Ethica: Response to Crisis in Haiti

January 16, 2010

Yesterday afternoon, Ethica participated in a conference call with the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and other stakeholders to discuss the ongoing catastrophic conditions due to the devastating earthquake in Haiti.

At this point, Ethica can confirm that visas were issued for several children whose adoptive parents were in Haiti at the time of the earthquake.  In addition, USCIS and the State Department  are working vigilantly to process as expeditiously as possible the 300 outstanding visa applications for children with adoption decrees.  As soon as there is a plan in place, we will share that information.

In addition, the Department of State requests that all families in the process of adopting from Haiti contact askci@state.gov with any information they have about their child(ren), including names, dates of birth, and orphanage information.  Although the Embassy is still intact, many other buildings that house paperwork related to adoption may be destroyed, with paperwork likely to be unavailable.

Ethica understands that many well-intentioned families want to help children in Haiti who may have become orphaned as a result of this disaster.  Although we understand the compassion underlying this sentiment, we want to strongly emphasize that starting new adoptions, or participating in “babylifts”, are inappropriate tools to employ at this time.  With the conditions on the ground in Haiti, it is nearly impossible to determine if a child has living parents or relatives, and it is a widely-accepted best practice of child welfare to attempt to reunite children with living relatives before seeking out-of-family placements.  It will take time to sort this out in a way that serves the best interests of the children and mitigates the very real risks of fraud and coercion.  Families should be on alert for groups posing as adoption agencies or providing orphan relief; the USDOS website on Haitian adoptions details the legal adoption process to date.  Those who wish to best assist the children and families of Haiti are urged to make a donation to one of the many organizations working on the ground.

Ethica appreciates the widespread support of government agencies, child welfare organizations, and adoption stakeholders in continuing to advocate for the most vulnerable citizens in a most devastating and heartwrenching disaster.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this horrific tragedy.

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