot better in this area. However, they could be a lot worse as well.

While I suspect that the FSU side is bogged down with bureaucracy and corruption, the fact is that they have no way to monitor the process except by requiring (and enforcing) the procedures for background checks, references, home evaluations and the like leading up to the adoption. If it makes them feel better to leave the children in the orphanages, well that's their decision as a society. We might think it's a mistake in the bigger picture but, hey, its their country and their people. It is great that they are going to step up and care for those orphans, families and pensioners who need it.

At the end of the day though, there's no protection from life. As mentioned up-thread, no license is required to become parents, the numbers of orphans in the FSU is staggeringly high and biological children are in harm's way just as much as the adopted children. If Russia truly cared about this they would be dealing with the problem internally in the form of children's health, internal adoption policies and family services rather than reacting to sensationalizing TV spots and headlines on the other side of the world.

[possum]

I've talked to parents of adopted Russian children here; ALL say they had to pay bribes at some points in the process.

I've chatted with and read the blogs of dozens of American adoptive families, and none of them so much as alluded to having been asked for a bribe for anything directly related to the adoption process.. I have also read articles mentioning corruption in the Russian adoption industry with no hard figures or concrete evidence.. My guess is, before the judicial reform there was a considerable amount of corruption in regional courts.. It's very possible that some of the adoptions during that time could have been facilitated, but most likely just expedited, by a cash "donation" to the court system..

[Shadow]

The question remains in which way the U.S. is checking adopted children from foreign contries after they arrive.
A child adopted in a foreign country has an even weaker position as one adopted in his own country, and only because of that the authorities that control adoption in the U.S. should be required to check up on the process, as the native authorities (Russia or whatever country) can not control outside their borders.

[mrs.Shadow]

I've talked to parents of adopted Russian children here; ALL say they had to pay bribes at some points in the process.

That is why they run to Russia to adopt a child. There are a lot of white children, can be easy documentation, just pay the money (suggest a bribery, cos NOBODY forces you to bribe anyone in Russia, by such way the exact bribery creators), because in America even without bribery it will be more expensive, and the main and awful reason of adoption of Russian children - nobody stands behind the child. As American service does not care - its not an american, its some snipped Russian child.

@ALL

As for the whole situation - yes and I can repeat - the adoption should be stopped till America and Russia will not produce the laws and procedure together. And that I see a correct way. The same would do Americans if there would be reverse situation.

This are not a single cases, this is already a system. Among thousands happy - hundreds are abused. Why the hell Russia should close eyes on it and continue things as if nothing is going on and keep silence?

The President of Russia already stated the main general move in development - it is protecting children against abuse. And American "mothers" are not better any other abuser to be not mentioned.

If it would be anti-american propaganda, such things would be announced much more earlier, during FSU. But the situation is much more negative: When Americans just understood that they can easy and cheap adopt Russian children, that were not a lot of cases of adoption. Nowadays thousands of Americans are running to Russia to adopt a cheap white boy/girl with no rights in USA. More adoption - more abuse will be found - more control needs.

Russians tell - we insist on control, Americans tell - phew, do not be so emotional and hypothetical that are just some single hundreds of cases. Is that what I really hear here?

Yes and to the post of a guy that Russians do not adopt children. That was funny to tell it to me, a Russian woman. Yes I know Americans know about Russia much more then we, Russians, do. And this is sarcasm. I will not even start discussions in that posts, just will say: Russians do adopt and adopt a lot.

[Ade]

OY SJ...seriously.



Give it a rest. Child abuse is just plain wrong regardless of where.

 

Yes, as Boethius says, you can't prevent the wrong people from giving birth but you can try to prevent the wrong people from adopting. I really don't get what the fuss is about; the more checks and controls the better and if that puts someone off from adopting then they shouldn't be let anywhere near a kid and all the responsibilities and hassles that entails.

But no surprises for the overly defensive response from you and your US of A compatriots.

[Faux Pas]

The question remains in which way the U.S. is checking adopted children from foreign contries after they arrive.
A child adopted in a foreign country has an even weaker position as one adopted in his own country, and only because of that the authorities that control adoption in the U.S. should be required to check up on the process, as the native authorities (Russia or whatever country) can not control outside their borders.

But, they can control with whom inside their borders that they place children. I've hesitated even posting in this thread because the rhetoric is fueled by emotion and no logic. The problem here is abused children and for those who think it is an "American problem" should remove their collective heads from their rectum. Child abuse is just plain sick and it knows no borders.

Even the most thoroughly investigated adoptive parents can and will commit child abuse. Adoptive parents desires to adopt children are as varied as the people who do it. The numbers of abused children are very low in comparison to overall adoptions. Is this acceptable? Absolutely not IMHO, and more should be done. What's to be done is debatable.

I know personally only one couple who adopted a child from Russia. The adoptive father told me it wasn't any matter of qualifying just more a matter of filling out the proper forms for the proper offices and paying bribes every where along the way. In his own words is was more a matter of buying than qualifying. Two trips and a fistful of cash each trip. He said they paid over 12K in bribes plus the other nominal fees. He said, "anyone can adopt from Russia" how true that is I don't know but, it is his belief. FWIW, this couple could have qualified to adopt anywhere.

My point here is, the problem is multifaceted with no easy answers but, for some of you it appears to just be easier to "blame the Americans". Go ahead if that makes you feel better but it does nothing to stop what's going on in your own backyard or in America.

[Boethius]

First, FP, not every adopting couple pays bribes.  Second, it is up to domestic authorities to screen applicants.  That is covered in treaties, and the lack of that oversight is why Russian authorities last year suspended adoptions for a period.  In one of the cases I cited above, the parents both had domestic violence records.  How difficult would it have been to screen for that?

[JR]

JR I asked how would America react if such a case was presented. Instead of thinking of an answer you ask me to present a case. I know my English is bad, but I thought this could be understood.

Go back and read what I wrote...if that is too difficult for you I will reiterate that America would be insensed (outraged, whatever) as any nation would and should be. Legislation would soon follow to ensure better scrutiny. And that is what Russia should do for "it's" citizens instead of dumping the unwanted off onto just anyone.

[Faux Pas]

First, FP, not every adopting couple pays bribes.

 

Where did I say that every adopting couple pays bribes? Perhaps I didn't make it clear enough in my post but, the opinion of one adopting father is that the qualifying and the paying of bribes were one and the same. That was his experience.

Second, it is up to domestic authorities to screen applicants.  That is covered in treaties, and the lack of that oversight is why Russian authorities last year suspended adoptions for a period.  In one of the cases I cited above, the parents both had domestic violence records.  How difficult would it have been to screen for that?

It's up to domestic authorities? So a country who allows the adoption of their own citizens can hand them over to anyone and the country of where the child will reside has the onus?

Boethuis, in the interest of disclosure, I noticed you posted 15 -20 cases of abuse of Russian children and all of them in America. Could you not find incidents in other countries or incidents of happy, warm and fuzzies in America? Or are we to assume from your post that all Russian kids adopted into American homes are abused?

I think we would agree that more needs to be done to prevent such abuses. Apparently, we disagree that just America should be the only country to make changes in thier process as America is the only country with international child abuses