Thesis Intercounrtry Adoption
Thesis Intercounrtry Adoption
not flesh of my flesh not bone of my bone but still miraculously my own. never forget for a single minute you didnt grow under my heart but in it.
(bettina schulz)
kantonale maturittsschule fr erwachsene nadine furrer hafenstrasse 2 8820 wdenswil tutor charlotte chiriac zurich, october 2009
Table of contents
1. Preamble 2. Introduction 3. Historical Background 3.1. Adoption Statistics in Switzerland 4. Procedure of adopting a foreign child in Switzerland 4.1 . Legal Requirements for Couples Interested in Adopting a Child 4.2. Preparations 4.2.1. Information Event 4.2.2. Preparation Course 4.3. Application for Adoption 4.3.1. Selection Process 4.3.2. Adoptee Legal Status when first entering Switzerland 4.4. Approximate Costs for Intercountry Adoption 5. Consequences of Intercountry Adoption 5.1. Psychological Aspects 5.1.1. Search for Identity 5.1.2. Ancestor Consolidation 5.1.3. Adopted Child Syndrome 5.2. Negative Societal Consequence 5.2.1. Child Trafficking 5.2.2. Racism 6. Interview of Adoptees 5.3. Questionnaire 5.4. Analysis 7. Conclusion 8. Work protocol 9. Bibliography 10. Abstract 11. Declaration 12. Appendix 12.1. Adoption Statistics Switzerland 12.2. Interview Attachments 12.3. International Adoption Procedure WITH The Hague Convention 12.4. International Adoption Procedure WITHOUT The Hague Convention 12.5. List of Offices of Intermediates Page 3 4 5 6 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 10 10 10 11 11 12 12 13 14 14 15 17 19 21 23 24 25 25 26 30 32 34
1. Preamble
During my past travels I have come across many different cultures with challenging life circumstances. Often it was the innocent children, who affected me most. They seemed to have no real perspective on their future. It was during my volunteer stay in Estel in the North of Nicaragua, when I first thought of adopting a girl. Concecpion, a Nicaraguan girl, was already eleven at that stage. Every Sunday afternoon the girls used to wait at the fence in front of the centre Sor Maria Romero expecting their parents to come around the corner. As soon as they caught a glimpse of them they were giggling and crying out their parents names. Except Concepcion, whom we lovingly called Conchita, she never had a visitor. Her mother left the family, when Concepcion was still a baby and her father was a drunkard. Nobody really cared for her. Her disappointment grew bigger every time the other parents showed up. After my two months stay I left the centre but promised the girls to return to visit them soon. I didnt make it back to Estel that year. And when I eventually returned last summer Concepcion had had left the centre. I believe adopting her would have been a great chance for her. It might have provided her with new perspectives especially in terms of education. This time it wasnt meant to be, but another opportunity might present itself...
2. Introduction
Adoption pre-dates the supposed birth date of Jesus Christ. It can be considered as an institution which has delivered considerable benefits to our society. In this thesis I am focusing on intercountry adoption with children who were born in developing countries, and thereafter raised by adopters in Switzerland. The numbers of intercountry adoptions rose dramatically following World War II, but have sure decreased following the implementation of The Hague Convention. This is due to the fact, that today orphanages attempt to find suitable homes for abandoned children in their home countries first. It is common for sick or disadvantaged children to be given away for adoption. We will see later in the paper some examples from countries like India. Every child should have the chance to grow up in a family environment, in an atmosphere of love, happiness, and understanding. In many cases intercountry adoption can serve this purpose. For children who cannot be raised by their own families, an appropriate alternative family environment should be sought in preference to institutional care, which should be used only as a last resort and as a temporary measure. Intercountry adoption is one of a range of care options which may be open to children, and for individual children who cannot be placed in a permanent family setting in their countries of origin, it may indeed be the best solution. In each case, the best interests of the individual child must be the guiding principle in making a decision regarding adoption. (Unicef, 10.08.09) The process of adopting a child demands endurance, is extremely complicated and of course decisions taken need to be considered in the childs best interest. Adopters have to pass various selection criteria which can be tough for the prospective parents. The detailed adoption procedure in Switzerland will be treated in this paper. The purpose for such an enduring procedure is to protect children from abuse or trafficking. In order to understand the experiences adoptees1 have made, I have created questionnaires and analysed the given answers as part of this empirical thesis. Besides its scientific studies this work includes a creative part. Several self-taken photographs show children and their countenance.
I refer to the adoptee in an androgynous form, since the adopted come in both sexes.
3. Historical Background
Since ancient times children have been transferred from their genetic parents to adults who wanted them for love, labour, or property. During 1729-1680 BC various adoption laws were introduced in Babylonia, Assyria, and Mesopotania. Some of the causes for the regulation of adoption were childlessness, the need for a heir and off course power. (Bettina Trietsch, p. 1) During Roman times, two forms of adoption were commonly known which were written into Roman law statues. Arrogatio was one of them and meant taking on an adult older than 60 years to ensure family inheritance. (Bettina Trietsch, p. 2) The second adoption statue referred to minor children and was known as adoptio. It was confirmed with a contract signed by the father. Following the required signature, the child became a full and equal member of the family. In these days women were not allowed to adopt. (Bettina Trietsch, p. 2) Over time adoption rose in popularity this influenced improved family relations. The first modern adoption law was enacted with the Massachusetts Adoption of Children Act in the United States during 1851 (www.darkwing.edu). Following World War II child adoption increased in number and poprlarity. Within two years, at least 1700 children were transferred from Europe to the United States. Some of them were war orphans or children born to unmarried mothers. (Bettina Trietsch, S. 5) In Switzerland the first adoption legislation was introduced by 1939. Until 1967 Switzerland had no regulated process for adopting foreign children. In 1965 the organisation Terre des Hommes2 sent an application to the FDJP3 for children from Vietnam to enter Switzerland for medical health care. Prior to the FDJP decision, thirtytwo Vietnamese children arrived at the aiport Cointrin in Geneva. In June 1967 the FDJP aggres to allow foreign orphans to enter Switzerland under certain conditions. (Ilaria Ceschi, p. 122) The cultural shift following World War II, changed adoption emphasis from finding homes for needy children to finding children for childless couples . The old and conservative adoption laws got reformed during 1972, which resulted in a larger number of adoptions. Since then adoption has increased in popularity in Switzerland. The social background for these developments is certainly the diminutive birth rate due to life style changes, trends, etc. On the contrary the numbers of parents seeking children for adoption has been rising steadily. (Ilaria Ceschi, p. 123) Today most countries that in effect give away children for adoption have been devastated by either war or poverty. Indigenous families typically have too many children to support, and give them away in the hopes that they would live a better life somewhere else.
Terre des Hommes is a non-profit organisation, which pursues the improvement of living conditions of underprivileged populations in the south as well as raising awareness of the causes of disparities between North and South 3 Swiss Federal Department of Justice and Police
Today single mothers are accepted by the society and supported by the government. The adoption numbers declined since the implementation of The Hague Convention. A context of declining numbers of intercountry adoptions and increasing media attention to corruption and child trafficking in the intercountry systems can bee seen. Adoption is justified in cases only where it works to the best of the child and provides the child with genuine shelter. Adoption in a foreign country should be an option only when and if there is no viable alternative in the childs country of origin. (SSI, 3.9.09) Intensified controls as well as the effort to place parentless children in their country of origin as first priority are other valid reasons for the diminishing numbers of intercountry adoptions. The statistics gives a good overview on the declining numbers of adoption in Switzerland.4 Year Adopted children in CH 1980 1'583 1990 1'198 1995 1'030 2000 808 2002 702 2004 854 2005 647 2007 582 2008 575
Adoption is often the last possibilities for building a family. In times where Western societies face increased infertility the number of couples applying for adoption rises. An excess demand for adoption is the consequences.
The full statistic from the Bundesamt fr Statistik is attached in the appendix.
Not many countries accept adoption through a single person. The requirement for marriage is therefore unavoidable for a successful adoption application.
Information on the requirements of the different countries of origin can be found under http://www.bj.admin.ch/bj/de/home/themen/gesellschaft/internationale_adoption/herkunftslaender.html.
6
Abbreviation for Schweizerische Fachstelle fr Adoption used in this essay SFA. Linked internet page www.adoption.ch
When the application has been submitted to the authorities the responsible SFA get involved. Next step a representative from the SFA schedules at least two sessions. Those sessions last about four to six hours and take place alternately in the office of the SFA or in the couples home. When the family situation has been reviewed and considered as capable to adopt then the application goes into the pool.
The Bundesamt fr Justiz8 and the Office of Intermediation make the selection of the perspective parents out of the pool. A dossier is prepared and sent to the childs country of origin. The foreign authorities then review the dossier and decide based on their
List with responsible authorities for each canton is attached in the appendix Abbreviation BJ for Bundesamt fr Justiz is used in this thesis
7
evaluation criteria. The decision can be expected after one to two years, but can take up to five years in the worst case. In case of a positive feedback a social report about the child goes back to the Swiss authorities. The Cantonal authorities undertake another Matching-Decision process to see if the perspective parents are eligible and suited. This explains the sometimes very long waiting period. The applicants need to give a signed acceptance for the recommended child. Following a positive Matching-Decision the Swiss Federal Authorities take all the necessary steps to obtain permission for the child to leave the State of origin and to enter and reside permanently in the receiving State. (The Hague Convention, article 18) Most of the States of origin demand a personal pickup by the perspective parents. Psychologically this is a very important step of the adoption because it gives the perspective parents the chance to see where the child is coming from. Adoption brings a radical change to the life of a child. It is therefore very important that the child is accompanied by the new parents during this process of placement.
10
Chart overview attached to appendix. The full convention is available under http://www.hcch.net/index_en.php?act=conventions.pdf&cid=69
Freud called such comforting but fictive fairy tales family romance. Those fictional stories that children told themselves linked Freudian theory directly to adoption. He assumed that all children experienced an adoption scenario at some stage in life because it allowed them to express ambivalence and anger towards their parents. At the same time they encouraged themselves to develop their independent identity and become healthy adults. Those scenarios might work for most children, however, for adoptees they are causing problems. Adoptees, who imagine another pair of parents, are not in falsehood but are facing up to reality. There is that real element of mystery in the illegitimate background of an adoptee. Who were my birth parents? Why did they give me away? Was there something wrong with me? Freuds developmental theory implied that adoptees faced certain emotional challenges inseparable from the adoption process itself. The loss of biological parents leads inevitably towards unanswered and sometimes unanswerable questions. One of the demands of an adoptee is the search of their ancestral roots. The desire to know where an adoptee is from will appear sooner or later in life. Some follow the urge to find out more about their ancestry, while others dont dare to investigate.
11
http://www.iss-ssi.org/2009/assets/files/thematic-factssheet/eng/45.Prep%20paps%20and%20decision%20eng.pdf 12 Adoption History : Sigmund Freud 13 Source of picture http://www.babelio.com/users/AVT_Sigmund-Freud_7309.jpeg (consulted on October 24, 2009)
Bettina Trietsch writes: Beim Aufbau der persnlichen Identitt fllt der Vergangenheitsbewltigung eine massgebliche Rolle zu. (Bettina Trietsch, p. 73)
When adopting a child it is important to ensure that all is done in the best interest of the child with respect to their fundamental rights. Children must be prevented from abduction, sales, or child trafficking. Today child trafficking is a global problem encompassing several issues including today prostitution, pornography and child labour. (Ilaria Ceschi, p. 41) Unicef is dedicated to the protection of children, the promotion of childrens rights and are actively involved in stopping child trafficking. This institution works closely with other key institutions in order to promote strategic consistency as well as complement the various efforts among different players. One of the main actions of UNICEF are the data collection and analysis of studies and documentation produced by governments, academic and research institutions, UN agencies, regional institutions and non-governmental organizations, and the development of a database to classify qualitative and quantitative data. Knowledge transfer is maintained by consistently promoting and actively sharing research results. Data is collected within UNICEF, UN agencies, and relevant government ministries. (www.unicef.org) The Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption is another measure intended to shield international adoption from child trafficking. It was an important development for both adopting families and adopted children, because it promotes ethical and transparent processes, undertaken in the best interests of the child. The Hague Convention of 29 May 1993 on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention) protects children and their families against the risks of illegal, irregular, premature or ill-prepared adoptions abroad. This Convention, which also operates through a system of national Central Authorities, reinforces the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (Art. 21) and seeks to ensure that intercountry adoptions are made in the best interests of the child and with respect for his or her fundamental rights, and to prevent the abduction, the sale of, or traffic in children. (www.hcch.net).
5.2.2. Raciscm
As soon as ones appearance differs from the majority of a sample group of inhabitants, racism can appear. For adoptees coming from a foreign country this is a consequence of their different looks, such as skin colour. In terms of intercountry adoption I have integrated this topic within my thesis. Explanation from Dictionary: Racism is the belief that all members of each race possess characteristics or abilities specific to that race, esp. so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races. prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on such a belief : a program to combat racism. In the book Schwarze aus Deutschland says an Afro-German: Das ist eine blde Situation diese Haut zu haben und sich damit wie ein Weisser zu fhlen. Nur wenn ich in den Spiegel schaue, merke ich, dass ich Schwarz bin oder braun. (Karin Thimm, p. 123) Switzerland as a strongly developed country has implemented an Anti-Racism law in the Swiss legislation in January 2005.14
14
Landesrecht ; Schweizerisches Strafgesetzbuch, Artikel 261. URL: http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/311_0/a261bis.html (consulted on October 24, 2009)
Adoptees
6.1. Questionnaire Geschlecht f m Alter ____ Herkunftsland ____________ The questionnaire below has Was fr eine Ausbildung hast du absolviert? been sent out to several adoptees. Most of them I have met personally deine Heimat an? Welches Land fhlt sich alsto go through the questions again after having received their answers.
Fhlst du dich als Schweizer oder eher als Auslnder/In? I have created Herkunftslandes? Sprichst du die Sprache deinesthe questionnaire myself, considering three main topics such as Adoption in General What do adoptees think about it, The search for identity, and Racism. Zur Adoption Mit wie vielen Jahren wurdest du adoptiert? Erinnerst du dich an das erste Treffen mit deinen Adoptiveltern? War der Zeitpunkt geeignet, falls es einen solchen gibt? Wurdest du aus deinen Familienverhltnissen rausgerissen? Gibt es deiner Ansicht nach einen idealen Zeitpunkt fr die Adoption im Leben eines Kindes? Kennst du deine leiblichen Eltern? Deine Geschwister? Wenn ja, wie war das erste Zusammentreffen und wie ist euer Verhltnis heute? Wie hufig habt ihr Kontakt? Falls nicht, wrdest du deine leiblichen Eltern gerne kennen lernen oder mehr ber ihre Vergangenheit wissen? Kennst du die Grnde, weshalb du zur Adoption frei gegeben wurdest? Hast du dein Herkunftsland schon einmal besucht? Siehst du deine Adoption als glckliches oder eher schweres Schicksal? Gibt dir deine Adoptivfamilie sprbaren Rckhalt? Zum Leben in der Schweiz Hast du Geschwister? Was sind deine Kindheitserinnerungen in Bezug auf den sozialen Kontakt? Wurdest du in der Schule ausgestossen oder gehnselt wegen deinem anderen Aussehen? Hattest du die Mglichkeit dich auszusprechen bei deinen Eltern, Freunden oder einer Frsorge? Wie ist die Beziehung zu deinen Adoptiveltern? Welche Berufe ben deine Eltern aus? Zum Fragebogen Wurden wichtige Aspekte ausgelassen? Wrst du offen fr ein persnliches Gesprch mit mir?
6.2. Analysis
Empirical studies performed by any given individual surely need to be considered with some limitations. Additionally the evaluation is based on the answers from a sample group of four adoptees. Although I have sent out the questionnaire to twenty people, only four of them have returned the questionnaire. Considering the delicacy of this topic a low percentage of feedbacks should be expected. Four adoptees were open and frank and answered the questions in detail and with precise explanations. For a better illustration this analysis shows the average feeling the interviewed adoptees expressed. The full answers, which were returned by the adoptees are attached on the appendix on page 26.
Negative
Positive
parents. At a later stage in life adoptees are going to seek for their biological parents. Opinions therefore differ in regard to data capturing of their past. Some of the adoptees want to know more about their biological parents and step onto a road of often endless seeking. Others clearly do not want to dig in their past and have accepted their situation the way it is. It can be said that adoptees transferred nationally within Switzerland or Germany more likely had the chance to meet their biological parents. Unfortunately it was described as disappointing in many cases. Are adoptees question their past?
No
Yes
6.2.3. Racism
Racism didnt seem like a major issue in the life of an adoptee. Most of the adoptees dont see it as a problem. One of these questioned said she had some problems in school. The child esteemed because of her small body size and her religion. She is Hebrew. In general adoptees consider themselves Swiss. They like Swiss food and of course they speak fluently Swiss German. Most of them took on the view of religion from their adoptive parents.
No
Yes
7. Conclusion
When I started to investigate the topic adoption, I was sure that adopting a child can be seen as a positive step in the direction of world balance. Too many sad pictures, lost children and deprived living conditions were engraved on my memory. I looked at adoption as a chance, which enables innocent creatures, a better life in aspects of educational aspects. Sinking deeper into the topic adoption it made me aware of the impacts adoption has on a child. Adoption can be explained from various perspectives. On the one hand it is a very generous act and highly respectable act to help discriminated children, but on the other hand there is a significant portion related to egoism. The situation is exasperated while worldwide demand for newly born babies is significant. Unfortunately there are not enough people who want to adopt children older than four years. There is lobbying to get more babies for adoption as well as illegal trading with children. The Hague Convention, which has been implemented in 1993, had great influence in terms of organizing and controlling adoption. I have a very sceptical view towards the requirements an applying couple needs to achieve. One of my conclusions in terms of the sprawling adoption procedure leads direction a legal reform. In these days I find it very out of date to demand a marriage of five years. Many couples live in a concubine state because they didnt want to get married or because they do not believe in any religion. I therefore strongly suggest a reform of the statues in terms of adoption with the aim to account for concubine years. The process of adopting a child is very long and enduring, and I am sure that many children on this world have to suffer just because the authorities extend the final acceptance. Sometimes an adoption procedure goes on for five years. Those five years often cause irreparable damage on a childs psyche. Following completion of this thesis I remain a supporter of adoption but wish to emphasize that it is essential for adoptive parents to transparently discuss adoption of their children. They should start out including the topic adoption, from the very beginning. I think only then will there be natural acceptance within the family. When applicants turn themselves to intercountry adoptions, it is essential that part of their preparation focuses on the specific characteristics of the country of origin of their prospective child. (www.iss-ssi.org) For me factors like being familiar with the life and customs of the country of origin are trivial. Obviously prospective parents should be informed of that. The Office of intermediation or the SFA should help adopters getting familiar with certain customs and circumstances of the foreign country. It is inevitable that the country of origin of their perspective child will play an important role in their future family life. It also helps to understand how abandonment may be perceived there. I am a strong supporter of transparency. The child should feel free to ask any question without hesitation or strange feelings. I would like to mention another quote, which is from an unknown adoptee: Adoptiert zu sein und nichts von der eigenen Herkunft zu wissen, ist, als ob man blind durch den Nebel fliegt. (Christine Swientek, p. 11) With regards to psychological aspects I have learned that the identity problem affects adoptees in a deep sense. During personal meetings it appeared that most of them would like to know more about their ancestors or country. The conclusion of this topic shows that open communication between adopters and adopted children is very important. SFA as well as Offices of Intermediation such as Terre des Hommes offer support to adoptees in finding out more about their past. In Sweden the government even organizes journeys for adopters and adoptees to their countries of origin.
In my opinion intercountry adoption can be seen as some kind of support mechanism against poverty but informal decisions have to be taken to avoid problems like child trafficking. Adoption should not be made easily accessible in order to prevent children from trafficking or abuse. Everything should be undertaken in the childs best interest.
8. Work Protocol
At the beginning following my decision on the topic I wasnt quite sure how to approach it. From friends I knew that the procedure of adoption can become complicated. Still I was not sure why it wasnt possible for them to adopt a child. In my opinion they would have made loving and caring parents. In order to strengthen my knowledge about adoption I read several books on the subject. Additionally I spoke with many different people concerning adoption. Some were personally involved and others just curious and interested like myself. There was a multitude of ideas present but soon it was clear that I should focus on certain aspects of adoption. Due to my fondness for foreign countries it became obvious to focus on the topic of international adoption. The workshops offered at the KME were very productive and got me started. I attended the workshop Empirische Methoden from Anita Diener, Zitieren, Bibliographieren from Thomas Binder, as well as the workshop Interview from Barbara Lukesch. Following those workshops my first approach was drafting the questionnaire. Several times I revised the questions. I sent those questionnaires out to people with different age profiles and background. Later came a period where I returned to the library to secure the appropriate literature. I also spoke to several people at the SFA and got helpful literature and important information from the staff. As I decided to do my thesis in English I was focused on finding English literature. Unfortunately the books available didnt always meet my expectations. I therefore spent time reading at least fifty percentage of literature in German. My idea was to include legal aspects from selected countries. I always had the feeling that Swiss Adoption law was archaic. Personally I consider my hypothesis confirmed with the development of this thesis. During my summer holidays in Nicaragua during July 2009 I made a great effort to get as much information as possible on the legal aspects of adoption in Nicaragua. My friend Ivania Moreno de los Angeles was a huge supporter and helped me to find the right people and translate my questions into proper Spanish. Nicaragua is a poor developing country which has not signed the Hague Convention. The outcome was that an intercountry adoption is handled similarly to the regulations in the Hague Convention. Right from the start on I wanted to do a unique thesis. In my eyes aesthetic things brighten up life. The decision to include a creative aspect with focus on visual layouts was a must for me. From early I went to the Werkstatt fr Buch und Gestaltung in Zurich to look at different kind of binding possibilities. As I have a special affinity for photographs it became clear that I wanted to involve self-taken photos. All photos in this thesis have been taken during my stay in Nicaragua. The children enjoy posing for pictures there. During the first long session with Charlotte Chiriac we came to the point that it is difficult to involve and write a thesis on legal aspects. I therefore reduced the legal aspects to the adoption procedure. The session helped me to get focused again. I decided to concentrate my efforts on the experience of adoptees, the consequences of adoption and the entire adoption procedure. My first interview with a girl adopted from India was a definite success. She was very open and we had a great discussion about adoption. Later on she told me that she was very happy meeting with me and that the interview gave her the opportunity to talk freely about her thoughts.
In general the adoptees found it easier to talk with a stranger about their past and feelings rather than discuss with their families. All questionnaire participants do not really dare to speak with their parents frankly due to the fear of hurting them. Reflecting on those interviews I would include more personal questions and try to go even deeper into certain topics. It was definitely a great experience to meet the questioned adoptees personally. A discussion adds value to given answers and helps to understand different views better. Due to the limited feedback I realized that for many adoptees adoption is a delicate topic. Something they do not like to speak about. Looking back on the effects this thesis involving questioning of the adoptees was the hardest part. It was very time consuming and difficult to make an empirical analysis based on small sample. Thereafter it was a challenge to bring all the information onto paper. I had a session with Shay Griffin, an Irishman, who helped and advised with the grammatical setup. As a last activity I attended an information event from SFA in Aarau on October 21, 2009. The information and leaflets handed out by the two instructors were very informative. At that stage my thesis was already well under way and the outcome of the event justified my position on adoption. The final weekend before presenting the thesis was dedicated on the final changes and adjustments, a few last questions to Charlotte Chiriac and another review by Shay Griffin. I would like to take the opportunity to say a big thankyou to all the people who helped me with the development of this thesis. I would like to especially mention Charlotte Chiriac, Sara Klti, Shay Griffin, Ivania Moreno de los Angeles, my partner Adrian Gnter, my mum Monika Furrer, the staff from SFA, as well as all the adoptees, who were open towards this delicate topic.
9. Bibliography
Books
Ceschi, Illaria: Adoption auslndischer Kinder in der Schweiz: Aufnahme, Vermittlung und Pflegeverhltnis. 1. Auflage. Zurich: Schulthess Polygraphischer Verlag AG 1996. Ebertz, Beate: Adoption als Identittsproblem. Freibug im Breisgau: Lambertus-Verlag 1987. Lifton, Betty Jean: Lost & Found: The Adoption Experience. Reprint. New York: Dial Press 1979. Napp-Peters, Anneke: Adoption Das alleinstehende Kind und seine Familien. Darmstadt: Hermann Luchterhand Verlag 1978. Sachs, Jeffrey D.: The end of poverty. New York: Penguin Books 2005. Schulz, Bettina: Tocheter Indira. Mnchen: Der Marion von Schrder Verlag 2003. Swientek, Christine: Adoptiert auf der Suche...: ...nach ihren Eltern und ihrer Identitt. Freiburg im Breisgau: Verlag Herder 1993. Thimm Karin: Schwarze in Deutschland. Mnchen: Piper Verlag 1973. Trietsch, Bettina: Deutschland ohne Rckfahrkarte. Zur Adoption von Kindern aus der Dritten Welt. Nachdruck. Main: P A Presse Kleinverlag 1988. Zuegg, Robert: Die Vermittlung auslndischer Adoptivkinder als Problem des prventiven Kinderschutzes. Zrich: Verlag Pro Juventute 1986.
Internet
Adoption Club House: URL: http://www.adoptionclubhouse.org/03_homework/02_history/04_worldwar.htm (consulted on September, 26, 2009) Adoption History: URL: http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~adoption/topics/adoptionhistbrief.htm (consulted on July 21, 2009) Bundesamt fr Justiz: URL: http://www.bj.admin.ch/bj/de/home/themen/gesellschaft/internationale_adoption.html (consulted on September 3, 2009) Duressa, Ayalew: Guddifaccha: Adoption practice in Oromo society with particular reference to the Borana Oromo. Thesis to the School of Graduate Studies Addis Ababa University. URL: http://etd.aau.edu.et/dspace/bitstream/123456789/1099/1/AYALEW%20DURESSA.pdf (consulted on July 2, 2009) Hague Convention of 29 May 1993 on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry Adoption Section. URL: http://www.hcch.net/index_en.php?act=text.display&tid=45 (consulted on August 10, 2009) Lacher, Gerold: Psychologische Aspekte der Eignungsabklrung von Adoptionsbewerbern. Diplomarbeit der Hochschule fr Angewandte Psychologie. URL: http://www.prokind.ch/download/Diplomarbeit.pdf (consulted on Mai 15, 2009).
SSI Service International Adoption. URL: http://www.ssiss.ch/index_e.htm. (consulted on September 3, 2009) UNICEF: Child protection information sheets. URL: http://www.unicef.org/protection/files/Child_Protection_Information_Sheets_(Booklet).pd f (consulted on August 10, 2009) UNICEF: UNICEF's position on Inter-country adoption. URL: http://www.unicef.org/media/media_41918.html (consulted on August 10, 2009)
Magazine
Kohlrusch, Eva. 2009 Es geht um Sehnsucht und um eine durchaus egoistische Freude. Schweizer Illustrierte 39, p. 27 (
10. Abstract
Objectives and scopes This thesis treats intercountry adoption having the objectiive to give the reader a substantial overview on the adoption procedure and consequences of adoption. As an introduction adoption in historical retrospect is presented. The main section of this thesis consists of three parts. How does the adoption process work in Switzerland What are the consequences of intercountry adoption Evaluation and analysis of specific responses to questions from adoptees Description of methods In order to get an accurate overview I have personally attended the first course of the adoption process. The entire process is explained with facts and figures in this paper. Later on the thesis treats tendencies and needs of adopted children. Freuds family romance theory, as well as the so-called adoption syndrome based on Betty Liftons statements play an important role in a life of an adoptee. They can therefore be referenced in this work. For getting an improved picture of the various stages adoptees go through, several questionnaires have been sent out and thereafter evaluated. The empirical studies based on the answers are restricted with my personal experience due to the relatively small sample size. Statement of main conclusions The procedure for adoption is long and enduring. In my eyes the legal requirements for perspective adopters should be reformed and actualized. Especially should years of concubine be considered equal to years of marriage. Furthermore the conclusion revealed that the identity problem has acute effect on adoptees. Children need supporting and understanding parents. It is important that the adoptive parents try to include certain aspects of the country of origin in their upbringing. It makes it easier for adoptees to develop a natural acceptance regarding their past.
11. Declaration
Ich achte das geistige Eigentum anderer Autoren und gebe ihre Leistung nicht als meine eigene aus. Ich kennzeichne deshalb klar, wo ich wrtlich zitiere, und weise auch darauf hin, wenn ich Erkenntnisse anderer umschreibe oder zusammenfasse. Damit ermgliche ich dem Leser, die Herkunft und Qualitt der von mir benutzten Information richtig einzuschtzen. Ich achte darauf, dass die Informationen, die ich von anderen bezogen habe, klar von meinen eigenen berlegungen und Folgerungen unterschieden werden knnen. Erst dadurch wird auch meine eigene Leistung richtig einschtzbar. Ich achte darauf, dass meine bibliographischen Angaben so genau sind, dass sie dem Leser das Auffinden der Quellen ermglichen. Auch die aus dem Internet bezogene wissenschaftliche Information belege ich klar nach Herkunft von Texten und Bildern mit entsprechenden InternetAdressen. Ich respektiere die Autorenrechte meiner Informationsquellen und halte mich an die geltenden gesetzlichen Regelungen. Erklrung Ich versichere, dass ich meine Maturittsarbeit unter Bercksichtigung der oben stehenden Regeln selbstndig verfasst habe.
Ort / Datum:
Unterschrift:
12. Appendix
12.1. Number of adoptions in Switzerland
Adoptionen
1980
1990
1995
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
Adoptierte Kinder 0-4 Jahre 5-9 Jahre 10-14 Jahre 15-19 Jahre 20 Jahre und mehr Adoptivperson(en ) Ehepaar Stiefvater Stiefmutter Einzelperson Staatsangehrigk eit vor der Adoption Europa davon Schweiz Afrika Amerika davon: Brasilien Kolumbien Chile Peru Haiti Bolivien Asien davon: Indien Sri Lanka Thailand
684 793 49 57
616 543 22 17
527 464 20 19
488 289 16 15
482 177 13 13
506 163 17 16
670 122 2 21
588 215 20 31
371 244 5 27
371 259 3 23
314 248 4 16
304 255 6 10
Source: Bundesamt fr Statistik (BFS), Website Statistik Schweiz, http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/de/index/themen/01/06/blank/key/03.html (consulted on August 1, 2009)
Questionnaire I
Zur Person Geschlecht weiblich Geburtsdatum 10.11.1984 Dein Herkunftsland Srilanka Was fr eine Ausbildung hast du absolviert? Sozialagogin/ KV Welches Land fhlt sich als deine Heimat an? Schweiz Fhlst du dich als Schweizer/In oder eher als Auslnder/In? Als Schweizerin Sprichst du die Sprache deines Herkunftslandes? Nein Zur Adoption Mit wie vielen Jahren wurdest du adoptiert? 1Mt alt Empfindest du die Adoption, als Entwurzelung aus deinen ursprnglichen Familien- und Kulturverhltnissen? Ich fhle mich als Schweizerin, jedoch ist es seltsam wenn ich Leute aus meinem Herkunftsland treffe, weil ich dann merke, dass ich eigentlich eine andere Kultur htte. Es macht mich manchmal nachdenklich, jedoch bereue ich es nicht adoptiert zu sein. Gibt es deiner Ansicht nach einen idealen Zeitpunkt fr eine Adoption im Leben eines Kindes? Ich denke es ist besser ein Kind so jung wie mglich zu adoptieren, da das Risiko weniger besteht, dass das Kind Krankheiten oder psychische Probleme bekommt durch Ernhrung, zuwenig Krperkontakt, Hygiene ect. Denn die ersten Wochen und Monate, prgen den Menschen und haben Auswirkungen auf das ganze Leben. Auch muss sich ein Sugling oder Kleinkind, nicht in eine andere Kultur integrieren, da es nur die eine kennenlernt. Kennst du deine leiblichen Eltern oder deine leiblichen Geschwister? Nein Wenn nein, wrdest du deine leiblichen Eltern gerne kennen lernen oder mehr ber ihre Vergangenheit erfahren? Ich wrde Sie vielleicht gerne einmal sehen, nur um zu wissen ob ich hnlichkeiten habe. Jedoch habe ich ziemlich genaue Angaben meiner leiblichen Mutter, dennoch habe ich es bis jetzt noch nie versucht Sie ausfindig zu machen. Vielleicht aus Angst enttuscht zu werden. Kennst du die Grnde, weshalb du zur Adoption freigegeben wurdest? Nein Hast du dein Herkunftsland schon einmal besucht? Nein Siehst du deine Adoption als glckliches, rettendes oder eher schweres Schicksal? Beides: Ich bin froh in dem Wohlstand und dem Frieden der Schweiz zu sein. Ich sehe es als Ironie des Schicksals. Denn ich bin mir sicher, es gibt tausende von Kindern in Drittweltlndern die ein schlechtes leben fhren und sich wnschten adoptiert zu sein und in ein bessere Land gehen zu knnen. Der Nachteil, so empfinde ich, ist dass es schwieriger ist fr uns adoptierte unsere Identitt zu finden, da wir einfach nichts ber uns wissen. Erinnerst du dich wie und wann sie dir das Adoptivverhltnis erklrt haben? Nein keine Ahnung mehr, doch ich denke ich habe das wegen der unterschiedlichen Hautfarbe frh schon gemerkt und dann haben sie mir alles einmal erklrt. Zum Leben in der Schweiz Hast du Geschwister? Ja eine Schwester, auch adoptiert Was sind deine Kindheitserinnerungen in Bezug auf den sozialen Kontakt mit anderen Kindern und Erwachsenen? Viele Erwachsene fanden mich und meine Schwester sss als Kinder. Kinder fanden es interessant, dass ich adoptiert war. Ich kann mich nicht erinnern, dass ich wegen meines anderen Aussehens Probleme hatte. Wurdest du in der Schule ausgestossen oder gehnselt wegen deinem anderen Aussehen? Nein berhaupt nicht. In der Oberstufe, kamen manchmal blde Bemerkungen von Albandern und Jugoslawen, bezglich meiner Hautfarbe. Doch ansonsten erlebte ich mein anderes Aussehne allgemein als positiv. Wie ist die Beziehung zu deinen Adoptiveltern? Ich habe eine gute Beziehung zu meinen Eltern. Sie sind auch fr mich meine richtigen Eltern. Dennoch fehlt mir manchmal die Wiedererkennung in gewissen Dingen. Welchen Beruf ben deine Eltern aus? Mutter Handarbeitslehrerin, Vater Immobilienleiter
UBS
Questionnaire II
Zur Person Geschlecht f Geburtsdatum 25 Jahre alt Dein Herkunftsland Israel Was fr eine Ausbildung hast du absolviert? KV Angestellte Welches Land fhlt sich als deine Heimat an? Israel Fhlst du dich als Schweizer/In oder eher als Auslnder/In? Hier in der Schweiz bin ich ein anstndiger Schweizer Brger, gefhlsmssig, bin ich vollblut Israeli Sprichst du die Sprache deines Herkunftslandes? Leider spreche ich die Sprache noch nicht. Jedoch wenn ich in Israel bin kann ich mit nach 2 Tagen fliessend mit den Menschen unterhalten. Ich habe eine natrliche Begabung und Verstndnis fr die Sprache Hebrisch. Wie man so schn sagt: das wurde mir in die Wiege gelegt. Zur Adoption Mit wie vielen Jahren wurdest du adoptiert? Als Baby mit 8 Monaten Erinnerst du dich an das erste Treffen mit deinen Adoptiveltern? Nein, ich war zu klein War der Zeitpunkt geeignet, falls es einen solchen gibt? Es gibt einen geeigneten Zeitpunkt: NIE! Es wre besser es wrde nie soweit kommen! Empfindest du die Adoption, als Entwurzelung aus deinen ursprnglichen Familien- und Kulturverhltnissen? Ich wurde aus meiner Kultur gerissen, Familie hatte ich in Israel wohl nie. Gibt es deiner Ansicht nach einen idealen Zeitpunkt fr eine Adoption im Leben eines Kindes? Es gibt einen geeigneten Zeitpunkt: NIE! Es wre besser es wrde nie soweit kommen! Wrdest du deine leiblichen Eltern gerne kennen lernen oder mehr ber ihre Vergangenheit erfahren? Nein will ich nicht! Ist mir egal, da ich weiss, dass es fr mich genau eine einzige Entschuldigung gibt, warum man mich auf diese Weise htte loswerden mssen: falls meine Erzeugerin vergewaltigt wurde, diese Wahrscheinlichkeit ist so gering, dass es sich nicht einmal lohnt darber nachzudenken. Also nein, wir haben uns nichts zu sagen. Die Erzeuger drfen mir gerne 1.5 Millionen Schweizer Franken bezahlen die ich dann mit einen grossen Dankeschn meinem Adoptivmami berreichen wrde! Kennst du die Grnde, weshalb du zur Adoption freigegeben wurdest? Hast du dein Herkunftsland schon einmal besucht? Mehrmals, ich gehe wenn es finanziell mglich ist jedes Jahr nach Israel seit ich 15 Jahre alt bin, also seit 10 Jahren Gehen sie offen und transparent mit dem Thema Adoption um? Schwierige Frage kann ich so nicht beantworten Erinnerst du dich wie und wann sie dir das Adoptivverhltnis erklrt haben? Ja von Mami Zum Leben in der Schweiz Hast du Geschwister? Ich habe 2 Schwestern, eine von Chile Adoptiert und eine von Deutschland adoptiert Was sind deine Kindheitserinnerungen in Bezug auf den sozialen Kontakt mit anderen Kindern und Erwachsenen? Ich hatte immer super soziale Kontakte, war schon immer sehr aufgeschlossen und kontaktfreudig. Wurdest du in der Schule ausgestossen oder gehnselt wegen deinem anderen Aussehen? Aber natrlich: ICH WAR JA NICHT NUR ISRAELI, DAMIT VERBUNDEN JDISCH, ZUDEM HABE ICH NOCH BRAUNE HAUT UND BIN NUR 1.50 CM GROSS: Ich kenne kaum jemanden, der mehr Klischees erfllte als ich in der Kindheit Hattest du die Mglichkeit dich bei deinen Eltern, Freunden oder einer Frsorgestelle auszusprechen oder Rat zu holen? Bei Mami und Freunden Wie ist die Beziehung zu deinen Adoptiveltern? Zu Mami sehr gut, zu meinem Adoptivater, habe ich ein gestrtes Verhltnis oder besser gesagt gar keines. Zum Fragebogen Wurden wichtige Aspekte ausgelassen? Weitere Inputs? Ja: die Frage was fr Probleme hast du weil du adoptiert bist? sprich die Identifikations-Probleme die man als
Adoptionskind unvermeidlich hat! Und bist du wtend auf deine Adoptiveltern oder gar Erzeuger? Ja ich bin stinksauer auf meine Erzeuger, die wollen mich nicht kennen lernen, dann wrden die eine bse berraschung erleben!
Questionaire III
Zur Person Geschlecht m Alter 27 Herkunftsland Nigeria Was fr eine Ausbildung hast du absolviert? Vorarbeiter auf dem Bau Welches Land fhlt sich als deine Heimat an? Schweiz Fhlst du dich als Schweizer oder eher als Auslnder/In? Schweizer Sprichst du die Sprache deines Herkunftslandes? Nein Zur Adoption Mit wie vielen Jahren wurdest du adoptiert? 7 Monaten Erinnerst du dich an das erste Treffen mit deinen Adoptiveltern? Nein War der Zeitpunkt geeignet, falls es einen solchen gibt? Ja Wurdest du aus deinen Familienverhltnissen rausgerissen? Weiss ich nicht mehr Gibt es deiner Ansicht nach einen idealen Zeitpunkt fr die Adoption im Leben eines Kindes? So klein als mglich, denn so ist die Verbindung zu den leiblichen Eltern noch nicht so gross Kennst du deine leiblichen Eltern? Nein. Deine Geschwister? Nein Falls nicht, wrdest du deine leiblichen Eltern gerne kennen lernen oder mehr ber ihre Vergangenheit wissen? Nein, denn meine Adoptiveltern haben diese Position sehr gut eingenommen. Kennst du die Grnde, weshalb du zur Adoption frei gegeben wurdest? Nein Hast du dein Herkunftsland schon einmal besucht? Ja Siehst du deine Adoption als glckliches oder eher schweres Schicksal? Ich hatte Glck Gibt dir deine Adoptivfamilie sprbaren Rckhalt? Ja Zum Leben in der Schweiz Hast du Geschwister? Ja, eine Schwester Wurdest du in der Schule ausgestossen oder gehnselt wegen deinem anderen Aussehen? Nein Hattest du die Mglichkeit dich auszusprechen bei deinen Eltern, Freunden oder einer Frsorge? Bei meinen Eltern Wie ist die Beziehung zu deinen Adoptiveltern? Super
Questionaire IV
Zur Person Geschlecht f Geburtsdatum 27.04.1983 Herkunftsland Indien Was fr eine Ausbildung hast du absolviert? Kauffrau Welches Land fhlt sich als deine Heimat an? Schweiz Fhlst du dich als Schweizer oder eher als Auslnder/In? Als Schweizerin Sprichst du die Sprache deines Herkunftslandes? Nein
Zur Adoption Mit wie vielen Jahren wurdest du adoptiert? Mit 6 Monaten Erinnerst du dich an das erste Treffen mit deinen Adoptiveltern? Nein War der Zeitpunkt geeignet, falls es einen solchen gibt? Ja Wurdest du aus deinen Familienverhltnissen rausgerissen? Nein, ich kann mich jedenfalls nicht daran erinnerin Gibt es deiner Ansicht nach einen idealen Zeitpunkt fr die Adoption im Leben eines Kindes? Nein, es kommt ganz auf die Situation und die Umstnde jedes einzelnen Kindes an. Kennst du deine leiblichen Eltern? Nein. Falls nicht, wrdest du deine leiblichen Eltern gerne kennen lernen oder mehr ber ihre Vergangenheit wissen? Ja, sehr gerne Kennst du die Grnde, weshalb du zur Adoption frei gegeben wurdest? Nein, leider nicht Hast du dein Herkunftsland schon einmal besucht? Nein, mchte ich aber auf jeden Fall noch tun Siehst du deine Adoption als glckliches oder eher schweres Schicksal? Weder das eine noch das andere Gibt dir deine Adoptivfamilie sprbaren Rckhalt? Ja, wenn ich es brauche Zum Leben in der Schweiz Hast du Geschwister? Ja, eine Schwester und einen Burder Wurdest du in der Schule ausgestossen oder gehnselt wegen deinem anderen Aussehen? Nein Hattest du die Mglichkeit dich auszusprechen bei deinen Eltern, Freunden oder einer Frsorge? Ich htte bestimmt die Mglichkeit gehabt Wie ist die Beziehung zu deinen Adoptiveltern? Wir haben eine normal Eltern-TochterBeziehung (kein schlechtes, aber auch kein besonders gutes Verhltnis) Welche Berufe ben deine Eltern aus? Mein Vater war Professor und meine Mutter Hausfrau Inputs? Ich denke adoptierte Personen, die ihre leiblichen Eltern nicht kennen, werden sich oft ihr ganzes Leben lang Fragen ber ihre wahre Identitt stellten. (oft)