Adopt a Haitian Child?

The U.S. has taken steps to fast-tracking the process of Haitian adoptions. Last week, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano announced that the government would wave visa requirements for children currently in line for adoption. Those who had already been matched with American parents but had not gotten a final approval by the Haitian government would be allowed entry.

However, some warn it is unwise and unethical to start adoptions right away. Michelle Brané of the Women’s Refugee Commission tells the Christian Science Monitor, “It’s tempting to want to airlift children out of Haiti, getting them out of harm’s way immediately…but it’s important to remember that in the current chaos, thousands of people, including parents and children, are still searching for their families,” adding that it is common for some families or caretakers to leave children in orphanages for better care.

Meanwhile, UNICEF warns that the current chaotic state of Haiti is an ideal climate for child trafficking. So far, there have been 15 reported cases of children disappearing from hospitals.

Last Tuesday, 53 orphans were airlifted to the U.S. But while the government seems to be welcoming of babies, it has not expressed the same warmth towards grown adults. Napolitano stated that the department has urged Haitians in Haiti to stay put and that any caught fleeing to the U.S. would be sent back. And despite President Obama agreeing to temporarily halt deportations of Haitians living in the U.S. illegally, Haitians seeking refugee visas to the U.S. are still waiting in vain.

Worldwide Orphans Foundation founder Dr. Jane Aronson offers advice to those who want to help the plight of Haitian children: “Adoption is not the way to solve absolutely massive, tragic issues of vulnerable children. An earthquake is a traumatizing event. The best thing for these children is to keep them in their communities, with neighbors and relatives, and with food and shelter and safety.”

You can sign Amnesty International’s petition to suspend the policy of interdiction at sea for Haitians by clicking here.
And as always, learn where you can donate to help Haiti by clicking here.

Read more: adoption, haiti, human rights

usaid.gov

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Tom W.

8:20AM PDT on Apr 23, 2010

When will other countries offer to adopt American children wanting homes.
America is as guilty with over populating as any of those poorer nations and we have family planning and all forms of controls.

send a green star

Loesje v.

2:34PM PDT on Apr 22, 2010

God bless the Haitian children.

Soul W.

6:46PM PST on Feb 21, 2010

Adoption of Haitians should be handled meticulously. Not every person wanting to adopt has good intentions.

Mary S.

6:49AM PST on Feb 15, 2010

Please, if you want to help a child permanently, look closer to home, there are thousands in the US that need help and a home.

Lenee L.

6:38PM PST on Feb 14, 2010

I agree with Maria W. in that the children should have a say. Just because you think you're "helping" by taking them away it may be detrimental to them in the long run by taking them away from the only things and people they have ever know.

Past Member .

5:04PM PST on Feb 11, 2010

it is unwise and unethical to start adoptions and to take them away from the country & home!

Trish R.

1:21AM PST on Feb 10, 2010

Be very careful here !

sophia R.

10:33PM PST on Feb 8, 2010

ya, please guy, if possible please do what you can, ever child need parents and this this just such a horibble situation that it would be amazing if you could help out.

4:21PM PST on Feb 6, 2010

We need to closely monitor the adoptions and be very, very careful with these precious children that have lost so much and endured so much!

Mary C.

12:10PM PST on Feb 6, 2010

Past member. So true. No one brings up birth control. One child adopted, 20 more born. Its not the answer.