Haitian orphans draw potential parents
By Amy Worden
Inquirer Harrisburg Bureau
HARRISBURG - Images of the skinny, shell-shocked little survivors of the earthquake being carried off a plane in Pittsburgh compelled hundreds of people to reach for their phones or send an e-mail with the same question: How can I adopt one of the Haitian orphans?Gov. Rendell, and the 53 homeless children whose rescue he orchestrated amid the disaster, had barely touched down in Pennsylvania Tuesday morning when phones began humming at the Allegheny County Department of Human Services.
Over the last two days, the agency has logged 430 phone calls from people who said they wanted to become adoptive or foster parents for Haitian orphans, said Karen L. Blumen, deputy director of the Office of Community Relations.
But social service providers - and the Rendell administration - have a message for the families willing to open their homes and hearts: Don't forget the 3,000 Pennsylvania children waiting for permanent homes.
"While the plight of the Haitian orphans has attracted much attention, it is important to recognize the many other children for whom we are always working to find a supportive family and safe home environment," said Harriet Dichter, acting secretary of the state Department of Public Welfare.
Child advocate Cathleen Palm said that when she heard about the rush to adopt the Haitian children, she wished there was a way to assemble all the needy Pennsylvania children in a stadium and have the governor rescue them.
"We want to make sure people aren't losing sight of the fact that kids are in crisis in Pennsylvania, too," said Palm.
Blumen said she and her staff make sure to tell Pittsburgh-area callers inquiring about the Haitian children that there are many Allegheny County children and teens awaiting adoption.
She also cautions that becoming a foster or adoptive parent requires long-term preparation, including training, background checks, and home inspections.