This new radio report from US National Public Radio (NPR) challenges some of the misconceptions about fostering, including that people foster for the money or that foster parents “must be saints to take in other people’s children”. Two main speakers, a foster parent for over 15 years to more than 40 children, and a Professor at the University of Richmond School of Law share their insight and experiences about fostering in the US context.

Selon l'UNICEF et l'Institut du bien-être social et de recherche environ 80% des enfants qui se trouvent dans les orphelinats en Haiti ont un parent proche. Ces enfants sont le plus souvent abandonnés par leur famille parce que celles-ci manquent de moyens pour subvenir à leurs besoins, selon l'UNICEF qui attribue ce problème à l'extrême vulnérabilité de ces enfants en Haïti.

The Huffington Post has begun “30 Adoption Portraits in 30 Days,” a series designed to give a voice to people with widely varying adoption experiences, including birth parents, adoptees, adoptive parents, foster parents, waiting, adoptive parents, and other touched by adoption.

Practical information for agencies and advocates working with this Haitian children and families following the January 2010 earthquake, with special guidance on filing federal Temporary Protective Status applications.

Member agencies of the Disasters Emergency Committee are calling for international focus to remain on reuniting children who have lost their families during the earthquake in Haiti rather than adopting them out of the country.

US State child welfare administrators had started planning for a possible influx of Haitian children orphaned by the catastrophic quake, but now are being told there will be no such exodus.

Deputy Executive Director Hilde Johnson calls for all unaccompanied and/or separated children to be registered, traced and reunited with family where possible and appropriate. This includes children who were in alternative care, such as in crèches and “orphanages”, prior to the earthquake.

Call for humanitarian response to uphold recommendations set forth in the Guidelines for Alternative Care in regards to care for children in emergencies, preventing family separation and promoting family based care in their community of origin where possible.

Statement noting potential dangers associated with ICA in emergencies with specific reference to risk of family separation.

Opinion editorial on risks associated with using intercountry adoption as an emergency response to the needs of children in Haiti.