Founded Fears

Craig and Cindy just posted about the present state of some international adoption programs. Many (most) of these programs were forced to close due to the unethical nature of their adoption programs.

While I do not feel that Ethiopia is on this path, I do think that it is so important for anyone in the international adoption process, or anyone considering the international adoption process, to be aware of the ways in which you can help ensure that all activities taken on your behalf by your adoption agency are ethical. Learn about the agency you are considering; explore Hague accreditation and consider that as a guiding point as you choose an agency. Know what to expect during international adoption (which is pretty much unpredictable!) and moderate your own responses to make sure that you are doing what is in the best interest of the children.

We cannot ensure that everything that happens in the country we choose is ethical; we are not there, and we are not experiencing it first-hand. But we have the responsibility to do our part. If you are interested in learning more about ethical adoption practices and choosing an ethical adoption agency, there are many resources available. An easily-accessed resource is the Adoption Agency Research Yahoo Group.

I am so glad to be working with Gladney, whose reputation is unparalleled in the world of adoption, both domestic and international.