An awful adoption situation, still hoping for a happy ending

In 2008, 65 children were about to be adopted from Kyrgystan by U.S. and Canadian families when the unexpected suspension of all adoptions ended their chances to be united with their adoptive parents. My longtime dear IRL friend Suzanne is one of the adoptive parents affected. That year, she was matched with a beautiful baby girl named Diana. Suzanne traveled to Kyrgystan and bonded with her. She waited for the chance to bring her home, expecting that her court date would occur six to eight weeks after the referral.

There were multiple delays. And then, devastating news that Kyrgystan had halted all international adoptions.

That was two years ago. In the meantime, the government has determined that all 65 children are legal orphans and two sets of new laws have been drafted but not implemented. But two of the children have already died due to inadequate medical care. The others remain in orphanages, far from the families who are eager to love them. Suzanne has made numerous trips overseas to visit Diana, but heartbreakingly has had to leave her behind each time. I wrote about her nightmare situation back in April, 2010, hoping that things would soon improve. But unfortunately, her little girl still isn't home. 

Suzanne with Diana, age 22 months in this photo (now age 3)

Suzanne has actively lobbied congress and the parliament in Kyrgyzstan, meeting with officials in both countries four times. She also produced this video, which was translated into Russian and widely distributed within the Kyrgyz and U.S. governments (makes me cry every time I watch it). Even CNN recently picked up the story. 




The families’ advocacy efforts have been led by Joint Council on International Children’s Services. This organization has now created a targeted advocacy program on behalf of the waiting children and parents, called the Kyrgyz 65 campaign. This past year, the Kyrgyz 65 were awarded the 2010 Outstanding Child Advocate Award at Joint Council’s annual conference in New York.  They are working now – through the Joint Council – to raise funds to step up efforts to bring these children home. To give them what all children deserve: a safe, loving, permanent family. 

If you'd be willing to help Suzanne and the Kyrg 65 in their efforts, please stop by their fundraising page. Will and I have. Hopefully, my friend Suzanne - and the other waiting families - can turn a corner and bring their children home. Three years in an orphanage instead of with a loving family is three years way, way too long.  


Mo


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