Update: 9/6/05

Dear Families,

I do hope this finds you with memories of a safe and happy holiday weekend.

As you know, the Russia Duma opened it's Fall 2005 session yesterday. We were concerned with how the issues of international adoption would be addressed, because the Duma's attitude towards international adoption directly affects the decisions which will be made during the Counsel on Accreditation's meeting on Thursday, September 15th. The accreditation committee will address reaccreditation of US adoption agencies, and we will hopefully know more about the reaccreditation of our two previously accredited umbrella agencies and the future movement of adoptions based on this meeting.

The news article below is a synopsis of how specific abuse cases were addressed in the Duma's meetings. The Russian Duma called to amend foreign adoption rules to protect Russian children, but did not say how or when those amendments would take place. As we learn about the specific changes, we will certainly notify your family. I was personally encouraged that no representative called for a moratorium. You can expect another update from a AWAA staff person within the next few days, as information is made available.

Further discussions, as mentioned in the article, will take place on September 9th. Please continue to pray for the Duma and these complicated discussions.


RIA NOVOSTI . September 6, 2005, 6:16 PM
MOSCOW, September 6 (RIA Novosti) - The State Duma, Russia's lower chamber of parliament, intends to discuss a draft parliamentary inquiry at a session on September 9 urging Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov to take necessary measures to protect Russian children adopted by foreigners.
Vladimir Katrenko, vice speaker of the State Duma heading up this issue, said the instances of violence against children had become more frequent lately and parliamentarians were concerned over the fate of children adopted by foreigners and living outside Russia.
Katrenko said that before reaching the eligible age, these children remained citizens of Russia. There are about 64,000 such children, he said.
Russian parliamentarians say bilateral agreements on inter-state cooperation regarding child adoption would be the most effective instrument of protection for Russian children adopted by foreigners.
"This form will enable the state to maintain control over compliance with adopted children's rights and interests," Katrenko said.
He said the parliamentary inquiry would propose that as a priority orphaned children be placed in Russian families.
Yekaterina Lakhova, the head of the State Duma committee on women, family, and children, said that 14 Russian children living abroad had died recently, including an eight-year-old boy who died from hunger in the United States in August.
Please do visithttp://www.christianitytoday.com/cpt/2005/003/7.18.html as your love and concern for your adopted child(ren) grows. Author Lisa Welchel speaks quickly concerning 2 Timothy 1:12 "I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day, " God indeed promised to protect our children, even when we are apart, as we entrust them to Him.

In the interim, for those families who are waiting on referrals, do take this time to establish a relationship with an independent International Adoption Specialist. This medical expert will play a key role in the referral process of your adoption journey. As you know, due to the conditions in Russia the health conditions of children referred from Russia varies and children who are referred from Russia come with medical correctable issues. Please become aware of normal diagnosis you may find in a medical from Russia. For instance, did you know it is relatively common for referred children from Russia to be exposed to syphilis? Dr. Aronson from www.orphandoctor.com states, "I am not as worried about syphilis as I used to be when I first started as an adoption medicine specialist six years ago," said Dr. Aronson. "I want parents to understand the possibilities of exposure, but I don't want parents to be discouraged from adopting a child who has been exposed to syphilis. It is essential that the child have both tests for syphilis when they arrive home. I want pediatricians and family doctors who take care of children adopted from abroad to know how important it is to test for syphilis when a child first arrives in the home country. There will be children who do test positive for acute syphilis and who will require treatment when they arrive home." Please visit http://www.orphandoctor.com/medical/regional/russia/index.html to get acquainted with the multiple medical conditions which could be addressed concerning the child(ren) referred to you from Russia.

On a personal note, I am extremely proud of you, "my families." Despite the hardships, loss, waiting, and more waiting, you have continually gone back to The Truth. You have not faltered, although your strength may wane, to trust that the Lord has planned this from the beginning of time. It is incredible to watch such men and women of faith "walk the walk." May God bless you today. I look forward to what God will do in your lives, no matter what decisions are made this month. What joy is waiting around the corner!

With all sincerity,

Sara Parrish

Eastern Europe Family Coordinator