Ruuska Village Update 2/24/10

In response to frequent requests regarding new adoptions I am sorry but I will not be accepting applications for assistance with new adoptions until further notice—my focus is on finishing those already in progress. Due to the loss of buildings key to various steps in the adoption process and the loss of documents and records this is difficult enough. Please feel free to request an “adoption packet” which outlines some of the steps that need to be done in the US and will be helpful to you in the future wherever you adopt from. There are many issues which must be addressed and resolved before I can effectively move forward, and I feel it is best to simply wait it out rather than to enter into a situation that could be of indeterminate length, frustration, and cost to prospective parents. The Haitian government is doing the best that they can to compensate for the losses that have occurred but is not fully functional at this time.

On a more specific note I am presently seeking New York State approval to “conduct adoption related activities”, and regardless of the Haitian issues presently at hand, I will not be accepting any applications from NYS residents until I have received formal OCFS approval, regardless of other agency or legal involvement retained on behalf of the prospective parents. I will, of course, keep you up to date on this issue as well as any progress and/or modifications that may be required for the Haitian end of the adoption process.

Again ALL new applications have been suspended. I apologize for the inconvenience but it has always been my goal to assist families in the most efficient, timely, and cost effective way possible and, at this time, this is simply an unattainable goal. I receive no money for the assistance that I provide with the Haitian end of the adoption process but I cannot in good conscience encourage the initiation of a new petitions until the Haitian government is fully functional in regards to the adoption process, I am familiar with any changes in the process itself, and am certain that it will move forward successfully. In light of the present situation in Haiti, I, again, feel it is best to wait and see what develops.

If you have any specific questions please feel free to email me at reachouttohaiti@yahoo.com and I will answer your questions as best that I can.

On a more positive note, we have been able to start with some of the many repairs that are needed after the earthquake and continued aftershocks. The front wall and gate have received a face lift and we have begun the task of tearing down those buildings that need to be completely re-built—it has been quite the project relocating the food and supply depots to other buildings which can be secured and trying to assess the damages and gather supplies that will be needed. Thanks to all of you, the village, orphanage, and medical clinic will be fine, but it is going to take a lot of work. We will try to keep you all posted on the new developments and get pictures up as the reconstruction progresses.

As always, Barbara is still at work trying to get the rest of the adoptions completed and arrange flights to meet up with waiting parents—even amid various difficulties the Haitian government is working to assist as quickly as possible and 5 more left today! Due to weather problems they are stuck overnight in the Bahamas with Joe Hurston, but they will be heading home soon! We can’t thank Joe enough as well as Doug, Pat, and Troy (our other pilots) who have been working tirelessly to arrange transportation for the children as soon as the paperwork allows. They are the best!