A New Year
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WELCOME TO A NEW YEAR
We look forward to 2009 and our work in Russia. We anticipate that an increased number of Bethany families will be able to complete an adoption from Russia this year. We concluded 2008 with a total of 33 children placed. Of the 33 children, 19 were two to three years old and 14 were five years and up. There were four older sibling groups. We have a very good start for this year with eight children coming home with their families in January. Ten families made initial trips last year and are waiting for court dates in 2009. About 20 additional family have either completed dossiers or are in process of home study and dossier. If families can be open to a child of either gender and up to the age of three or older, at this time they could expect a referral in 8-10 months from dossier completion. There is a much longer wait for girls or young sibling groups. There is always a need for those who can consider the older child and those with special challenges, whether medical or otherwise.
In the past couple months there has been on-going discussion regarding the transfer of responsibility of the I-604 review in Moscow from the Department of State to USCIS. Concern was expressed that this will delay families even longer in Moscow as they process their child's visa. The time frame for completing this transition is currently March 1st. At this time Bethany families have not been impacted by this and we are waiting for more clear instructions regarding content and language of home studies. It will be important to indicate that families are well prepared for international adoption and to document the specific training they have received. It will also have to be clear in the home study that the family is prepared for the age and medical conclusion of the specific child they will adopt. Possible language has been drafted but is still waiting approval of USCIS.
A second concern at this time is the most recent death of a Russian adopted child and how this might impact the future of adoptions from Russia to the U.S. There have been articles published in Russian newspaper and other media coverage and statements have been made by several officials. There does not seem to be serious discussion of a moratorium at this time however there are other consequences that as an agency or family we need to be aware of and prepared for. There has already been more requests for documents and more scrutiny of home studies and dossiers. There have been more delays in court for families. Over all, only about 50% of the court decisions are reached in one hearing. Others are delayed by a day or more for the judge or prosecutor to clarify issues. This could delay a family's trip and schedules may need to be changed. Fortunately, the dossiers prepared by Bethany social workers have not seen this number of delays. Families should be prepared to be questioned in court about this case and their attitude toward it and the verdict.
In summary, we expect continuation and increased numbers of adoptions from Russia but we also expect that the process will become more challenging. When we see children, who before had no hope of a family of their own, come home with their new parents, the "pain of the process" will hopefully diminish by comparison.
Bookmark :
WELCOME TO A NEW YEAR
We look forward to 2009 and our work in Russia. We anticipate that an increased number of Bethany families will be able to complete an adoption from Russia this year. We concluded 2008 with a total of 33 children placed. Of the 33 children, 19 were two to three years old and 14 were five years and up. There were four older sibling groups. We have a very good start for this year with eight children coming home with their families in January. Ten families made initial trips last year and are waiting for court dates in 2009. About 20 additional family have either completed dossiers or are in process of home study and dossier. If families can be open to a child of either gender and up to the age of three or older, at this time they could expect a referral in 8-10 months from dossier completion. There is a much longer wait for girls or young sibling groups. There is always a need for those who can consider the older child and those with special challenges, whether medical or otherwise.
In the past couple months there has been on-going discussion regarding the transfer of responsibility of the I-604 review in Moscow from the Department of State to USCIS. Concern was expressed that this will delay families even longer in Moscow as they process their child's visa. The time frame for completing this transition is currently March 1st. At this time Bethany families have not been impacted by this and we are waiting for more clear instructions regarding content and language of home studies. It will be important to indicate that families are well prepared for international adoption and to document the specific training they have received. It will also have to be clear in the home study that the family is prepared for the age and medical conclusion of the specific child they will adopt. Possible language has been drafted but is still waiting approval of USCIS.
A second concern at this time is the most recent death of a Russian adopted child and how this might impact the future of adoptions from Russia to the U.S. There have been articles published in Russian newspaper and other media coverage and statements have been made by several officials. There does not seem to be serious discussion of a moratorium at this time however there are other consequences that as an agency or family we need to be aware of and prepared for. There has already been more requests for documents and more scrutiny of home studies and dossiers. There have been more delays in court for families. Over all, only about 50% of the court decisions are reached in one hearing. Others are delayed by a day or more for the judge or prosecutor to clarify issues. This could delay a family's trip and schedules may need to be changed. Fortunately, the dossiers prepared by Bethany social workers have not seen this number of delays. Families should be prepared to be questioned in court about this case and their attitude toward it and the verdict.
In summary, we expect continuation and increased numbers of adoptions from Russia but we also expect that the process will become more challenging. When we see children, who before had no hope of a family of their own, come home with their new parents, the "pain of the process" will hopefully diminish by comparison.
