Since the earthquake of January 12 we have received a flood of emails from those wishing to adopt a Haitian child. Answering them is often a difficult task as it is out of genuine concern they were written.

First please understand that even before the earthquake struck, Maison Fortune Orphanage, did not have an adoption program in place and does not assist with or encourage foreign adoptions of children from Haiti.The orphanage instead strives to raise the children and provide educated individuals and leaders for their country. Removing the children from their community, their country or their culture, (even in a crisis situation) is not necessarily the best choice for the child.

There is also the issue that some of the many 'fast track' adoptions that everyone has been hearing about, may lead to a child being permanently separated from parents or other relatives that have been trying to locate them since the disaster.

While it may be hard for many to understand, the best thing you can do to help at this time is to make a donation to one of the many orphanages or agencies providing relief in Haiti. Doing so will help feed, clothe and care for the children while they work together trying to find and reunite the children with  relatives. If relatives are not found they could then be placed in residence at the orphanage longer term.