The foster care crisis in America is three-fold.  There are not enough quality families in America to support the children who need them.  Further, children with emotional and behavioral issues in the system are on the rise, creating a need for additional families in this already deteriorating situation.  To make matters worse, the recession in our country is directly affecting both biological and foster families as well as provider reimbursements, frontline caseworkers and mental health.

According to Faith Bridge Foster Care, there are not enough families for the children who need them.  Researchers for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) agree.  Due to the economy today, many cases in the need for foster care are due to the homelessness, poverty and unemployment growing rapidly.  Experts believe the need for foster care will rise as the economy worsens.  “Child welfare workers,” The Foster Club says, “are already seeing a rise in reported child abuse and neglect cases, as much as twenty percent in some areas.”  Unfortunately some foster families are simply unprepared for the upheaval of their family.  It is, according to the Faith Bridge Foster Care Agency, because of frequent agency visits, phone calls, court dates, and “seemingly endless paperwork,” plus the shock that the system does not have the sufficient support they need, forty to sixty percent of foster families leave the system within a year.  Without foster families in the system, some children will grow to adulthood and be left to fend for themselves with little to no influence of family structure and minimum skills for employment without any support system to ever fall back upon.  This could begin a cycle of uneducated youth released into the world to create families that are more probable to end up in the foster system due to the lack of care, funds, structure and etc. the first time through.

Because foster children are separated from their biological families, and often times separated from their siblings, after several months there is detachment issues these children acquire.  The longer they are away from their biological families, the harder it is for foster children to rebuild any sort of relationship, whether with their families, or later in life.  Because of this, foster children can lash out in different types of behavioral problems.  According to the DHS Medication Management Work Group, three times as many foster children, as opposed to other children, end up on psychotropic drugs in low-income families.  This can make foster children even more destabilized due to the treatment of their stress symptom rather than the root of that stress.

In nearly every state the amount of money needed for foster care far outweighs the government’s reimbursement rate due to the economic crisis our country is in today.  Not only is there an issue with foster children needing better mental health facilities, treatment programs and etc, but the issue worsens because the foster care system often cuts the budget in three major areas: provider reimbursements, frontline caseworkers and mental health.  This being said, in the case of these budget cuts, there would be less training for group home staff and parental training.  With fewer caseworkers there would be the probability of foster children being in more hazardous situations and an increased risk of trauma to those children. According to CHOP, children are often placed in foster care by availability rather than a good match for foster children and their long-term needs.  Some child protective agencies are requested to send children to government recruited homes rather than professional agencies to save on money.  Unfortunately these homes are not necessarily held to a set standard to validate said homes are the best place for the individual needs of those children.  Further, with the already unstable environments of some foster children, plus the budget cuts of mental health programs such as help and crisis lines, an increase in foster children’ suicides, pregnancy and drug and alcohol abuse may follow.

In nearly every state the amount of money needed for foster care far outweighs the government’s reimbursement rate due to the economic crisis our country is in today.  According to NPR radio in March of 2010, over 1,000 children die of abuse and neglect every year; and to further chill our society, states with big deficits are cutting child abuse prevention programs when those programs are what various communities need to cut down on the ever growing death, neglect and abuse rates (some due to the recession to begin with).  And although researcher Rob Green, on behalf of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, states that the recession may not be a conclusive reason for the rise in child abuse and neglect.  The findings in November of 2010 by the researchers from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia conclude that the economic downturn often hits the most vulnerable children and families the hardest.  It takes years of post recession for families to come back to the pre recession income levels.  Lower income families obviously take even longer to bounce back.  CHOP also explains that public programs play an incredibly important role in the keeping the families influenced by the recession in a less stressed environment, blocking more trauma for the usually already traumatized children and families involved in foster care.  In short, the most vulnerable foster children, foster families and programs supporting them would get the short end of the stick for years to come.

About the Author

As a researcher, Karen Jean Matsko Hood places her focus on child abuse and neglect and drug abuse.  She also researches to find possible solutions to these growing social problems. Hood has incorporated the studies of findings of research and drug abuse in families in her writings.  Hood’s research topics include such diverse topics as education, attachment disorder, attachment disorder therapy and treatment, the foster care system, human development, parenting, adoption, health, and historical topics.  Hood uses her B.S. Degree in Natural Science along with her research training in her Ph.D. program to conduct research on various plants and animal topics including equine, canine, and botanical research.

Hood resides in Greenacres, Washington, along with her husband, sixteen multi-racial and special needs children and foster children.  Her hobbies include cooking, baking, collecting various collectibles and antiques, photography, indoor and outdoor gardening, and the cultivation of unusual flowering plants and orchids.  She enjoys raising several specialty breeds of animals including Icelandic horses, bichon frises, cockapoos, Icelandic sheepdogs, and a few rescue cats.  Hood also enjoys bird-watching and finds all aspects of nature precious.  She demonstrates a passionate appreciation of the environment and a respect for all life.

For more information, you can contact the author at her office below:

Karen Jean Matsko Hood

507 N. Sullivan Rd. Suite LL-7

Spokane Valley, WA 99037 USA

Phone: (509) 924-3550 Fax: (509) 922-9949

karensblog.net

karenjeanmatskohood.com

It is often a difficult, emotional and confusing journey through the process of international adoption.  Once you have jumped through one hoop, there seems to always be another waiting for you.  And although the hoops are necessary, it is comforting to have information of which to refer.

Some frequently asked questions encompass the differences in the types of adoptions.  International adoption laws differ from country to country.  For a child to be eligible for an international adoption program, he/she must qualify under the laws of their country of origin.  You must comply with U.S. federal laws and the laws of your home state to be even considered to adopt.  U.S. Federal law does not prohibit Americans to adopt regardless of age, sex, race, color, national origin, religion, or income; various international agencies however, do often restrict those who have developmental or physical disabilities, single parents, or even those with a lower income.  For children abroad to come to the United States, you must determine if they are eligible to immigrate under the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act.

Types of adoption processes differ as well.  If you travel abroad and at one of the family owned and run facilities you feel a deep connection to one of the children and you want to bring this into your home and ultimately, your family, this type of international adoption is independent and usually places all of the weight of the adoption process on your shoulders.  Depending on the kind of adoption you chose, the more or less likely you will encounter ethics and high standards in the adoption process.  Further, depending on the kind of adoption you chose, the more or less likely you are to be exposed to better costs, children’s health and facilitator competence.

Building from various laws to types of adoption, the actual process of adopting your child can again be, a confusing process on your journey in expanding your family.  There are more players in the adoption process than you may expect.  Your family and the parent(s) of the child, professional agencies, attorneys, adoption specialists, and licensing specialists are some of the players you need to be aware of.  Nationally or internationally, the business and personal ethics of each player spreads across the board.

The application process is essential for the adoption to be successful, and  regardless of the type of adoption you chose, one thing remains the same: the placement home study.  A home study is basically a series of appointments with an adoption professional.  After you find an agency within the United States to work with your international adoption, a local caseworker is assigned to your individual case.  Usually there is a minimum of four visits (depending on the state and/or country) between you and your assigned caseworker.

Out of all the decisions, applications, visits, and international laws and so on, the most agonizing part of the adoption process is usually the waiting game.  It can take between months and years or more for a family to receive a referral on a child.  After approval, it takes time for you and your future child to be matched.  Time is dependant upon the race, origin, other county’s laws, U.S. immigration laws, developmental disabilities, age, and etc.  This process has been compared to a biological family’s pregnancy period.  Each time a child is matched, it is an emotional “pregnancy test” for those waiting.  Once approved, its been described as a metaphorical “labor.’  If the child match falls through, the description is an even more emotional “miscarriage.”    Even with the pressures of your emotional roller coaster, your are expected to keep up with the expectations your state, country and country of your potential child.  f you do not receive your referral or your matched child within a year, the previously mentioned placement home study must be renewed every twelve months.

After the waiting and the arrival of your newest family member, there are obligations you are responsible for.  A minimum of three more visits (depending on the sate and/or country) are required. Nutrition, childhood development, emotional issues, discussing the adoption and education are only a few of the subjects you will encounter.  For international adoption, more pressing matters include culture shock and communication difficulties.

There are many hoops to jump through in the adoption process.  Many of those hoops will most likely be wrought with confusion if you do not have the proper resources to help on your journey to adopt a child.  Thus, there is a need for a guide to be written, not only to fill the literary gap in detailed adoption information, but also to educate society on the importance of international adoption as well as the importance of the legitimate people who work to make life a little easier for those attempting to understand the adoption process.

About the Author

Karen Hood was born and raised in Great Falls, Montana.  As an undergraduate, she attended the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota.  She attended the University of Great Falls in Great Falls, Montana.  Hood received a B.S. Degree in Natural Science from the College of St. Benedict and minored in both Psychology and Secondary Education.  Upon her graduation, Hood and her husband taught science and math on the island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands.  Hood has completed postgraduate classes at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa.  In May 2001, she completed her Master’s Degree in Pastoral Ministry at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.  She has taken postgraduate classes at Lewis and Clark College on the North Idaho college campus in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and Taylor University in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Hood is working on research projects to complete her Ph.D. in Leadership Studies at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.

Karen Hood is also an avid child advocate.  She works with children as a foster parent in the State of Washington as well as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer in the juvenile court system in Spokane County.  Hood and her husband have a strong passion to fight for the plight of abused and neglected children and the rights of all children on a local, national, and international level.  Hood is also Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) and a CASA volunteer for abused and neglected children in the juvenile court system.  Hood is an advocate of literacy for children and has written many articles and books on this subject.  She also has written many articles on the rights of children and is currently working on books about the plight of children.

For more information, you can contact the author at her office below:

Karen Jean Matsko Hood

507 N. Sullivan Rd. Suite LL-7

Spokane Valley, WA 99037 USA

Phone: (509) 924-3550 Fax: (509) 922-9949

karensblog.net

karenjeanmatskohood.com

From Horror to Happy Ending:
Russian girl survives awful first adoption to find love in a new home
by Jeb Phillips
Source: The Columbus Dispatch

April 26, 2010

These are the facts in the murder of 3-year-old Liam Thompson:
Gary and Amy Thompson of the Far West Side traveled to eastern Russia in April 2003 to adopt a little girl and a little boy. They already had two biological children – one together, another from Amy’s first marriage – and wanted to expand their family.

By summer, the Thompsons were sick of the adopted kids, according to a diary that Amy kept. Even though they weren’t biological siblings, Amy wrote of them as a pair. Liam had a cleft lip and palate that had been badly repaired in Russia. Amy wrote that she felt nothing but indifference toward the girl.

She and her husband had considered getting rid of the adopted children “like dogs in a pound,” she wrote.

On Oct. 11, 2003, Gary put Liam into a 140-degree bath and held him there while he struggled. Amy, a licensed practical nurse, was at work at a nursing home. The Thompsons never took Liam to a doctor or a hospital for his severe burns.

During the next five days, as the boy’s skin peeled off, Gary kept Liam on a mattress in the basement. He died on Oct. 16, his third birthday.

Gary Thompson, now 38, pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. Amy Thompson, now 39, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and endangering children and was sentenced to 14 years.

The older of Amy’s biological children went to a foster family. The younger went with relatives. But there was a little Russian girl in that household, too, the one adopted with Liam.

The girl’s name never became public in all of the media coverage of the case. Investigators said she wasn’t abused, but the Thompsons had neglected her. She was small and weak. Columbus homicide detective Patrick Dorn, who handled the case, remembered her as “abnormally withdrawn.”

Her name – once Irina Alexandrovna Pavlova, then Irina Thompson – is now Irina Elizabeth Jean Palmer. She’s 10 years old and is so strong that she can push herself up from a headstand to a handstand. She’ll let you feel her biceps, just for extra proof.

Pink is her favorite color. She wants to be a veterinarian or a zookeeper. She once ate five clementine oranges in a single sitting. She likes Taylor Swift.

“And Justin Bieber,” says her sister Cache Palmer, 9.

“And Miley Cyrus,” says her other sister, Jessica Palmer, also 9.

The Palmer girls are not about to let one sister talk without chiming in. While Irina answered questions on Wednesday evening about her favorite sports – lacrosse and gymnastics – Cache left the room for a minute and then reported that the girls have 32 trophies among them. Jessica said one of her trophies is the shiniest.

Don and Nadine Palmer already had adopted Jessica and were foster parents to Cache when Irina arrived at their Powell home in November 2003. Liam had died about three weeks earlier. Irina was about to turn 4.

Don, who is now 57, has two older children from a previous marriage. He thought, once upon a time, that that was plenty. The girls make fun of him for that now.

A caseworker with Franklin County Children Services who knew the Palmers thought they might be a good fit for Irina. Don, a retired manager for UPS, is the quiet, big-lug type. Nadine, 52, who once worked as a paralegal, smiles and laughs and talks every bit as much as her girls.

“They just have this warmth and this love,” said Thomas Taneff, the Columbus lawyer who handled the adoption case.

When they heard Irina’s story, the Palmers wanted to take care of her.
Russian adoptions occasionally end in horror stories like Liam’s, say Taneff and others who deal with them. Russia threatened to suspend adoptions to the United States this month after an adoptive mother from Tennessee put her 7-year-old on a plane, alone, back to Russia. She sent a note with him saying that he had psychological problems and she no longer wanted him.

Barb VanSlyck, a Columbus-based adoption counselor, said some Russian children develop emotional problems living in orphanages, and adoptive parents might not realize that. Health records and information about biological parents can be spotty and don’t prepare adoptive parents for the difficulties they might face, VanSlyck and others said.

In her diary, Amy Thompson wrote of Liam and Irina that “I am mad at them for being so much damn work, (angry) at them for not just fitting in and for having no personality.”

Irina was sweet from the time she joined the Palmer family, but she wasn’t affectionate the way Jessica and Cache were, her mother said. Jessica and Cache have been in the Palmer family since they were babies. For a long time, Irina didn’t quite trust that the Palmers were her “forever family,” her parents said.

She constantly seeks out people, making new friends, looking for more attachments, Nadine said. Before Irina talked about her favorite color and the sports she plays, she talked about her best friend, Haley, and a lot of her other friends. The next day, she got her mom to e-mail the names of friends she had forgotten to mention.

Irina also wants to know about her “tummy mommy” and what she looked like as a baby. The Palmers have no pictures of her before she came to them and not much information about her family in Russia.

But she knows that she is a Palmer now, and a gymnast, and a lover of sleepovers with her friends. Her parents call her “Irina Beana” and “Bean Bag.” Her father has laid down the law for all of the girls – no boyfriends until they’re 19.

“We’ll see how that goes,” he said. He sounded hopeless.

Irina remembers Liam. She remembers the basement he was kept in after he was burned. Nadine used to walk by the girls’ room and overhear Jessica and Cache:

“Tell us about Liam,” they would say.

Irina also remembers Amy and Gary Thompson. She knows what they did.

When their names come up, her parents – who have raised Irina and the two other girls to be cartwheeling, chattering, loving daughters – try to focus on the good.

“We always say that if Amy and Gary hadn’t gone to Russia, we wouldn’t have Irina,” Nadine said.