We have learned that Reaching Arms International has opted not to appeal the repeal of their license. In short, they are out of business. The tactics they used are well documented by the MN authorities in past posts in our archives. Their removal from the adoption scene is undoubtedly a positive. While there is an admitted temptation to relish the moment, we must remember that these things don't occur in a vacuum. And they don't occur without a stream of unfortunate victims.
It took a great deal of courage from many families to make this happen. I applaud them all for speaking up and fighting. One such family recently went public with their story to the NBC affiliate in Milwaukee. These stories don't tell everything in their case, but they do give you an idea of what occured in their case. You can see those stories here:
http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/7285181.html
http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/7326341.html
This indeed is good news. Now its time to send some people to jail.
Posted by: Gregg at May 16, 2007 11:23 PMThis is one of the saddest stories I have ever read. Now, I keep on wondering about Gabi and Ella and how they are. I wonder if they are orphans who do not yet have an abandonment decree, or were these children borrowed from someone for this visit? How horrible to deceive these little girls like that, making them dream of an adoptive family when they are unadoptable at this point! I can only imagine the horrible thoughts that must have been streaming through those little minds after that visit! And my heart is breaking for the Demmons who already bonded with these two sweethearts. I pray and hope that they will get their money back and will be able to adopt again. I am sure that they must be loving people to have traveled to visit these children and stay with them for four days, and to be so brave as to tell their story on the news.
I am so glad that things are moving to get these bad agencies and horrid people out of this business.
I'd like a couple of minutes with them before they go to Jail. ~Mel
Posted by: Melissa at May 17, 2007 10:12 AMIt's just sickening what they have done. It sounds like they have no remorse either.
Posted by: Nicky at May 17, 2007 03:11 PMI am in NO WAY condoning the actions of RAI; however, no one is going to jail yet. The MN Attorney General has not made a ruling to my knowledge. I do believe a harsh judgement will follow though. God help them.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 17, 2007 05:51 PMI found the investigation finding on the web at:
www.ethicanet.org/DHS_RAI_INV_MEMO.pdf
It is so very sad and I really feel for all the families.
Posted by: Kathy at May 17, 2007 09:20 PMWe are some of the victims of Reaching Arms. They took our hopes, our dreams, and $20,000 from us. It is a loss hard to explain to most people. They don't understand that the baby we were going to adopt was ours, in our hearts. She was deemed unadoptable by the US consulate. An innocent victim, just as we were. I think about her often, and wonder what ever happend to her. As for us, we were not able to compelete our adoption plans, as we had no more money and no more courage that it could really happen. It is little comfort that this has finally come full circle, although now they cannot hurt anyone else.