Comments on: What Is Your Opinion On Featuring Children On Television Available For Adoption?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 22:09:16 +0000

I think this is a great idea. Not to mention they do it with adoptable animals as well…so are children not as important? Oprah did a puppy mill story yesterday and posted a lot of pictures of animals with sad faces. Why not have a tv show about children? Someone might fall in love with their “puppy dog” eyes and want to adopt them.

By: Jess G

Jess G — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 16:02:49 +0000

They even have foster children on the internet! I don’t know, I guess they figure they are giving these children exposure that they wouldn’t otherwise have. I feel it’s a little icky, the kids are told to probably ham it up for the cameras so someone takes notice of them. I hope there are people out there that have considered adoption without having to see it on their news station or computer. I was adopted in the early 80′s when neither was available.

By: oopsydai

oopsydai — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 12:12:15 +0000

I think its a form of mental abuse to be honest. Why exploit those poor kids and build their hopes up? That could really mentally scar them.
Its discusting. I am so glad nothing like that is shown over here in england, the government would have uproar on there hands!
Its vile.

By: Mama2Fou

Mama2Fou — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 08:08:52 +0000

I have a website and the second most popular page is the one that list children who are available for adoption. http://www.adoptive-parenting.com/waitin…
Do I find that deplorable? NO!!! These children need homes and the people who are looking at these pages are those who want to create (or expand) their families through adoption. (Yes, the websites that list infants for various prices is disgusting…however, look at my links. These are children most older – who know that they are alone and want to be in a permanent family). I actually look through the list myself and pray for the children I see. These faces stay with me and remind me there is so much more that could be done for our kids.
I wish that they would create a program for the families as well!! That way Social Workers could view the families whose hearts are open to loving an abused, abandoned or orphaned child.

By: fairy

fairy — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 01:30:21 +0000

the first time i saw that online i was really freaked out. its not the info its the pics like ppl are online shopping for a cute kid. but i guess if you think about it it is good to get the pics out there and someone who is maybe considering international adoption or only want an infant might look just for fun and fall in love with an older child. i do think that showing there pic on the news is a bit to far everyone sees that not just potential parents.

By: Warrior Mom

Warrior Mom — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 22:12:46 +0000

My answer a few weeks ago would have been very different that my answer now. I’m still learning so it might be different again in a few more weeks. I definitely get the point about how it would make the child feel. As far as the baby shopping part, I think they only do that with children who don’t have a lot of options left. And, they are really hoping that someone will care enough to want to give them a loving home.
I still think that the biggest problem with the way agencies handle adoption is that they are not being honest about the problems that lie ahead for the child. PAPs, as a rule, do not have clue about what the adoptee goes through. I know, because I have learned a ton of stuff in the last few weeks that I never dreamed of before. PAPs are being fed a fantasy that all they have to do is open their homes and hearts to these children, and their pain will magically disappear.
If a child has no real options left but adoption, then it’s great when a loving family wants to adopt them. The key is for them to understand from day one, that this little child needs to have lots of help dealing with all the issues that go with being adopted. Pretending that adoption erases the past and everyone starts from there with a clean slate is not only a fantasy, it’s harmful to the child in all kinds of ways.

By: H******

H****** — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:04:43 +0000

Sad. I know someone who attempted suicide as a kid after being featured on one of those shows and was not ‘picked’

By: julie j

julie j — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 09:27:15 +0000

Hi Gersh,
I feel it’s exploiting the most vulnerable children in society. It’s invading their privacy, it can chip away at their self-esteem & dignity. It’s humiliating, and the ads on tv or internet can be around forever to permanently come back later to offend them at any time in their life. The picnics sound even worse since the rejection is much more personal. As children, the full impact might not have hit them yet. It will at some time.
Another problem with these offensive tactics is that they commodify children so they appear to be merchandise like on the shopping network. It is wrong to select children based upon their looks. That is way too high of a price for any child to have to pay! Parents of biological children take what they get, there is no previewing and deciding first. Adults should ask themselves, would YOU like to be available and presented that way for the world to choose or reject you?
We could just as easily make TV spots for screened, prospective parents, and they can show their faces and homes to the world. They could talk about what a family would mean to them, etc. Then let the children privately watch them and then choose for themselves where they would like to live. I really don’t think adults would want their privacy violated in that manner, yet few would think twice about doing that to a child.
I do not believe that is the only way to find homes for children. We can and should do better for children. Seriously, I think that general public messages inviting people to apply to adopt from foster care is fine. Luring them with actual parentless children is not. Thanks for asking.
julie j
reunited adoptee

By: Dave F

Dave F — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 08:44:19 +0000

I just wonder about the long term effects…seems kinda strange. What should be done on TV is every state should have one station up and running 24/7 for missing children and adults instead of the disgusting missing magazines that make money off of attorney ads. * I’m off the path here, just wanted to say that.

By: opedial

opedial — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 06:42:47 +0000

When I first moved to a province that did that I said ewwww….it just felt wrong. When I asked the social worker about it she said that the children who are placed there are children whose parental rights have been terminated and the children have been waiting for a parent for a long time, or they are considered “hard to adopt” due to either age, special needs, size of family etc. etc. She also said many people have phoned in about specific children who have touched their hearts and they start process (long process!!) to adopt them.
So I guess there are two sides, one is child privacy and dignity, and one is ability to find child permanetn home.
I still get icked out, but I guess I understand more. If we had not adopted the three children, they may have ended up on there because not many peopel taking three children…..so I would not hae wanted my children to go without a family.
Hard question though….