Carolina Adoption Services was honored to host a group of officials from Moldova from July 25-August 7, 2008. The group was comprised of: Albina Zara, CAS facilitator; Svetlana Chifa, Director of Child Protection Chisinau; Tamara Popovici, Ministry of Social Protection Chisinau; Maria Jechiu, Director of Children’s Orphanage Chisinau; Aurelia Varic, assistant to facilitator and translator; and Andrew Zara, son of Albina. The group had two purposes in their visit to the United States of America. First, they wanted to visit with families and see how the children are adjusting and ask the families what services would benefit the children in the adoption process. Second, they wanted to meet with people who have similar positions with the government and private agencies in the U.S. Their goal with these visits was to learn about our systems of services for families and children and what ideas and concepts they could take back and implement.
The Moldovan officials were very successful in completing their two primary goals. They were able to meet with 16 families with a total of 20 children that ranged in age from 1-19 years old. Area agencies were also very willing to meet with them and provide a wealth of information. The agencies included Department of Social Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care, Family Services of the Piedmont, Cheshire Therapeutic Center and the Greensboro Rotary Club.
How will this benefit families and children you ask? A program is under consideration to do a joint training to prepare families and social workers in Moldova for adoption, foster care, and related areas. Both CAS and Moldovan officials have a much better idea of the aid and development needed in Moldova to improve the lives of children and families and ways to build community support in country. The officials were very impressed with how the community and business come together to support social causes and now want to begin this in their areas.
Most importantly this visit strengthened the personal and professional relationships and they gained confidence in the competency of CAS. They also were very reassured that the children were well cared for and loved, and pleased by how they were thriving.
Everyone has renewed energy and excitement for international adoption between Moldova and CAS. We look forward to this program growing in many ways.
CAS thanks all who participated!
