I was very troubled by one poster's comments about Susan's ethics and professionalism.
First let me make this perfectly clear. I am not affiliated with OWAS, nor do I know Susan in any other capacity than our caseworker for our children 9 years ago.
Our adoptions were from Russian and had their share of ups and downs. The downs were things completely out of Susan's control. The staff she had on the ground in country were incredible, particularlly in Vlad.
Susan kept us informed, returned calls and emails in a timely fashion (and yes, I recall calling multiple times. As adoptive parents, we want answers NOW). The staff may not always have those answers right away. Howerver, they were always attentive, understanding and professional.
We thank God for Susan and her work daily. Through her we have two incredible kids. We have responded to her call when she went on mission trips to places like Haiti after the earthquakes.
I think sometimes people get so focused on what can go wrong and want to blame anyone and everyone. I get it! We met our son when returning through Moscow. He was 6 months old and I couldn't understand why the Moscow courts could not coordinate our hearings. Then we were told our son had to be 9 months old before adoption, then there was the month long April vacations. We could have blamed Susan. Were we upset? You bet! But we never ever blamed Susan or her staff. When you enter an international adoption, you should do so expecting hiccups. It won't be easy. The first rule of internationl adoption is to EXPECT DELAYS and complications. It won't be smooth, but believe me it will be worth it.
As far as Susan, the other poster has got it all wrong. She is one of the most precious people I have ever NOT met in person. I don't talk to her often, but I always send her a note on our kids homecoming/family days and birthday, as well as a Christmas card with the kids pictures. We try to reasure her that her work is good and worth it and that she is a vessel for God's perfect work in an imperfect world. Satan's arrows may be thrown, but I know she is eqquipped with His shield. I also feel confident that she does the best she possibly can with the resources she has. Could all agencies use more staff? I bet so! Could all in country facilities be run better? You betcha. We all do the best we can. As adoptive parents, we worry about the cost and we worry about our children. Agencies worry about how to help as many families and children as posssible on a shoe string budget. Like any other service work, they are in it for the kids, not the money....
Looks like this site is mixed with "real" parents and then parents that represent other adoption agencies or in some case are the main parts of other adoption agencies. Blogs and sites like this should make sure that everyone who gets on them can tell everyone who they are and where they fit into the process. Some of you say you are doing these comments to help parents when what is happening is there are more children in need in Africa who don't get reached.
My wife and sister-in-law were just in the Congo to adopt and one of the comments in this site gives inference that a caseworker rescued my wife and sister-in-law. That is just not true. As a matter of fact the caseworker in question was actually acted unprofessionally and if you contact us personally we could give you the details. The OWAS agency employee in the Congo (TeeTee) did yeoman's work to help us get our children through the process and get them back to the United States.
Also, what is this class action lawsuit you refer to? The problem with blogs and sites like this is anyone can get on here and post anything and the people that suffer are the couples who are trying desperatley to add a child to their families.
We have 5 adopted children (2 biological) and this is just a case of agencies infighting. There are almost 5 million orphans and children in need in Central Africa. If there were 100 more agencies, we couldn't put a dent in the problems in Africa. The more children we can help to get in loving families the better.
Did everything go smooth with One World, No, but we worked it our and we got our children in about 10 months from start to finish, so I think that is pretty good.
Relax a little Paula and make sure you have all your facts.
Gosh, I dont know where to start. We have used One World Adoptions from the start to the last. We were one of the first to adopt from One World back in 2003. I have read the above posts and I have to say that our experience was very different than the ones above. First of all I have to say that the "BEWARE" post is so not true. One World has been in operation since 2003 I know we adopted from them. Not only in 2003 but again in 2005, 2006, 2008 and we just completed our adoption from the DRC (Congo). I must address the "BEWARE" I am not sure where you got your info but we did our first adoption in 2003 and have remained with One World with all our adoptions. So how can you even say that they are part of the TEDI BEAR, AMREX and all the others you have listed? Enough said. Our experiences from all the countries including the DR Congo have been very POSITIVE. One World and the Staff especially Susan Manning the Director has been wonderful. We would not adopt from any other agency PERIOD. We have adopted from different countries and the case workers and Susan have been the greatest. I would recommend ONE WORLD to any one and I have. In fact I am going to let my friends and let them know what negativity is out there so they can tell you about their experiences. ONE WORLD in my BOOK you are the greatest. You were with us every step of the way even with our adoption from the change over to the Hague. Hats off to you and your staff for the great work you do. Just to let you know we are on our second adoption from the DRC Congo and it is going very well. Yes, there are some changes in the country but they are positive changes and they are in place to protect the precious children. ONE WORLD KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!!
I just want to point out - mainly for people considering adoption (not those of us who are through the process), that your point of engagement with an agency - and almost the only thing that matters - is your case worker. A lot of the comments on both sides of this particular agency surround the director, not the case workers. Now if the director was your case worker, as was the case for my second adoption, then they are indeed one and the same.
Directors set the policy and direction of the agencies, but rarely do they interface directly with the families in day to day issues and problem resolution. So while a few of the posters here did deal with OWAS's director - and their comments seem directed at her - most of us likely dealt with a case worker - and let me be clear - ours before the director took over was awesome!
**Please note - I am NOT implying anything....nor have I inferred anythhing from previous posters comments :-) **
What are you talking about in that post? You are all over the place. First you want to discuss some incident, then you talk about "real" orphans, then you insinuate I am not discussing details, then you say I am ghosting an agency. How about we do it this way. Why don't you ask me pointed questions one at a time if you are really that interested.
Of note, when you say you welcome all postings--what site are you talking about because I don't want to be part of any site that has someone performing "oversight" in what is and isn't allowed.
BTW--where do you fit in to the whole adoption process in the Congo? We have five adopted children so like alot of people, this isn't my first rodeo. Can we focus on one thing at a time. If I was a prospective parent sitting out there, frankly I would go to another country because we all appear to be off our rockers (me included). When it become about us, we have failed.
I should not have said this since I don't have direct knowledge of it. However, I did hear it from a reliable source. Remember, you are not the only family working with OWAS on Congo adoptions.
Once the case worker left the agency, no one remained with any knowledge of the Congo, its politics, or the adoption process in the country. There was so little contact and support after this case worker left, coupled with some severe ethical concerns on our part about the sourcing of children by the ageny in Congo, that we voluntarily separated from the agency just prior to finalizing - foreiting our entire adoption monies paid. We did try and resolve the issues with the agency prior to leaving and we ran into a completely unresponsive "wall" that went to far as to try and have us sign a "gag order" if part of the fee was to be refunded. I do not recommend this agency based on my personal experiences and opinions formed while working with them and observing them and their work and staff in Congo.
Pricing is competitive, and the homestudy process seemed smooth. Some broad comments below:
Congo, for those who are unfamiliar with it, is barely a country when it comes to things we take for granted - like infrastructure, functioning legal system, etc. There is a secondary economy (something like bribes) that runs the government and private secotr - and adoption is no different. In order to insure smooth (and that is a very relative term in Congo - BE READY for hiccups and glitches both before and in country) adoption process, the agency and its staff must be INTIMATELY familiar PERSONALLY with Congo and the local contacts, as well as where the children come from and their "provenance". Because it is not a cultural norm in Congo to "give up" infants, their needs to be a solid, verifiable way for the agency and adoptive parents to know as certainly as they can that the child is a true orphan. Culturally the community will keep the infants for a long while trying to integrate them with other family members first before abandoning them. I personally have extreme concern - and I have been to Congo many times, have two adopted daughters from Congo (one of whom gave up her own infant for adoption), and I assist with charitable work for orphans who are not adoptable - that the entire Congo adoption program is likely to be shut down if great respect is not paid to local customs and the people running the process are not expert on the rules and regulations. Congo is very special to me for many reasons, and there are many orphaned children who need good homes in the country so we all - Adoption agencies, adoptive parents, and supporters, need to be careful, respectul, and continue to learn and grow with this program and country. You are welcome to contact me if I can be of assistance regarding international adoption (I have 3 children adopted internationally - and 4 more biologic children), Congo or agency review. My Name is Robbie - email is robbieneuro77@yahoo.com Some final words of caution in reading reviews: Anonymous reviews get minimal weight if any - if you can't confirm a resource or review - just like in school - then it is likely not worth the "paper" its printed on. Second, read the good and the bad - and every agency will have both, as well as supporters and detractors - throw out the overly superlative "fluff bombs" and throw out the "trash 'em 'cause I hate 'em" pieces and form your own opinions based on all the info you gather. Remember: Once you sign and pay the fees, you will be emotionally hostage to the agency and the process (good and bad).
After telling my story of what our experiences were with OWAS on this website, and privately corresponding with several prospective adoptive parents, i received this threatening letter yesterday via email, demanding that I not only cease and desist discussing my relationship with OWAS, but that I retract everything that I previously said. None of my statements were untrue or intended harm to OWAS, and I have clearly stated which are personal knowledge and which were hearsay.
FSB FISHERBROYLES
A Limited Liability Partnership
THE PINNACLE BUILDING JENNIFER E. MOORE, ESQ.
FIFTH FLOOR 404.424.9920 direct
3455 PEACHTREE ROAD NE 404.420.2094 facsimile
ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30326-3236 moore@fsblegal.com
ATLANTA • CHARLOTTE • CHICAGO • DALLAS • NEW YORK
January 27, 2011
VIA E-MAIL AND U.S. MAIL
Ms. Paula Kipke
Dexter, MI 48130
Dear Ms. Kipke:
This firm represents One World Adoption Services, Inc. (“OWAS”). Pursuant to
O.C.G.A. § 51-5-11, we write this letter in regard to your postings on, or to, Internet web sites,
groups, and boards, as well as e-mail correspondence you have sent to certain individuals and
groups of individuals (including OWAS’s current and potential clients) regarding OWAS. Our
client has informed us that said postings and e-mails contain numerous false, misleading,
malicious, and unprivileged statements (“Statements”) in reference to OWAS’s trade, office, or
profession, intended and calculated to injure OWAS’s reputation and to interfere with its current
and prospective business relationships. It is our understanding that these Statements declare or
imply the following, at minimum:
• that OWAS’s Congo program “ground to a halt” at any point in time, and that it was
only a “fledgling” program as of May 2010;
• that OWAS’s director is overworked and unresponsive, and was unresponsive to you
during your adoption process;
• that OWAS and its director “does not have reliable in country staff nor does she have
a working relationship with an orphanage in the DRC”;
• that OWAS is not familiar with the laws and regulations of the Congo, and/or
violates them, and that OWAS gave you false information about Congo law;
• that OWAS told you it would consider giving you a refund only if you were denied
the ability to adopt by the Congo, and that this was an “abnormally high level of risk,
even for an international adoption”;
• that OWAS has had “other problems and issues” and many former employees and
clients are dissatisfied;
• that a social worker from another agency has had to “rescue” several families who
were clients of OWAS in the Congo program; and
• that several families are currently filing a class action suit against OWAS.
FSB FISHERBROYLES
A Limited Liability Partnership
Ms. Paula Kipke
January 27, 2011
Page 2 of 2
Taken individually and as a whole, the Statements convey to the average reader false and
per se libelous messages, including the clear implication that no one should choose to adopt a
child using OWAS, especially through its Congo program. The Statements and conduct also
constitute tortious interference with the business and contractual relations of OWAS, violations
of federal law (including the Lanham Act), and violations of Georgia’s several statutes protecting
against deceptive and unfair business practices.
Because the Statements convey messages that are plainly false, we hereby demand that
you refrain from any future publication of the Statements, and that within seven (7) days you
post retractions on the web sites, groups, and boards where you posted such Statements, and that
you send retractions to all recipients of e-mails containing such Statements. Furthermore, on
behalf of OWAS, we hereby demand that you not republish or rebroadcast the Statements in any
form.
If you do not immediately publish the requested retractions, cease and desist from
tortious interference with OWAS’s business, and cease and desist from making false and
malicious comments and statements about OWAS, its officers and employees, and its programs,
OWAS will pursue legal action against you and seek legal and equitable relief, including an
injunction, compensatory and punitive damages, treble damages, and its expenses of litigation,
including attorney’s fees. This is your 30-day notice, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 10-1-399, that
OWAS demands relief for your unfair and deceptive acts or practices.
Please contact me, or have your attorney contact me, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday,
February 4, to advise me as to your intended actions with respect to this demand. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
FSB FISHER BROYLES, LLP
Jennifer E. Moore
cc: Ms. Susan Manning
David Myers, Esq.
When we started with One World we had an amazing case worker. Halfway through our adoption, our caseworker quit. We ended up with the director, Susan Manning, as our caseworker. She was very difficult to work with. In our whole time of having Susan as our caseworker, I talked to her on the phone once. I would call at least twice a week and she never returned my calls, instead she would reply with an email. In the process of our adoption, I found out that Susan was telling us we didn't need to do things that we needed to. For example, she told us we did not need to send our paperwork to the consulate, but when I contacted the consulate, they told me I absolutely did. Had we not we would have arrived in Congo and not been able to bring our daughter home. Some of her mistakes cost us thousands of dollars extra. We also sent money for the care of our daughter and by the time we went to pick her up, it was very obvious she was not fed on a regular basis, so we have no idea where that money was going. Our daughter also became sick and hospitalized with malaria and they did not inform us on that fact. I do not recommend using this Congo program.
My name is Catherine Rosborough. Our family hired One World Adoption Services to complete our three international adoptions, once in 2007 (China) and twice in 2009 (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Our first adoption took one year and went perfectly smoothly. Our second adoption went smoothly until we traveled to Congo with Mrs. Susan Manning, agency Director, and our caseworker in August, 2009 to pick up our first adopted daughter and to meet our second adopted daughter, both in foster care at the same facility.
Due to what we perceived as issues of unprofessional behavior on the part of the agency director, Mrs. Susan Manning, dissatisfaction with the facility where our children were housed while waiting, the care of our children, and ethical issues with the agency employees in Congo, we voluntarily terminated our contract with One World shortly after returning home, during our third adoption with the agency.
I recommend you ask A LOT of detailed questions about the origin of the children, the orphanage, the caregivers and the accountability procedures for monies sent and for the care of waiting children when dealing with this, or any other, agency in Congo.
My understanding is that many families working with OWAS have encountered problems in country or delays in getting the children because OWAS doesn't clearly understand the DRC policies. A social worker from another agency has had to "rescue" several families who were clients of OWAS in the DRC program.
I have also heard, don't know if it's true, that several families are currently filing a class action suit against OWAS.
Please update us when you get your children home, and good luck to you. I hope the process goes smoothly for you.
Hello I am Billy Jean and I want to tell you that my husband and I are adopting from the Congo through One World. Our adoption is now complete and we are waiting to travel to pick up our 2 little toddlers. We are very pleased with the way our adoptions have been handled through this wonderful agency. The Director Susan, our Case Manger Terri and the office staff have been very professional. We have adopted 4 times using two other agencies. This is our first experience with One World and they are amazing. We would use them again and we highly recommend them to others. They have been great at respecting our need to keep our adoptions private. My husband owns a mega company and we have to be very discreet especially in the world we live in today. I want to say you can trust this agency in every area and aspect.
Best Regards,
Billy Jean
May I tell you about my experience with One World. I am what you may call a "high profile case" as in my identily must be protected due to the media and paparazzi that I deal with. I used One World for my adoptions and I must tell you this agency was and is the best. They have integrity, they follow through and they kept me up to date. I would highly recommend them. I also have some "high profile" friends who has used them and they rave about their service. The staff is great. When adopting from a 3rd world country there will be "bumps" in the road, there may be delays but trust them they know what they are doing. It is life with ups and downs and turns in the road. Also remember you are dealing with a country or countries that they have no control over. I want to say this is an agency you can trust from start to finish. I would also like to add that they had no idea of my status until they received my dossier yet I was treated with respect and prompt replies to my calls and emails before they knew who I was. Trust them my friends they are at the top of my list and I have adopted from Africa where most of this controversy seems to stem from. One World Staff you are awesome!
Hi this is Rob. I wanted to weigh in on our adoption experience with one world adoptions. We give them an A+ a full 10 from start to end., This is new to me cause i dont get on blogs but when my wife told me about this i had to get involved. we have adopted 2 children from the congo in recent months a 9 month old and 15 month,. we had no problems with our agency one world adoptions. everything went as planned in fact some of the process was even a little faster than we had planned. we had a delay becuae we adopted 2 kids and our first one came 3 weeks before our second referrl so we wanted to wait to do both at the same time so it held us up going to court because we wanted a second child but hey it was fine. court was very quick only about a week or less. i have to say that susan the director of the agency is the most caring person we have ever met and the children are always put first. she even sent vitamins and made sure the kids were getting the nutrition they need when they were moved into foster care. we had some questions and she got answers for us it may have taken a week but we always got answers. people you have to realize this is the congo not the usa and they are behind time. the electricity even goes off at times giving them no access to an internet. it went off while we were in congo and stayed off for a long while. we are blessed in the usa everyone should take a trip to a third world country see what its like it will change you. we stayed at a place that was very comfortable only thing they have no hot water but hey its hot in the congo so cold showers were welcomed. it was very clean and not far from the embassy and cost much less than a hotel. susan keep up the good work you are doing and the sacrifices you make for the children. my wife and i thank you and will be forever grateful to one world for bringing us our children.
My husband and I began working with OWAS in Aug. 2009 to adopt an infant and toddler through their DRC program. We were told that it was a faster, easier program than most and that we would have our children and be home with them within 3-4 months. We were also told that our ages and family size (we have 8 children) were not a problem.
After we formally applied with them and paid them $3200, two things happened. Our social worker quit in Nov. 2009. At this point the program ground to a halt. The director, Susan Manning, took over our case and was extremely unresponsive. She does not have reliable in country staff nor does she have a working relationship with an orphanage in the DRC. She seems to be rather overworked herself. As of Feb. 2010 we did not referrals, nor did she have any leads or any info on when we might get referrals. At this time we also learned (by contacting DRC adoption attorneys recommended by the US Embassy) that Congolese law states it is illegal for families with more than 2 children at home to adopt. Apparently there are sometimes exceptions made on a case-by-case basis. Given that we have many more than 2 children at home this seemed unlikely. We requested a refund from OWAS based on the fact that they had given us false information about the law in the DRC before we paid any fees. If we had known this law existed we would not have proceeded. Their Board denied our request for a refund and told us that we should try to adopt, and if we were denied, then they might CONSIDER giving us a refund. This puts us in an extremely risky position, even for international adoption, since we will spend a lot more money attempting to adopt.
The agency has other problems and issues and if you wish to contact other disgruntled former and current clients (I have spoken with several) feel free to contact me.
I would not recommend this agency's DRC program to anyone.
For those of you who do not know the history of Adoption Blessings Worldwide, Tedi Bear Adoptions, AMREX, Little Pearls, Genesis Adoptions or Tedi Hedstrom, please read reviews of these agencies before committing to working with One World Adoptions ~
One World of GA appears to be a re-incarnation of Adoption Blessings Worldwide, Tedi Hedstrom's (hopefully last) and second shut down agency due to allegations of fraud. Remember the Dateline special "To Catch a Baby Broker", and the stolen child "Angie"? The agency on that case was Adoption Blessings Worldwide, which gives you a taste of their business practices, who they work with in foreign countries, and their idea of ethics.
One World now works with, contracts with, or employs several key former Adoption Blessings Worldwide personnel. Why these people aren't in prison is beyond me, why they are still PROFITING and allowed to do adoption business is unthinkable. It appears to be yet another "presto-chango" in the ICA world, something this group of individuals has been doing for over ten years, spanning many agencies and states, to stay one step ahead of oversight and the law. Consumer/PAP BEWARE!!!
Former ABW victim, and angry that former ABW staff is still profiting off adoptions with a new name? Complaints can be filed at the COA (Council on Accreditation) easily online! Protect other families!
I posted a true and honest review of our adoption agency on another site in 12/09 and here on 1/29/11 (see "Congo Program" by catheriner). I have read it back several times and there was nothing malicious or untrue in my review. Nonetheless, I have received comments (none directly about my review) which question my affilations, motives for posting, stating I have my personal experience "all wrong", and I have even been threatened by the agency's attorneys if I don't take my posts and reviews down. I believe, based on the nature of the questios being asked, that some of these people were asked to come to the site and make these comments and insinuations, which would be a shame, to say the least, and desperate at best (in my opinion)...This being said, I can only take responsibility for my part in this chatter, so....
I apologize for engaging in these distracting side conversations. If reading any of the comments has deterred you from adopting from DRC, I hope you will reconsider. Our family has been blessed with 2 Congolese children and if I were going to adopt again, it would be from Congo (just with another agency). I love the Congolese people and travel there at least once a year to do charitable work (not adoption-related!) and look forward to every visit.
As far as ethical concerns on the Congolese side of the equation, I firmly believe that Congolese workers for all agencies do the best they can and operate according to their cultural laws and personal convictions. This being said, some Congolese people are more ethical than others and some are also greedier. It is an agency's responsibility to monitor the practices on the ground in Congo and insure that all is as it seems and that the origin of the children, their health and welfare are carefully monitored and scrutinized. All agencies are going to say that you will be supported in-country 24/7; ask questions, get as much information about all the agencies as you can. Obviously you know that selecting an agency is a huge decision or you wouldn't take the time to be here!
When you read the agency reviews, I hope you will stick with the reviews themselves and ignore any personal attacks and side comments. There really is some good information here, both positive and negative.
Again, I apologize for any conversations I engaged in that were offensive to prospective parents. This site is here for you, to educate you so you can make the best decisions for your family and all this side talk and investigation of people who post here is counter-productive at best.
Good luck to you on your journey!
Catherine Rosborough
p.s. I wrote this apology of my own volition; no one asked, nor suggested, nor demanded that I do so. (Just for the record, in case there should be some question :) Also, I understand that this is not a review, per se, and that the moderator of this site might take it down. Hopefully people will read it before they do, though! Ha.
Do you mind telling us if you are just prospective parents who are being sued or are you affiliated in a worker, board member etc. of any other agency?
Catherine
Do you mind filling us in if you have had any past dealings with OWAS as a worker, board member (or any member of your family) and do you manage the yahoo group for the Congo? I am not accusing anyone of anything, I just like to know who is commenting and what their affiliations or bias might be.
My wife and I are the parents of 7 children with no affiliations to anyone. We work hard ( my wife works) and I stay home with the children. So now you know who we are and that we have no bias or aqffiliation
Our case worker Terri was AWESOME! We had good communication and support from beginning to end. It is obvious that she really cared about us. We still hear from her even though our adoption is completed. The process in DRC was easier then that I am hearing it is now. Terri was on top of things and we are very grateful to her.
We did get ahead of ourselves and booked travel before clearing it with Terri and had to incur some cost with tickets.
We are Very thankful to Terri. I had an email from her today about the new orphanage. Keep up the good work Terri and God Bless You!
I have to second what Art stated above. Please do not infer or assume I have made posts on behalf of anyone. Although we have been home with our children (seems as if they have always been here!), we are still plugged into the adoption world and recieve various newsletters and belong to various groups. Just because I have not been as active as I was before and right after our adoptions does not mean we are out of the loop.
Your experience was yours and mine was mine. We were very pleased with the whole process. Now, if you had asked me that question while I waited 6 long months to bring home my son (after meeting him in January), I might have said something different. But my frustration then was with the way the Russian Federation MOE handled adoptions, not with Susan, her staff in the states, or in country. Our delay was out of their control.
Slamming someone personally and publically becuase you don't like an outcome or think they should do more doesn't seem right to me. If you don't like how something is being handled, it is your right (or that of any other adoptive parent) to change agencies.
We have often dreamed of facilitating adoptions once we retire, or even opening an agency. It is so easy for us as parents to place blame and want things done asap. However, I think that it would be pretty difficult to step into an agency's shoes. I know I wanted my children home as soon as we committed. My son was hospitalized several times while in Russia. I was about to come unglued with me being here and him there without me.
You are right....it is about the kids. And we as parents should get involved and help make changes if we see that something needs to be done. If you know Susan's story at all, you know that she became involved in helping others adopt after completing the the adoptions of her two sons. I think this is a calling that all of us as adoptive parents feel to one degree or another. International adoption is not perfect-far from it. Even with the best of intentions and the best staff on the ground in country, we have to remember that conditions at these places are terrible and offer prime opporuntities for corruption. No stateside agency can monitor the conditions in country 24/7. I feel like they all do the best they can. Now if there is an issue with your child-you bet your mommy bear is awakened. This is true of all of us. I think trying to learn from an experience and or take back constructive information to the agency is a great start. Maybe your shared experience (bad as they might have been) might cause some changes to be made so that the next parent's experience will be a better outcome.
Instead of pointing fingers and inferring that posters are commenting for any reason other than posting their experience would be the same as me asking you if you posted something negative because a former disgruntled employee knew of your experience and asked you to exploit it by posting. There is no difference in the assumptions. Saying you had a bad experience with OWAS in the Congo is your opinion. Me saying my experience with Susan and Russia are different, but no less valied or important than yours. Maybe the programs are run differently, or maybe it mostly deepends on the country and what can and cannot be accomplished within a particular country or region.
So, let's keep the focus on the kids and what we can do to help them. In our case, we are always looking for people going to Russia that might be willing to take things to our former baby homes. It is the least we can do until our kids are old enough to make the trip back as a family.
Take care and I wish you the best with your family.
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Reviews
One World-Susan Manning
I was very troubled by one poster's comments about Susan's ethics and professionalism.
First let me make this perfectly clear. I am not affiliated with OWAS, nor do I know Susan in any other capacity than our caseworker for our children 9 years ago.
Our adoptions were from Russian and had their share of ups and downs. The downs were things completely out of Susan's control. The staff she had on the ground in country were incredible, particularlly in Vlad.
Susan kept us informed, returned calls and emails in a timely fashion (and yes, I recall calling multiple times. As adoptive parents, we want answers NOW). The staff may not always have those answers right away. Howerver, they were always attentive, understanding and professional.
We thank God for Susan and her work daily. Through her we have two incredible kids. We have responded to her call when she went on mission trips to places like Haiti after the earthquakes.
I think sometimes people get so focused on what can go wrong and want to blame anyone and everyone. I get it! We met our son when returning through Moscow. He was 6 months old and I couldn't understand why the Moscow courts could not coordinate our hearings. Then we were told our son had to be 9 months old before adoption, then there was the month long April vacations. We could have blamed Susan. Were we upset? You bet! But we never ever blamed Susan or her staff. When you enter an international adoption, you should do so expecting hiccups. It won't be easy. The first rule of internationl adoption is to EXPECT DELAYS and complications. It won't be smooth, but believe me it will be worth it.
As far as Susan, the other poster has got it all wrong. She is one of the most precious people I have ever NOT met in person. I don't talk to her often, but I always send her a note on our kids homecoming/family days and birthday, as well as a Christmas card with the kids pictures. We try to reasure her that her work is good and worth it and that she is a vessel for God's perfect work in an imperfect world. Satan's arrows may be thrown, but I know she is eqquipped with His shield. I also feel confident that she does the best she possibly can with the resources she has. Could all agencies use more staff? I bet so! Could all in country facilities be run better? You betcha. We all do the best we can. As adoptive parents, we worry about the cost and we worry about our children. Agencies worry about how to help as many families and children as posssible on a shoe string budget. Like any other service work, they are in it for the kids, not the money....
Nancy Gabany
Comments from Parents who just returned from the Congo
All
Looks like this site is mixed with "real" parents and then parents that represent other adoption agencies or in some case are the main parts of other adoption agencies. Blogs and sites like this should make sure that everyone who gets on them can tell everyone who they are and where they fit into the process. Some of you say you are doing these comments to help parents when what is happening is there are more children in need in Africa who don't get reached.
My wife and sister-in-law were just in the Congo to adopt and one of the comments in this site gives inference that a caseworker rescued my wife and sister-in-law. That is just not true. As a matter of fact the caseworker in question was actually acted unprofessionally and if you contact us personally we could give you the details. The OWAS agency employee in the Congo (TeeTee) did yeoman's work to help us get our children through the process and get them back to the United States.
Also, what is this class action lawsuit you refer to? The problem with blogs and sites like this is anyone can get on here and post anything and the people that suffer are the couples who are trying desperatley to add a child to their families.
We have 5 adopted children (2 biological) and this is just a case of agencies infighting. There are almost 5 million orphans and children in need in Central Africa. If there were 100 more agencies, we couldn't put a dent in the problems in Africa. The more children we can help to get in loving families the better.
Did everything go smooth with One World, No, but we worked it our and we got our children in about 10 months from start to finish, so I think that is pretty good.
Relax a little Paula and make sure you have all your facts.
Art
One World Adoptions
Gosh, I dont know where to start. We have used One World Adoptions from the start to the last. We were one of the first to adopt from One World back in 2003. I have read the above posts and I have to say that our experience was very different than the ones above. First of all I have to say that the "BEWARE" post is so not true. One World has been in operation since 2003 I know we adopted from them. Not only in 2003 but again in 2005, 2006, 2008 and we just completed our adoption from the DRC (Congo). I must address the "BEWARE" I am not sure where you got your info but we did our first adoption in 2003 and have remained with One World with all our adoptions. So how can you even say that they are part of the TEDI BEAR, AMREX and all the others you have listed? Enough said. Our experiences from all the countries including the DR Congo have been very POSITIVE. One World and the Staff especially Susan Manning the Director has been wonderful. We would not adopt from any other agency PERIOD. We have adopted from different countries and the case workers and Susan have been the greatest. I would recommend ONE WORLD to any one and I have. In fact I am going to let my friends and let them know what negativity is out there so they can tell you about their experiences. ONE WORLD in my BOOK you are the greatest. You were with us every step of the way even with our adoption from the change over to the Hague. Hats off to you and your staff for the great work you do. Just to let you know we are on our second adoption from the DRC Congo and it is going very well. Yes, there are some changes in the country but they are positive changes and they are in place to protect the precious children. ONE WORLD KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!!
A small point of order
I just want to point out - mainly for people considering adoption (not those of us who are through the process), that your point of engagement with an agency - and almost the only thing that matters - is your case worker. A lot of the comments on both sides of this particular agency surround the director, not the case workers. Now if the director was your case worker, as was the case for my second adoption, then they are indeed one and the same.
Directors set the policy and direction of the agencies, but rarely do they interface directly with the families in day to day issues and problem resolution. So while a few of the posters here did deal with OWAS's director - and their comments seem directed at her - most of us likely dealt with a case worker - and let me be clear - ours before the director took over was awesome!
**Please note - I am NOT implying anything....nor have I inferred anythhing from previous posters comments :-) **
.Robbie Allen
what are you talking about
Robbie Allen
What are you talking about in that post? You are all over the place. First you want to discuss some incident, then you talk about "real" orphans, then you insinuate I am not discussing details, then you say I am ghosting an agency. How about we do it this way. Why don't you ask me pointed questions one at a time if you are really that interested.
Of note, when you say you welcome all postings--what site are you talking about because I don't want to be part of any site that has someone performing "oversight" in what is and isn't allowed.
BTW--where do you fit in to the whole adoption process in the Congo? We have five adopted children so like alot of people, this isn't my first rodeo. Can we focus on one thing at a time. If I was a prospective parent sitting out there, frankly I would go to another country because we all appear to be off our rockers (me included). When it become about us, we have failed.
Art
Art
got it
Paula
Sorry that happened to you and yours
Art
My apologies for repeating hearsay
Dear Art,
I should not have said this since I don't have direct knowledge of it. However, I did hear it from a reliable source. Remember, you are not the only family working with OWAS on Congo adoptions.
Paula
Review of my Adoption Experience with One World
Once the case worker left the agency, no one remained with any knowledge of the Congo, its politics, or the adoption process in the country. There was so little contact and support after this case worker left, coupled with some severe ethical concerns on our part about the sourcing of children by the ageny in Congo, that we voluntarily separated from the agency just prior to finalizing - foreiting our entire adoption monies paid. We did try and resolve the issues with the agency prior to leaving and we ran into a completely unresponsive "wall" that went to far as to try and have us sign a "gag order" if part of the fee was to be refunded. I do not recommend this agency based on my personal experiences and opinions formed while working with them and observing them and their work and staff in Congo.
Pricing is competitive, and the homestudy process seemed smooth. Some broad comments below:
Congo, for those who are unfamiliar with it, is barely a country when it comes to things we take for granted - like infrastructure, functioning legal system, etc. There is a secondary economy (something like bribes) that runs the government and private secotr - and adoption is no different. In order to insure smooth (and that is a very relative term in Congo - BE READY for hiccups and glitches both before and in country) adoption process, the agency and its staff must be INTIMATELY familiar PERSONALLY with Congo and the local contacts, as well as where the children come from and their "provenance". Because it is not a cultural norm in Congo to "give up" infants, their needs to be a solid, verifiable way for the agency and adoptive parents to know as certainly as they can that the child is a true orphan. Culturally the community will keep the infants for a long while trying to integrate them with other family members first before abandoning them. I personally have extreme concern - and I have been to Congo many times, have two adopted daughters from Congo (one of whom gave up her own infant for adoption), and I assist with charitable work for orphans who are not adoptable - that the entire Congo adoption program is likely to be shut down if great respect is not paid to local customs and the people running the process are not expert on the rules and regulations. Congo is very special to me for many reasons, and there are many orphaned children who need good homes in the country so we all - Adoption agencies, adoptive parents, and supporters, need to be careful, respectul, and continue to learn and grow with this program and country. You are welcome to contact me if I can be of assistance regarding international adoption (I have 3 children adopted internationally - and 4 more biologic children), Congo or agency review. My Name is Robbie - email is robbieneuro77@yahoo.com Some final words of caution in reading reviews: Anonymous reviews get minimal weight if any - if you can't confirm a resource or review - just like in school - then it is likely not worth the "paper" its printed on. Second, read the good and the bad - and every agency will have both, as well as supporters and detractors - throw out the overly superlative "fluff bombs" and throw out the "trash 'em 'cause I hate 'em" pieces and form your own opinions based on all the info you gather. Remember: Once you sign and pay the fees, you will be emotionally hostage to the agency and the process (good and bad).
OWAS attempts to silence dissatisfied clients
After telling my story of what our experiences were with OWAS on this website, and privately corresponding with several prospective adoptive parents, i received this threatening letter yesterday via email, demanding that I not only cease and desist discussing my relationship with OWAS, but that I retract everything that I previously said. None of my statements were untrue or intended harm to OWAS, and I have clearly stated which are personal knowledge and which were hearsay.
FSB FISHERBROYLES
A Limited Liability Partnership
THE PINNACLE BUILDING JENNIFER E. MOORE, ESQ.
FIFTH FLOOR 404.424.9920 direct
3455 PEACHTREE ROAD NE 404.420.2094 facsimile
ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30326-3236 moore@fsblegal.com
ATLANTA • CHARLOTTE • CHICAGO • DALLAS • NEW YORK
January 27, 2011
VIA E-MAIL AND U.S. MAIL
Ms. Paula Kipke
Dexter, MI 48130
Dear Ms. Kipke:
This firm represents One World Adoption Services, Inc. (“OWAS”). Pursuant to
O.C.G.A. § 51-5-11, we write this letter in regard to your postings on, or to, Internet web sites,
groups, and boards, as well as e-mail correspondence you have sent to certain individuals and
groups of individuals (including OWAS’s current and potential clients) regarding OWAS. Our
client has informed us that said postings and e-mails contain numerous false, misleading,
malicious, and unprivileged statements (“Statements”) in reference to OWAS’s trade, office, or
profession, intended and calculated to injure OWAS’s reputation and to interfere with its current
and prospective business relationships. It is our understanding that these Statements declare or
imply the following, at minimum:
• that OWAS’s Congo program “ground to a halt” at any point in time, and that it was
only a “fledgling” program as of May 2010;
• that OWAS’s director is overworked and unresponsive, and was unresponsive to you
during your adoption process;
• that OWAS and its director “does not have reliable in country staff nor does she have
a working relationship with an orphanage in the DRC”;
• that OWAS is not familiar with the laws and regulations of the Congo, and/or
violates them, and that OWAS gave you false information about Congo law;
• that OWAS told you it would consider giving you a refund only if you were denied
the ability to adopt by the Congo, and that this was an “abnormally high level of risk,
even for an international adoption”;
• that OWAS has had “other problems and issues” and many former employees and
clients are dissatisfied;
• that a social worker from another agency has had to “rescue” several families who
were clients of OWAS in the Congo program; and
• that several families are currently filing a class action suit against OWAS.
FSB FISHERBROYLES
A Limited Liability Partnership
Ms. Paula Kipke
January 27, 2011
Page 2 of 2
Taken individually and as a whole, the Statements convey to the average reader false and
per se libelous messages, including the clear implication that no one should choose to adopt a
child using OWAS, especially through its Congo program. The Statements and conduct also
constitute tortious interference with the business and contractual relations of OWAS, violations
of federal law (including the Lanham Act), and violations of Georgia’s several statutes protecting
against deceptive and unfair business practices.
Because the Statements convey messages that are plainly false, we hereby demand that
you refrain from any future publication of the Statements, and that within seven (7) days you
post retractions on the web sites, groups, and boards where you posted such Statements, and that
you send retractions to all recipients of e-mails containing such Statements. Furthermore, on
behalf of OWAS, we hereby demand that you not republish or rebroadcast the Statements in any
form.
If you do not immediately publish the requested retractions, cease and desist from
tortious interference with OWAS’s business, and cease and desist from making false and
malicious comments and statements about OWAS, its officers and employees, and its programs,
OWAS will pursue legal action against you and seek legal and equitable relief, including an
injunction, compensatory and punitive damages, treble damages, and its expenses of litigation,
including attorney’s fees. This is your 30-day notice, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 10-1-399, that
OWAS demands relief for your unfair and deceptive acts or practices.
Please contact me, or have your attorney contact me, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday,
February 4, to advise me as to your intended actions with respect to this demand. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
FSB FISHER BROYLES, LLP
Jennifer E. Moore
cc: Ms. Susan Manning
David Myers, Esq.
Congo Adoption
When we started with One World we had an amazing case worker. Halfway through our adoption, our caseworker quit. We ended up with the director, Susan Manning, as our caseworker. She was very difficult to work with. In our whole time of having Susan as our caseworker, I talked to her on the phone once. I would call at least twice a week and she never returned my calls, instead she would reply with an email. In the process of our adoption, I found out that Susan was telling us we didn't need to do things that we needed to. For example, she told us we did not need to send our paperwork to the consulate, but when I contacted the consulate, they told me I absolutely did. Had we not we would have arrived in Congo and not been able to bring our daughter home. Some of her mistakes cost us thousands of dollars extra. We also sent money for the care of our daughter and by the time we went to pick her up, it was very obvious she was not fed on a regular basis, so we have no idea where that money was going. Our daughter also became sick and hospitalized with malaria and they did not inform us on that fact. I do not recommend using this Congo program.
Congo Program
My name is Catherine Rosborough. Our family hired One World Adoption Services to complete our three international adoptions, once in 2007 (China) and twice in 2009 (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Our first adoption took one year and went perfectly smoothly. Our second adoption went smoothly until we traveled to Congo with Mrs. Susan Manning, agency Director, and our caseworker in August, 2009 to pick up our first adopted daughter and to meet our second adopted daughter, both in foster care at the same facility.
Due to what we perceived as issues of unprofessional behavior on the part of the agency director, Mrs. Susan Manning, dissatisfaction with the facility where our children were housed while waiting, the care of our children, and ethical issues with the agency employees in Congo, we voluntarily terminated our contract with One World shortly after returning home, during our third adoption with the agency.
I recommend you ask A LOT of detailed questions about the origin of the children, the orphanage, the caregivers and the accountability procedures for monies sent and for the care of waiting children when dealing with this, or any other, agency in Congo.
Comment to Billy Jean--update us when you have the children
Dear Billy Jean,
My understanding is that many families working with OWAS have encountered problems in country or delays in getting the children because OWAS doesn't clearly understand the DRC policies. A social worker from another agency has had to "rescue" several families who were clients of OWAS in the DRC program.
I have also heard, don't know if it's true, that several families are currently filing a class action suit against OWAS.
Please update us when you get your children home, and good luck to you. I hope the process goes smoothly for you.
Paula
One World the best
Hello I am Billy Jean and I want to tell you that my husband and I are adopting from the Congo through One World. Our adoption is now complete and we are waiting to travel to pick up our 2 little toddlers. We are very pleased with the way our adoptions have been handled through this wonderful agency. The Director Susan, our Case Manger Terri and the office staff have been very professional. We have adopted 4 times using two other agencies. This is our first experience with One World and they are amazing. We would use them again and we highly recommend them to others. They have been great at respecting our need to keep our adoptions private. My husband owns a mega company and we have to be very discreet especially in the world we live in today. I want to say you can trust this agency in every area and aspect.
Best Regards,
Billy Jean
ONE World Adoption Agency
May I tell you about my experience with One World. I am what you may call a "high profile case" as in my identily must be protected due to the media and paparazzi that I deal with. I used One World for my adoptions and I must tell you this agency was and is the best. They have integrity, they follow through and they kept me up to date. I would highly recommend them. I also have some "high profile" friends who has used them and they rave about their service. The staff is great. When adopting from a 3rd world country there will be "bumps" in the road, there may be delays but trust them they know what they are doing. It is life with ups and downs and turns in the road. Also remember you are dealing with a country or countries that they have no control over. I want to say this is an agency you can trust from start to finish. I would also like to add that they had no idea of my status until they received my dossier yet I was treated with respect and prompt replies to my calls and emails before they knew who I was. Trust them my friends they are at the top of my list and I have adopted from Africa where most of this controversy seems to stem from. One World Staff you are awesome!
ONe World Adoption agency Congo program
Hi this is Rob. I wanted to weigh in on our adoption experience with one world adoptions. We give them an A+ a full 10 from start to end., This is new to me cause i dont get on blogs but when my wife told me about this i had to get involved. we have adopted 2 children from the congo in recent months a 9 month old and 15 month,. we had no problems with our agency one world adoptions. everything went as planned in fact some of the process was even a little faster than we had planned. we had a delay becuae we adopted 2 kids and our first one came 3 weeks before our second referrl so we wanted to wait to do both at the same time so it held us up going to court because we wanted a second child but hey it was fine. court was very quick only about a week or less. i have to say that susan the director of the agency is the most caring person we have ever met and the children are always put first. she even sent vitamins and made sure the kids were getting the nutrition they need when they were moved into foster care. we had some questions and she got answers for us it may have taken a week but we always got answers. people you have to realize this is the congo not the usa and they are behind time. the electricity even goes off at times giving them no access to an internet. it went off while we were in congo and stayed off for a long while. we are blessed in the usa everyone should take a trip to a third world country see what its like it will change you. we stayed at a place that was very comfortable only thing they have no hot water but hey its hot in the congo so cold showers were welcomed. it was very clean and not far from the embassy and cost much less than a hotel. susan keep up the good work you are doing and the sacrifices you make for the children. my wife and i thank you and will be forever grateful to one world for bringing us our children.
OWAS Democratic Republic of Congo program
My husband and I began working with OWAS in Aug. 2009 to adopt an infant and toddler through their DRC program. We were told that it was a faster, easier program than most and that we would have our children and be home with them within 3-4 months. We were also told that our ages and family size (we have 8 children) were not a problem.
After we formally applied with them and paid them $3200, two things happened. Our social worker quit in Nov. 2009. At this point the program ground to a halt. The director, Susan Manning, took over our case and was extremely unresponsive. She does not have reliable in country staff nor does she have a working relationship with an orphanage in the DRC. She seems to be rather overworked herself. As of Feb. 2010 we did not referrals, nor did she have any leads or any info on when we might get referrals. At this time we also learned (by contacting DRC adoption attorneys recommended by the US Embassy) that Congolese law states it is illegal for families with more than 2 children at home to adopt. Apparently there are sometimes exceptions made on a case-by-case basis. Given that we have many more than 2 children at home this seemed unlikely. We requested a refund from OWAS based on the fact that they had given us false information about the law in the DRC before we paid any fees. If we had known this law existed we would not have proceeded. Their Board denied our request for a refund and told us that we should try to adopt, and if we were denied, then they might CONSIDER giving us a refund. This puts us in an extremely risky position, even for international adoption, since we will spend a lot more money attempting to adopt.
The agency has other problems and issues and if you wish to contact other disgruntled former and current clients (I have spoken with several) feel free to contact me.
I would not recommend this agency's DRC program to anyone.
One World Adoptions = Adoption Blessings Worldwide, BEWARE
For those of you who do not know the history of Adoption Blessings Worldwide, Tedi Bear Adoptions, AMREX, Little Pearls, Genesis Adoptions or Tedi Hedstrom, please read reviews of these agencies before committing to working with One World Adoptions ~
One World of GA appears to be a re-incarnation of Adoption Blessings Worldwide, Tedi Hedstrom's (hopefully last) and second shut down agency due to allegations of fraud. Remember the Dateline special "To Catch a Baby Broker", and the stolen child "Angie"? The agency on that case was Adoption Blessings Worldwide, which gives you a taste of their business practices, who they work with in foreign countries, and their idea of ethics.
One World now works with, contracts with, or employs several key former Adoption Blessings Worldwide personnel. Why these people aren't in prison is beyond me, why they are still PROFITING and allowed to do adoption business is unthinkable. It appears to be yet another "presto-chango" in the ICA world, something this group of individuals has been doing for over ten years, spanning many agencies and states, to stay one step ahead of oversight and the law. Consumer/PAP BEWARE!!!
Former ABW victim, and angry that former ABW staff is still profiting off adoptions with a new name? Complaints can be filed at the COA (Council on Accreditation) easily online! Protect other families!
apology to prospective Congo parents
Dear Prospective Adoptive Parents:
I posted a true and honest review of our adoption agency on another site in 12/09 and here on 1/29/11 (see "Congo Program" by catheriner). I have read it back several times and there was nothing malicious or untrue in my review. Nonetheless, I have received comments (none directly about my review) which question my affilations, motives for posting, stating I have my personal experience "all wrong", and I have even been threatened by the agency's attorneys if I don't take my posts and reviews down. I believe, based on the nature of the questios being asked, that some of these people were asked to come to the site and make these comments and insinuations, which would be a shame, to say the least, and desperate at best (in my opinion)...This being said, I can only take responsibility for my part in this chatter, so....
I apologize for engaging in these distracting side conversations. If reading any of the comments has deterred you from adopting from DRC, I hope you will reconsider. Our family has been blessed with 2 Congolese children and if I were going to adopt again, it would be from Congo (just with another agency). I love the Congolese people and travel there at least once a year to do charitable work (not adoption-related!) and look forward to every visit.
As far as ethical concerns on the Congolese side of the equation, I firmly believe that Congolese workers for all agencies do the best they can and operate according to their cultural laws and personal convictions. This being said, some Congolese people are more ethical than others and some are also greedier. It is an agency's responsibility to monitor the practices on the ground in Congo and insure that all is as it seems and that the origin of the children, their health and welfare are carefully monitored and scrutinized. All agencies are going to say that you will be supported in-country 24/7; ask questions, get as much information about all the agencies as you can. Obviously you know that selecting an agency is a huge decision or you wouldn't take the time to be here!
When you read the agency reviews, I hope you will stick with the reviews themselves and ignore any personal attacks and side comments. There really is some good information here, both positive and negative.
Again, I apologize for any conversations I engaged in that were offensive to prospective parents. This site is here for you, to educate you so you can make the best decisions for your family and all this side talk and investigation of people who post here is counter-productive at best.
Good luck to you on your journey!
Catherine Rosborough
p.s. I wrote this apology of my own volition; no one asked, nor suggested, nor demanded that I do so. (Just for the record, in case there should be some question :) Also, I understand that this is not a review, per se, and that the moderator of this site might take it down. Hopefully people will read it before they do, though! Ha.
Really of interest to me
pkipke
Do you mind telling us if you are just prospective parents who are being sued or are you affiliated in a worker, board member etc. of any other agency?
Catherine
Do you mind filling us in if you have had any past dealings with OWAS as a worker, board member (or any member of your family) and do you manage the yahoo group for the Congo? I am not accusing anyone of anything, I just like to know who is commenting and what their affiliations or bias might be.
My wife and I are the parents of 7 children with no affiliations to anyone. We work hard ( my wife works) and I stay home with the children. So now you know who we are and that we have no bias or aqffiliation
Art
DRC adoption in 2010
Our case worker Terri was AWESOME! We had good communication and support from beginning to end. It is obvious that she really cared about us. We still hear from her even though our adoption is completed. The process in DRC was easier then that I am hearing it is now. Terri was on top of things and we are very grateful to her.
We did get ahead of ourselves and booked travel before clearing it with Terri and had to incur some cost with tickets.
We are Very thankful to Terri. I had an email from her today about the new orphanage. Keep up the good work Terri and God Bless You!
Second to Art
Catherine,
I have to second what Art stated above. Please do not infer or assume I have made posts on behalf of anyone. Although we have been home with our children (seems as if they have always been here!), we are still plugged into the adoption world and recieve various newsletters and belong to various groups. Just because I have not been as active as I was before and right after our adoptions does not mean we are out of the loop.
Your experience was yours and mine was mine. We were very pleased with the whole process. Now, if you had asked me that question while I waited 6 long months to bring home my son (after meeting him in January), I might have said something different. But my frustration then was with the way the Russian Federation MOE handled adoptions, not with Susan, her staff in the states, or in country. Our delay was out of their control.
Slamming someone personally and publically becuase you don't like an outcome or think they should do more doesn't seem right to me. If you don't like how something is being handled, it is your right (or that of any other adoptive parent) to change agencies.
We have often dreamed of facilitating adoptions once we retire, or even opening an agency. It is so easy for us as parents to place blame and want things done asap. However, I think that it would be pretty difficult to step into an agency's shoes. I know I wanted my children home as soon as we committed. My son was hospitalized several times while in Russia. I was about to come unglued with me being here and him there without me.
You are right....it is about the kids. And we as parents should get involved and help make changes if we see that something needs to be done. If you know Susan's story at all, you know that she became involved in helping others adopt after completing the the adoptions of her two sons. I think this is a calling that all of us as adoptive parents feel to one degree or another. International adoption is not perfect-far from it. Even with the best of intentions and the best staff on the ground in country, we have to remember that conditions at these places are terrible and offer prime opporuntities for corruption. No stateside agency can monitor the conditions in country 24/7. I feel like they all do the best they can. Now if there is an issue with your child-you bet your mommy bear is awakened. This is true of all of us. I think trying to learn from an experience and or take back constructive information to the agency is a great start. Maybe your shared experience (bad as they might have been) might cause some changes to be made so that the next parent's experience will be a better outcome.
Instead of pointing fingers and inferring that posters are commenting for any reason other than posting their experience would be the same as me asking you if you posted something negative because a former disgruntled employee knew of your experience and asked you to exploit it by posting. There is no difference in the assumptions. Saying you had a bad experience with OWAS in the Congo is your opinion. Me saying my experience with Susan and Russia are different, but no less valied or important than yours. Maybe the programs are run differently, or maybe it mostly deepends on the country and what can and cannot be accomplished within a particular country or region.
So, let's keep the focus on the kids and what we can do to help them. In our case, we are always looking for people going to Russia that might be willing to take things to our former baby homes. It is the least we can do until our kids are old enough to make the trip back as a family.
Take care and I wish you the best with your family.
Nancy