Russian Adoption Story in the News

Many of you have heard about the news story of a child adopted from Russia being “returned†to Russia.  Last week, law enforcement officers in Tennessee reported that an adoptive mother, in an attempt to void her adoption, sent her unaccompanied young son on a plane back to Russia.  The Russian government, as well as U.S. officials, have rightfully condemned these actions.  As a measure of prevention, some Russian officials are calling for a suspension of adoptions to the United States.  It is our hope that this situation is viewed within the larger context of Russian adoptions – where tens of thousands of children have found safe, healthy and happy homes in the United States.

Although these inappropriate actions were not taken by anyone associated with our agency, we know that sometimes the improper actions of just one adoptive family can impact everyone seeking to adopt from a particular country.  America World has helped to provide loving homes to over 160 Russian orphans since the program’s conception.   We are staying in touch with our associates in Russia, and will report any updates to families in process as they come in.  Families adopting from Russia should have received an email from their family coordinator; if you have not, please feel free to contact our agency at russia@awaa.org. 

We know that God is sovereign in all situations.  We trust that despite our limited perspective, He is good and is working all things to His glory.  Please continue to pray with America World for this situation, as well as all events that could negatively affect orphans finding permanent families.

Sincerely,
Brian Luwis