Parents sue over adoption of Russian boy with fetal alcohol syndrome
Wednesday, April 28th, 2010Claim they weren’t adequately informed by adoption agency
From the New York Times:
A couple from Virginia Beach is suing Bethany Christian Services, an adoption agency, seeking compensation for the care of their Russian adoptive son, Roman. Chip and Julie Harshaw claim the agency misled them about Roman’s condition, describing him as “a beautiful, healthy, on-target, blond-haired boy.”
After repeated bouts of hyperactivity and aggression, the boy was diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, brain damage and neuropsychiatric problems, with an IQ of 53. He was placed in an institution, and one of his doctors said he is not expected to ever live independently.
The Harshaws are among a growing number of parents who have made complaints against adoption agencies in recent years, claiming that they were not adequately informed about their children before adopting them. The Harshaws say they told the agency they could care only for a child with minimal health problems and a “good prognosis for normal development,” and would not have adopted their son if they had known the extent of his impairments. Bethany disputes most of their claims.
See also:
Fetal alcohol syndrome suspected in ‘returned’ adoption– Boston Herald
Fetal alcohol disorders common in Eastern European adoptees — Reuters
Adopted boy’s return highlights problems in Russian orphanages — Washington Post
Adoptive parents take on more than a child — National Public Radio
Russian adoptees get a respite on the range — New York Times



