Three years since Levi was adopted from the Democratic Republic of Congo into the Olsen family, the once scared and thin five year old is thriving and growing more by the day. The Olsens’ 2011 adoption of Levi is a success story, but their story presents a stark contrast to the current problem facing hundreds of American families who are ready and want to adopt orphans from the Congo and other war-torn African nations, but are facing stalled adoptions. Currently, the Democratic Republic of Congo will not grant exit papers for children to leave the country, even when their adoptions have been finalized by the courts.
The Olsens begin their adoption journey with the realization that they felt like something was missing. The family of two adults and three children were drawn to the idea of adoption. At the time, adoptions were relatively new in Congo, but the couple was intrigued by finding their child there. Most of Levi’s past is a mystery. He and his younger brother, who was adopted by a Kansas family, likely lived in the more violent eastern part of the country, then migrated to the capital city. Levi was dropped off at a hospital in extremely poor condition, left essentially to die. The young boy bounced back, however, and was placed in an orphanage.
When the Olsens picked up their son in June of 2011, the five year old weighed just 29 pounds and was 38 inches tall. After a year in his new home, Levi weighed in at 60 pounds and grew an astonishing 14 inches. The boy recalls being nervous about meeting his siblings and his parents, expressing concern that he did not know what a mother really was. Quickly, though, he adapted and loves having a supportive family around him.
The Olsens work hard to provide Levi with some connections to his native land. He Skype’s often with his brother in Kansas and the family encourages learning about his culture. Eight year old Levi has a bright future ahead of him thanks to the Olsens loving encouragement and his fortunate adoption with the family.
The happy Olsen family now has one hope—that other orphans from Congo will have a chance like Levi has. Brady Olsen, a social worker, expresses his dismay that had Levi remained in Congo, he would likely have ended up living on the streets due to the sheer volume of orphans and lack of adoptive families within the country.
For now, adoptions in Congo remain stalled, but families and other concerned parties are working to petition the government of this country to re-open their adoption borders so that other children, and families, can have a chance at a success story like Levi’s.
If you are interested in pursuing an international adoption, an experienced adoption attorney can help. Your adoption attorney can advise you as to the laws governing each country and the best means of successfully securing placement of a child. Helping to complete your family, an adoption attorney will be the most important instrument to achieving a complete adoption.
McDowell Chartered: International Adoption Attorneys Located in Kansas
As illustrated by Levi’s and the Olsens’ story, international adoptions can be fantastic, allowing children in often impoverished or war torn countries a chance at a loving, stable home, and providing families with that addition they so desire. International adoptions can be complex, but the seasoned adoption attorneys at McDowell Chartered understand the steps you should take in order to achieve a cost efficient, expedited, and successful adoption. Come see how the compassionate Kansas Adoption Attorneys at McDowell Chartered can assist you. Call us today at (316) 633-4322 for an initial consultation.