International Adoptions Can Be Problematic, Your Senator May Be Able To Help

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ANDERSON, Ind.–If you’re thinking of adopting a child internationally, you should be aware that problems can happen. If they do, you can call your U.S. senator, which is what the Oren family of Anderson, say they did when they couldn’t bring their son Genene, home from Ethiopia.

“We got everything together, we got on a plane and we were really excited,” said Rachel Oren, on a video from Sen. Todd Young’s office. “We had no anticipation of any problems.”

Young’s video, released Friday, was meant to help Hoosiers and the 200 families in America who are trying to adopt children from outside the United States.

“While we were in flight, which was about a 24-hour trip, the country suspended adoptions and were no longer releasing visas for any adopted children,” said Oren. She and her husband Jon, had been trying to adopt a brother for their other son, whom they also adopted from Ethiopia.

Young raised the issue with the former Ethiopian ambassador in phone calls, directed his staff to maintain regular contact with the embassy, highlighted the issue in a hearing with a top Department of State official, and led two letters signed by hundreds of members of Congress, said a news release from his office.

The Oren family was finally able to welcome their son home in June 2017.

Last January, Young met with Kassa Tekleberhan Gebrehiwot, Ethiopia’s new Ambassador to the United States, in order to continue advocating for Hoosier families with pending adoptions. He said families experiencing challenges with adoption are encouraged to contact his office by visiting www.Young.Senate.Gov/Help

 

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