The tooth fairy came and paid our oldest a visit last night. He lost his first tooth at dinner time last night. It had been loose for a while but last night was hurting him as he ate a burrito so I got the honor of pulling it out. It was very ready to be out. His new tooth is even coming in behind it already. Hope it works its way forward or his teeth are going to look funny.
March 7, 2011
Statement on the Pending Reduction of Intercountry Adoption in Ethiopia
Last week the Ethiopian Ministry of Women’s, Children’s and Youth Affairs announced their intention to reduce intercountry adoptions by 90% beginning March 10, 2011. The Ministry’s plan for a dramatic reduction is apparently based on two primary issues; 1) the assumption that corruption in intercountry adoption is systemic and rampant and 2) the Ministry’s resources should be focused on the children for whom intercountry adoption is not an option. Without further announcements by the Government of Ethiopia, it is our understanding that the Ministry’s plan will be initiated this week.
The Ministry’s plan is a tragic, unnecessary and disproportionate reaction to concerns of isolated abuses in the adoption process and fails to reflect the overwhelmingly positive, ethical and legal services provided to children and families through intercountry adoption. Rather than eliminate the right of Ethiopian children to a permanent family, we encourage the Ministry to accept the partnerships offered by governments, NGOs, and foundations. Such partnerships could increase the Ministry’s capacity to regulate service providers and further ensure ethical adoptions.
The Ministry’s plan, which calls for the processing of only five adoption cases per work day, will result not only in systemic and lasting damage to a large sector of social services, but will have an immediate impact on the lives and futures of children. Moving from over 4,000 adoptions per year to less than 500 will result in thousands of children languishing in under-regulated and poorly resourced institutions for years. For those children who are currently institutionalized and legally available for adoption, the Ministry’s plan will increase their time languishing in institutions for up to 7-years.
Joint Council respectfully urges the Ministry of Women’s, Children’s and Youth Affairs to reconsider their plan and to partner with governments, NGOs and foundations to achieve their goals and avoid the coming tragedy for children and families.
Today, I'm having a little alone time with this little man. He needs it and so do I. Just time for he and I to connect with no distractions around us. I want to hear about what's going on in his world and his mind lately. I want him to know he's loved and valued - not that he doesn't but I want to continue to drill it into his head. So from time to time I will get out and have one on time with each of my children. Today .... it's his afternoon! The best part of it ... he doesn't know it's coming. I hope he enjoys it as much as I will!
