After only 8 months of parenting the Russian boy that she adopted, American Torry Hansen tried to make a Russian adoption return. Artyom Savelyev’s adoptive grandmother put him on a one-way flight back to Russia with a note pinned to his clothing. The adoptive family paid a Russian man $ 200 in a quick cash, asking him to take the boy from the airport to the Russian Education ministry.
Russian adoption return prompted by violent outbursts
The family claimed that they attempted the Russian adoption return because they were worried for their safety. The note that was included when the boy was sent for his Russian adoption return incorporated the line:
“This child is mentally unstable. He is violent and has severe psychopathic issues, I was lied to and misled by the Russian Orphanage workers and director regarding his mental stability and other issues. After giving my best to this child, I am sorry to say that for the safety of my family, friends, and myself, I no longer wish to parent this child.”
The adoptive grandmother has said that the boy would threaten to kill everybody within the home, including drawing pictures of the house on fire. A social worker did visit the home in January, though the boy’s adoptive family reported no issues at that time.
Russian adoption return sparks international uproar
The Russian adoption return has caused anger around the world. The Russian education ministry has suspended the license of The World Association for Children and Parents, the agency that handled Artyom Savelyev’s Russian adoption. Russia is threatening to suspend all adoptions among the U.S. and Russia until a new treaty can be approved. There is no standard legal framework to prosecute the family that attempted teh Russian adoption return. However, the U.S. State Department and Tennessee agencies are looking into possible prosecution for child abandonment.
Watch reports on the Russian adoption return
It is difficult to place Russian adoptions
With over 740,000 orphans in Russia, adoption is very difficult. With so few parents willing to adopt in Russia, Russian adoption agencies typically look to adoptive parents from other countries. Because the process is so expensive, many adoptive parents have to apply to a personal loan business for help. Russian officials are wary of U.S.-Russian adoptions, however, as there have lately been a spate of Russian adoption returns and failures.
Sources
Associated Press
ABC News
