I Want to Adopt an Earthquake Orphan!

In the aftermath of the January 12 Haitian earthquake, the Department of State has been bombarded with inquiries from concerned Americans who want to help orphaned children by adopting. However, the Office of Children’s Issues, United States Department of State advises that adopting may not be the best way to help at this time.

Here are some questions to ask when considering adopting a child from an area that is in the aftermath of a natural disaster:

1. Will adopting the child be the best solution for him/her? A child can draw inner security from a familiar environment, familiar adults, weather and language. Even if you offer a child a very loving, caring environment, your home may not be the place where he/she can feel the most secure, although not by any fault of your own.
2. Will the adoption be a cost-effective solution? It is often a more cost-effective, conscientious decision to care for children in their local environment than to uproot them and bring them to the U.S. for adoption. While these children may not live in “first-world” conditions, you can provide an option where they can grow up safely and feel secure in culturally familiar surroundings.
3. Is it certain that the child is truly an orphan? In the aftermath of a natural disaster, sometimes parents are located years later. Taking a child away from his/her birth country could deny the child the chance to reunite with his/her biological parents.
4. Have you considered all of the potential issues that could arise from adopting a child who comes from a deprived country such as Haiti? Malnutrition and poor education can create issues such as developmental problems. Integrating children with these issues into Western society could be problematic in the way of school and future independence.

You can help in other ways. As an alternative to adoption, consider making a monetary donation or a donation of time to an established, reputable humanitarian or relief organization that works in that country. Your dollars will be greatly appreciated in the relief effort.

March 15, 2010 in Immigration Law Tags: adoption matters, department of state, earthquake orphan, haitian adoption child, immigration law

Michael Monheit is the managing lawyer at Monheit Law, outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He has practiced law since 1989. Michael Monheit was the managing attorney of the law offices of Herbert Monheit — now Silverman and Fodera — a firm... Michael Monheit→