Roland. Why are non-stars adopting kids from other countries, eg: China?

re: why arent stars adopting US kids? Maybe the US takes longer because they want to be sure they are doing the right thing by the kid?I mean, didnt our country make up the backsie-rule? We have parents now trying to give back "bad" kids they dont want to care for? They feel they were mislead on the childs medical history?

As it is with celebs, it almost seems like they wake up one day and go shopping for a new kid.

Madonna's reasoning doesnt make sense to me.

I will tell you why I as a single person over 40 am looking to adopt privately out of America. I don't want the heartache of falling in love with a foster child and having that child fall for me while OCS tries to place the kid back with the drug addict nutcase parent that wasn't capable of raising the child and never will be in the long run. Natural parents and other family members rule in OCS world. They can be total screw ups, but if they go through treatment and prove they can hold a job down, they get the kid back while the foster parents who are clean and can provide the perfect home are screwed over. I see it happen too often. I see the damage it does to the kids. I don't want any part of it. Give me that private attorney to sponsor me, give me that sweet baby without a home who'd otherwise live in abject poverty, let me pay my small fortune for this child, and let me love him or her while my government continues to screw over its own. More power to the stars and regular folks who adopt overseas. Maybe when OCS stops destroying kids in the name of feel good politically correct psychobabble nonsense, others will be willing to adopt in home.

These celebs adopt from abroad for one reason only..PUBLICITY!! Adopting a child from the US will not garner them any at all but let them go to a third world country and play miss goody two shoes and see how much press that they get. After all..these people have nannies and what not and do not really raise these kids anyway. They are too busy gallivanting the globe and being seen.

Cindy..Ga.

This also doesnt make sense to me. Does Madonna also have an adult from Malawai in order to make sure that David understands his culture? How is another kid who is from the same country going to make him more comfortable? They are going to assimilate to their new family, leaving tradition behind. I had many friends growing up that were adopted from asian countries and they had no identity with their "homeland". There are so many kids in the US, in foster systems that need homes. Its heartbreaking. We have one biological child now, but I always promised myself that I would take in a foster child with the hopes of adopting him or her later on.
Typically there arent bad kids, just bad parents.
P.S What about the Jolie-Pitt kids, I think that they at least take language lessons in their native tongue?

I think it has become both sense of "oneness" with the world as well as "keeping up"with each other. My opinion.

besides the backsie-rule, we also have the indian-givers rule, where the children end up being given back to the birth parent(s) and sometimes that doesn't even end well.

US adoptions are usually identified, meaning the birth parents have contact with the adoptive parents. Celebrities shy away from this type of identified adoption and prefer to go the anonymous, international route as a way of protecting themselves.

I don't understand it either. I think they just do it because it makes them feel like they're helping people that are less fortunate. Why they can't adopt at least one of the MANY children in America? I was always taught that charity starts at home. Why are we trying to save everyone else when we barely help the needy in out own country???

I feel that the world need to let people join together in love and peace
rather then trying to find reasons to seperate America.We are already in a crisis so let the people that want to do good things do them and leave them alone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From finances to orphans to housing, we need to get the U.S. in order first,
make the core strong again and then we can help the world. It starts with small acts – individually, so for now, keep it "real".

maybe her career needs a media boost...too bad grandparents don't have more rights...they should have a say in this process...

This has been a question of mine for quite sometime. No one is asking the celebrities this and they're not volunteering an answer. Do they think US children are more problematic, or sre more knowlegeable of who they are? Either way it is very disappointing and heart wreching when we have thousands of wonderful children in the US yearning the opportunity of adoption/a family.

Why does it matter where the child is from? Why are we looking at this as such a political matter? THis is a child that needs a home and a parent sharing the gift of love and health.

The US makes adoption very difficult. It is easier to adopt foreign children, especially for wealthy people.

THANK YOU! I've been dying to see this mentioned in legacy media. I'd like the good 'ol folks here to start looking in-state, in-country FIRST.

I'm filled with joy when acquaintances welcome home new members of their broods; however, I'm equally pained to learn about how far flung an adoption's country of origin happens to be.

Since '93, US peeps have adopted more than 20K kids from international agencies. Since '96 – US adoption stats say that there were an average of 130K kids waiting to be adopted. Waiting for the interested, capable and caring people to come and take them into their homes.

I just don't get it! Maybe they're the wrong color? Damaged goods? Too complicated to be considered?

Why go abroad while so many are here looking for a loving home?

Who really raises these kids? I'm sure these celebs all have nannies that spend more time with these children then the celeb does. After all where are these kids while they are at all these award shows and traveling all over to promote their movies/music? Kids need stability and love, money doesn't buy you love! We have plenty of children in the US that are looking for families.

I understand wanting to help out there, but the better way would be to help the families involved...I think more effort should be given to helping them thrive there and adopt here.

Excellent question! And one I have asked a hundred times. I guess the answer is that there is just no PR in adopting American kids.

yes, its too bad that there are kids in this country that don't get a fair chance to be adopted by a star....maybe one reason, the lawyers in the US, they might think they can make a buck out of the celebrities for what ever reason, by digging up the birth parents...in other countries the birth parents most likey don't have money or the system of law we have.

There are so many children here that are in foster homes, or on the streets that need a stable environment. We need to start looking to our own country for a lot of things and start helping those on our own front.

They don't want to have to worry about birthmother coming back to haunt them! And adoption is extremely expensive! I know several people who want to, but can't afford it! Me included. We dont have $18,000-$20,000 to pay for it!

I think if someone is willing to adopt and raise a child it should not matter where they adopt from. The problem is that people worry to much about what other people are doing. Just live your life and let others live theirs.

Because they are trying to show people that they're trying to be politically correct and how much money and compassion they have for other cultures by flying overseas and that if it gets into the press about what they are doing there will be a big change because of them and what they are doing...(big eye roll)

A child is a child, it does not matter what country they come from. It's a wonderful thing she adopted a child. Children in third world countries live in some of the worst conditions, far worse than kids in the U.S. I'm not saying kids in the U.S should not get adopted, but stop judging Madonna on her reasoning and YOU go out and adopt a child. A child from anywhere.

It could be possible that by adopting kids in the states the birth parents might try and take advantage of the situation amd stars fear that. Also stars might see that adopting children from poor countries gives them more of a life. Where kids in the states might have more opportunity then kids in poor countries

It's the free media attention they get.
Does it make them better parents??? No not at all.
Explotation in its finest. Stange ways??

Well, some of them may have a real passion for other countries, but I bet many use them to just accessorize their lives and portray their foreign tastes and style in children.

I think Madonna is a blessed person to be able to share that amount of love and time.
Please believe me, I grew up in the "System", and to have a person a kind as she is to take them up in her arms makes her beautiful in my eyes.
Thank you for all the people that are doing the right thing and helping the little tiny babies.
Your angels.
Your are the arms of the angles that Sarah Maclaughin sings..
Beth

My doubt is whether: will the girl have a better option that Madonna as a mother?

Why can not these celebrities can, with so much money, resolve to adopt children? They are not doing bad.

And then we have our son, we really know the work they give, but if Madonna has all this energy, be my guest...

She is doing the right thing. Stop criticizing her for adopting kids.

Law in Malawi is certainly not right...and most certainly not comparable with US law...

So long,

Hurkunde

This makes me crazy. My husband and I adopted our children as newborns ( 1 hour old). They are healthy caucasian children! Yes we paid alot in adoption fees but only waited about 6 months! We have great open relationships with the birthmothers and feel so blessed to be parents! We used a national adoption agency that does several hundred adoptions a year in all 50 states! There are alot of children here in the USA that need a good home, especially if these stars are not getting newborns! Check the foster system!

Even the smallest parades have some fallowing.. Although Good is Good and Evil is Evil.. “Regardless”

Many states in the US are making it more difficult to adopt at a time when there are more kids in the foster care system than ever. For example, the Kentucky General Assembly almost passed a law barring any cohabitating (gay or straight) couple from adopting. Why would a law like that even have a chance of passing? A similar law is on the books in Arkansas. Does a marriage license make a couple fit to be parents? This law was a blatant attempt to stop gays from adopting. We all know gay people are the only ones who cannot legally marry. Blatant discrimination that ultimately hurts kids.

As for the stars like Madonna and Angelina Jolie, I think that they see themselves as world citizens as much as they are Americans. Helping any child, anywhere, have a better life is a worthy thing. Can't we just accept it as that?

Teresa, adoption laws are very complex, and each situation is very different. Some people choose domestic adoption and some go foreign. I choose a foreign adoption because as a single parent it is difficult to adopt in the US.

As an adoptive parent I can assure you that NO ONE goes baby shopping. Irregardless of financial means, everyone goes through a home study by a social worker, repeated background checks, fingerprinting by the FBI in cases of foreign adoption, and laws from 2 countries. It doesn't end there, there are legal requirements for post placement reports afterward. My adoption took 2 1/2 years, an enormous amount of time, energy, paperwork, and the process is very invasive of your privacy. There are a lot of stars that adopt here domestically, but that's not reported as frequently in the press for some reason.

My daughter is truly the light of my life. I constantly send things back to the orphanage in the country that she came from. They loved and nurtured and protected her when she had no one, and they do that for a lot of children and I want to make sure that I am able to contribute what I can. When stars make millions and millions they are able to send more than I am, and that is very fortunate for many children.

Madona has enough love in her heart to open it to a child, and that is a beautiful thing. Best wishes to her and her family.

Why aren't celebs adopting US kids? It's not fashionable, I know it sounds harsh but that's the way I see it. They make this a fashionable thing adopt a child from a foreign country you are a savior to your public. Also most want babies and it seems there aren't a lot of infants available for adoption in the US.

It is her business and we all should do more to help any child. I didn't want to go threw the hassle and Madona is setting a fine example,

I agree, Madonna's "reasoning" makes no sense. Then again, she's a celebrity and no one really requires any logical reasoning from them behind a choice like this. I hate that adopting "foreign" children seems to have become a 'fad' in Hollywood –it's the "cool" thing to do. Like Teresa ,I feel like these stars are shopping for children. I'm not against adoption by any means, all of these children deserve good homes. But what about the millions of children in America w/o parents???

Money changes everything..says Madonna.
Like she needs another tax write off!! Leave those kids alone!
Find a man not another child!

What does it matter, its obvious that tthe child will receive a better life as stated by your report. If the child has no parents and there are no relatives who are willing to step forward and assume the responsiblity of providing for the child then it seems to be the best option for the child.

It looks as if someone is trying to extort money from Madonna by raising the issue of adoption when they have no alternative themselves.

Because it's easier , also exotic .

If Madonna is a good parent , more power to her !

God bless the child that has a home.

I agree. The stars do go shopping abroad for a new kid. I feel as though they are showing to the world that they are committing a noble deed, but it's the exact opposite. Why doesn't Madonna donate money, build orphanages, or schools instead of taking these kids away from their families and culture?

I find it interesting how many objections are raised when there is an attempt to improve the life of a black child. I do not hear suggestions such as 'the child is better remaining with its people' when adoptions of Asian or European children are being arranged!

A Malawian child being chosen to go home with Madonna is kind of like winning the lottery. Stop giving Madonna a hard time; she's an excellent single parent doing a good thing. The idea that the child would be better in a foster home and dying at 44 is beyond ludicrous.

She will be providing a better life for a orphaned child and providing a sister her son can relate with. There should not be any controversy over this, but praise for her.

No one has yet to ask why Malawi ? Because the Kabbalah Center which she is involved in has a mission to help there. " Raising Malawi"

I believe Madonna is just answering to her calling. Some may call it serendipitous but i believe its destiny not luck why children in Malawi get a very interesting hero.

Where ever she adopts from it's her business. She is pulling children out of poverty and introducing another life style they would never have known. Her reason is good nuff for me.

If Madonna meets the criteria for adoption or fostering a child (because of restrictions on age difference between child and parent)
the rest is a private matter. Nevertheless, with 4 million orphans worldwide she could go beyond her celebrity status of bringing a positive role model to focus: would nt it be worth considering setting up a trust to assist several agencies in their role of finding responsible, loving, appropriate parents for these children, and expediting the procedure so the suffering is minimised? one less than 4 million is very laudible but Madonna can aim to achieve more for orphans at large

Ok here's the thing. I do not understand why there are people objecting to Madonna adopting a baby. Guess what?? Adoption is a good thing!!!! Orphaned children around the world need parents. And Madonna is actually stepping up and trying to help make a difference in some little ones lives, by taking them into her home and offering love, and parenting, and access to education and happiness. There is absolutely no rational reasoning for anyone to be upset by her adopting a baby from Malawi. She is not a bad parent, there is no evidence that she is anything but a good parent. She wants another sibling for her children, so good for her spending her own time and money to source out a child who REALLY needs help ! Oftentimes the orphans in Africa get forgotten, and left alone for their entire lives because there are not enough people willing and able to adopt from Africa. Good for her for sharing her wealth and trying to make a difference in some little lives one by one. I would like to say shame on you to anyone who is judging her and objecting with what she is doing. And ask yourself this; Have you ever been willing to change your life and adopt a child in need of a parent? If no, than you have zero right to criticize her. She is providing children with the chance at a life that they otherwise would not have.She is providing them with love, support, and opportunity. She is a person that should be praised for her actions and not persecuted! Get some common sense people, and put your negative energy towards something else. Imagine you were a young orphan who lived alone for years and years with no parents and no family and no certainty. Please re-evaluate your negative comments and think about apologizing to Madonna. Thank you,
Robyn

We should be happy that stars are adopting kids period. US kids could be resolved if are country didnt view abortion so negatively. Im pretty sure that if yu take an average kid for Malawi and an average kid from the US and ask yourself this question whoose life needs more help. Madonna did a great thing if you want to complain about it than i suggest that you get to adopting American...

hey im 17 and im from arizona my bf is a foster kid and in my opinion no she should not adopt from out side the usa i say think of the kids here in the us of a not all over the world the kids here have long lasting mental scars from them not having a home to call there own my best friend is also an adopted child i think that the kids here need to be thought of first worry about whats in OUR own back yards then go out and see what others are doing to survive

Because they don't get as much attention and they are all narcissists!

If I had the choice of growing up in an African orphanage or with Madonna and all that goes with it I'd have to pick Madonna.

Good for Madonna! No matter what you think of Madonna, no matter what you think of Malawi or if you think she should be adopting a U.S. child or none at all... a child in need, a child of God, will now have a future... a LIFE ! My prayers are for their safety and my heart is filled with joy for all of them... Madonna and children.

Wow! a handbag, a little dog, what other rare import can these stars think of? Oh, I know...
I think that it is a cop-out to adopt little brown children from other countries in an attempt to show the world what a "humanitarian" you are. All the while the message is that the little brown children here are too broken. The Backsie Rule...Unbelievable.

Maybe, just maybe these people would not qualify as "stable' parents in the US. People like Madonna and Angelina Jolie are trying to get more exposure from the world stage than just doing really strange things in their lives, like wearing a a vial of blood around your neck like a necklace and, oh yeah, animal love mentioned in Madonna's book.

These people are freaks! The only Mothering you witness with either of them is a photo op occassionally. Walking on the beach, taking a shopping spree and of course having more babies don't make you a Mom, just makes you more commercially valuable to the photo hounds. I haven't seen them cooking meals or fixing a bottle of formula or rocking the babies the adopt or have naturally either. Oh right again, they don't really raise the kids, the hired help does it for them!

So can we really question why the US does not just hand these people children through the adoption system? Not me!

I think there will be definate repercussions to the children because of the star status of their adoptive mother. I also see a child with a new lease on life and a college education. Later in life I bet the children do humanitarian work that will benefit their homeland helping hundreds of thousands of unfortunates. Madonna is trying to find meaning in her superficial Hollywood world and gets real satisfaction and grounding by adopting a family. This is her best song yet, google-platinum. God bless you Madonna!

Roland: You are right on target-–besides of all the reforms we need in this country--there are many individuals desiring to adopt children--however, because of the bureautic red tape and all the legal hoops---it is quite simple--go abroad-–it's simple-–it's quick--and it is cost effective--–and you know what--you don't even have to be a celebrity.

Congrats Madonna, Happy parenting, Good luck! What else does one wish a new mother?

What the fess is all about? Seriously people have a warped sense of morality. tsk tsk

There are plenty of children who need a good home in the usa.

The stars may get more publicity when they go overseas and adopt.

I think all countries should put a limit on the number of children a person can have. Say 2 for a woman and 2 for a man, then they should be sterilized.

Not fair to have more children then you can take care of and then expect other people to support your stupid mistakes.

It seems to me like, the people with the lowest IQ and have the least to give a child are the ones having more children.

Roland,
I am French but both my parents were born in Africa and I do not like your question. Just imagine your reaction if this article was written by a white male. Are we in a global world or not ? The superpowers have imposed this globalization to poor countries so let say that it is a way of helping them.