International Adoption 1
Summary
International Adoption was finally a happy topic to hear! Debbie Spina came and spoke with us about her experiences adopting two children. Most do not know how long and drawn out the process is when adopting a child and it is never as easy as it seems. Many countries change their status on opening adoption to the United States, and many do not allow a gay or lesbian couple to adopt a child. It left Debbie and her partner with few options, but they were fortunate enough to be blessed with two girls. The first baby they received was from Cambodia, and was only twelve pounds at ten months. While Debbie was there she was bit by a mosquito and got extremely sick with a fever, and actually came close to dying. Luckily, she was okay and got to bring her baby girl, Sophia, home to America. Hoping to adopt another girl, the two of them went to Guatemala this time. The process took so much longer then it needed to and was very drawn out and frustrating, but the end result was a healthy girl named Darlene. Since both girls knew about one another before Darlene was brought back to America, they instantly bonded. The four of them became a happy, loving family and is a positive outcome of adoption in the child welfare system!
Personal Reflection
It is so refreshing to hear of a happy ending for once in this course. Adoption can be a very successful and beneficial option for children, especially in this case. I was very surprised at the long process involved in finally being able to adopt a child and the rules restricting some from doing so. I think it is wrong for countries to be so judgmental about allowing a lesbian or gay couple adopt a child.
International Adoption 2
I think as long as this parentless child is getting two loving individuals who want to care for him or her then that should be enough to adopt. The system needs to be more organized and speedier because I think the quicker these children are placed in...