'There's 140 million orphan children': Tulsa agency closure impacts international adoption access

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) —

The adoption community in Tulsa is shifting, as a prominent adoption agency closes its doors.

Dillon International announced its decision to discontinue services on August 28 after serving the community for 51 years and matching more than 7,000 orphans with families.

As the first agency in Oklahoma licensed for international adoption, the closure of Dillon International comes as a shock to the community.

“We're very saddened to hear whenever our partner steps aside from social services, but especially one as large as and as impactful as Dillon,” Sarah Keywood, Oklahoma Lifeline casework supervisor, said.

Keywood says they have a legacy in Tulsa and will leave behind a sizeable gap.

In their closing announcement, Dillion wrote in part:

Although there are undoubtedly still children in this world who need families, Dillon International’s Board of Directors made the difficult decision to discontinue providing adoption services.

Dillon noted the increasing costs of maintaining accreditation as a primary factor in the decision.
 

“But the need remains,” Keywood said. “There's 140 million orphan children."

That’s where Lifeline Children’s Services comes into the picture.

Lifeline is newly licensed in Oklahoma for both domestic and international adoption and was recruited by Dillon to help families with the transition.

“We’re more than happy to work with them,” Lora Malone, state director for Lifeline Children's Services, said. “We just are so excited about being in the state of Oklahoma and really feel like it's a perfect time for us.”

“Whatever way that we can help fill those gaps, we're ready to do that,” Keywood said. “We are here in Oklahoma and ready to serve.”