Confusion over Russian adoption suspensions

AJ, at the orphanage in Russia.

There is little, if any, tie to Chicago in this story; two agencies suspended for noncompliance and an agency under investigation for the death of 21-month-old boy. However, there is so much confusion over the adoption process, the post-placement process, and how Russia works in general that I thought I needed to point some things out (and yes, in first person).

To begin, two agencies, the Cradle of Hope and Family and Children's Agency were suspended at the end of June and given three months to comply with Russian Law.  This happened at the end of June.

Second, a father, Miles Harrison, left his 21-month-old son in the car while he went inside to work. He was supposed to drop him off at daycare but presumably forgot. Late in the afternoon he was notified that his son was in the car. Distraught, he collapsed after finding him dead. Chase had been adopted from Russia just three months before.

Since the incident Harrison has been hospitalized and been charged with manslaughter. The adoption agency they used, European Adoption Consultants (EAC), is now under scrutiny for not reporting the incident in a more timely manner.

EAC's website acknowledge Chase and acknowledge that they are assessing the situation with Russia.

www.eaci.com/