Child Trafficking

There has been some talk in the media lately regarding child trafficking.  If you are curious, take a look at the recent article in the New York Times.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/05/world/asia/05kidnapping.html?pagewanted=2&_r=4&hp

Unfortunately there are no easy answers.  Some would go as far as to suggest the closure of all international adoptions; concluding that if there were no international adoptions, there would be no need for the orphanages.  One must question this option understanding that there are countries who have closed the doors to international adoptions, yet their orphanages continue to overflow.  I am no expert on the situation, but would like to share some insights of some that are more qualified - our agency:

•       At no time has the Chinese government ever condoned the illegal removal of children from their birth families to place them with adoptive families in order to make money. These actions have been conducted by a very few corrupt officials or local criminal gangs. Over the last few years the Chinese government has been aggressively cracking down on traffickers, which is evident by them capturing and breaking up two child-trafficking gangs within the last six months. Additionally, the Chinese authorities continue to evaluate additional steps to determine a child’s legitimate status as an orphan.•       Contrary to how this may be presented by the media, this problem is not widespread. The number of children being abducted and being made available for adoption is minuscule compared to the thousands of children that are legitimate orphans and in great need of permanent, loving families.

•       The number of non-special needs adoptions has decreased and the majority of adoptions now are primarily special needs. As many of you know already, the Chinese culture as a whole is not yet accepting of children with special needs, so they are not adopted within China and in particular would not be targeted by traffickers.
•       ASIA and CCCWA are parties to the Hague Convention and work hard to support the regulations put forth by The Hague Convention, which is highly concerned with the prevention of child trafficking. This is why ASIA makes every effort to work with the Chinese authorities to ensure that all our adopted children have proper documentation before they are adopted and enter the U.S. The U.S. Government is also very particular about receiving legitimate documentation proving a child's orphan status before allowing a child into the U.S. 
•           Part of the process to prevent child trafficking in children that are available for adoption includes placing a finding ad in local newspapers in China with the child’s photo. If a child were stolen, it would be likely that parents looking for that child would recognize their photo.
•       ASIA’s mission is to find families for legitimate orphans in need and we wouldn’t continue to advocate for the children of China if we thought any of our placements were in any way unethical. In fact, ASIA is absolutely committed to maintaining integrity in adoptions and we strongly support the ideals of the Hague Convention.

NOTE:  This takes me back to when I was 18 and a nanny in Connecticut.  An article was published reciting the abominations of the au pair's life.  Although it was fitting in some situations and deserved consideration, it did not speak for the majority, but I was quick to send a reassuring letter to my parents.  So, for what it's worth, "Don't worry Mom and Dad."  (Although I know my parents are not concerned, just writing it made me feel 25 years younger.  Hey, at my age I will take any opportunity I can get!  :)