“Department of State” – With a nod to Halloween, these are
the 3 scariest words for agencies engaged in international adoption and for
prospective adoptive parents who seek to adopt children (primarily older and
special needs children) from foreign countries.
Just after Labor Day, DOS proposed a large number of new
regulations to, depending on your viewpoint, either tighten the noose further around
international adoption or make improvements to ensure ethical practice. The
intent of DOS is unclear, although providing a very brief 60-day comment period
(just extended by a whopping 15 days) signals to me their lack of desire to
engage in a meaningful dialogue with those potentially affected by these
regulations.
Nonetheless, giving DOS the benefit of the doubt, Gladney
has responded during the comment period affirming the importance DOS has placed
on transparency in the adoption process and the need to ensure the highest
standard of preparedness for prospective parents. These represent a good
foundation from which to begin a constructive dialogue, but we are confused and
concerned about several of the other proposed regulations. Our letter to DOS (please click here to read) spells out just a few of these concerns.
Our ask is simple. DOS should extend the comment period for
at least another 60 days so we can truly engage in a meaningful, collaborative
exchange of ideas.
At Gladney, we believe that every child deserves a loving,
caring family. It is my hope that our Department of State shares the same
wish.
Frank Garrott
President and Adoptive Dad
Gladney Center for Adoption