We Are the Truth Campaign

I am sure everyone has heard by now about the little boy who was adopted and sent back to Russia. What a tragic situation this is, not only for the little boy, but for adoption in general. Part of what bothers me about this case is that adoption is most often painted in a negative light on television and in the news media. Whenever someone who was adopted commits a crime, for example, their adoptive status is always mentioned. Seems to me that far more crimes are committed by people who were raised by their biological parents. This case will only continue to spread misconceptions about adoption and adoptive children. I am not saying that there are not serious developmental and behavioral issues that occur. Very likely, the boy's mother was incredibly overwhelmed and perhaps ill-prepared to deal with some of these issues.

What also concerns me is that it puts international adoptions in jeopardy. I just received an email from our adoption agency about the "We Are the Truth" campaign being initiated by the Joint Council on International Children's Services. Here is part of their statement:

The outrageous treatment of Artyem by his adoptive family has rightfully resulted in outrage by the Governments of Russia and the United States and all who care about children. The tragedy has cast a light on intercountry adoption that says it is not safe, the system failed and adopted children cause insurmountable problems. The heartbreak of Artyem Saviliev’s abandonment has once again elevated a singular incident to a level which may result in the suspension of intercountry adoption. Suspending adoption, even temporarily, will only cause thousands of children to suffer the debilitating effects of life in an orphanage.

You, the community of adoptees, adoptive parents, adoptive grandparents, child welfare professionals and child advocates know that the outrageous and indefensible actions of one parent are not indicative of how children are treated by adoptive families. You know that families who encounter difficulties do not simply abandon their child. You know that help is available, that solutions are found and that families can thrive. And you know that suspending adoption does not protect children but only subjects them to the depravity of an institution…and an entire life without a family.

You, the adoption community know the truth. You live the truth. You are the truth.

Join our campaign to bring the truth to light and help children in need find a permanent and safe family.

To be a part of this campaign you can sign the petition letter here. And for all my blogging friends for have adopted, this is from the JCICS website:

We Are The Truth – an adoption blogger day: To ensure the world knows about every successful adoption, on Thursday, April 15, 2010 blog about your adoption or the adoption of someone you know. It doesn’t matter if your adoption is with Russia, domestic or otherwise international. Let the world know your truth!

So on April 15th let others know the truth about adoption!