International adoption chaos: "Families waiting for months" The associations' complaint: the Commission does not respond

Simone and Romina are waiting for a paper. For 8 months they have been waiting for a paper document that allows them to adopt a child in Kenya. A wait that is paradoxically approaching the time of a real pregnancy. They have already prepared and delivered all the documents months ago: photographic dossier, social condition, economic report... Kenya has not created any obstacles, but has asked the Italian International Adoptions Commission for a simple certificate confirming that Aibi, the association through which Simone and Romina intend to adopt, is authorized to operate. That paper, however, never arrived. «Everything is at a standstill – says Simone – we made four written reminders, phone calls, emails… Nothing».

The problem is that dozens of other Italian couples find themselves in Simone and Romina's situation. There are associations waiting for authorisation, others for renewal of accreditation, still others for the conclusion of the adoption process: the adoption machinery seems jammed, in Rome everything is silent.

«United for adoption», the representation that brings together 45 of the 62 associations that are authorized to operate in Italy, sent a letter to the CAI at the end of September to resolve the situation, but did not receive a response. And yesterday it met to decide what actions to take. «Since the new commission took office we have no longer been able to have continuous relationships – denounces Pietro Ardizzi, spokesperson for the representation -. Beyond a plenary meeting, which took place in July, the tables on taxation, on the procedures of the guidelines and on individual countries have disappeared. But we have to work with families, in a very delicate sector: any bureaucratic delay is a serious problem." Simple long-winded things? Particular attention and controls by the Cai in an always high-risk sector?

In recent months the world of international adoptions has experienced some less than peaceful moments: first the families stuck in Congo, then that of the adoptive father who killed his child of Russian origin in Pescara. The advent of the new government seemed to open a new era. A prime minister, Renzi, had decided for the first time to take on the presidency of the CAI. A strong signal, which gave rise to hope. Months later, those hopes were eaten away by bureaucratic obstacles and a less than fluid dialogue.

«At the Aibi meetings there are about ten families who find themselves in this demented limbo – Simone continues -. Some have been waiting for a year and a half and we have seen parents burst into tears. I don't see why we should act by creating discomfort, worry and pain for families who should actually be encouraged, if not taken as an example. In short, we are not going to buy an SUV here."

It is not surprising that the sector is in difficulty, also thanks to the economic crisis. Between 2010 and 2013 there was a 30% drop in international adoptions. And according to the associations' estimates, this year there will be a further drop of 30%. Perhaps we will reach 1600 entries of foreign minors into Italy, it's like returning to 2001 levels.

«There is little attention to this sector - Ardizzi further denounces – For heterologous fertilization the governors of the Regions met and in 25 days they prepared a common protocol. The law on international adoptions is 14 years old and currently only 4 Italian regions have a functioning protocol." Simone and Romina still hope. At least in pregnancies there is certainty in timing.