Orphan adoption no option: Agencies: Focus on other tots

By Jennifer Rosinski
Wednesday, January 5, 2005
http://news.bostonherald.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=61898

Hundreds of heartsick families anxious to welcome foreign children orphaned by last week's deadly tsunami have called and e-mailed local adoption agencies, whose officials warn those kids may never become available.

"It is very wonderful of people, but probably not something that's going to happen,'' said Bonnie Delongchamp, director of communications for the Alliance for Children in Wellesley, where up to a dozen calls a day have come into the office since the earthquake ravaged southern Asia.

Adoption officials warn it can take years before any of the thousands of children left without parents will be available for adoption - if it happens at all.

"They may have family in other parts of the country that may claim them. These governments are not going to be releasing these children right away,'' said Vicki Peterson, executive director of Wide Horizons for Children in Waltham.

"There are plenty of orphaned children already out there in need of families,'' Peterson said. "We're encouraging people to concentrate on those children who are available for adoption now.''

MAPS International in Boston has an India adoption program with links to an orphanage in Madras, that while not hard hit by the rushing waves, will struggle to handle an influx of tsunami children.

"Children impacted by the tsunami will end up in this orphanage and they will need more support and supplies,'' said executive director Stephanie Mitchell, whose agency will send its India coordinator to the orphanage to offer some humanitarian aid.

Delongchamp said the best way to help the needy children in Asia is to donate to respected organizations doing relief work.

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