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Local NewsWis. Clinic Promotes Healthy Int'l AdoptionsBy Shelley Walcott
MILWAUKEE - There's a unique adoption program right here in Milwaukee.
Adoption is a complicated process for any family, especially when it's an overseas adoption. The International Adoption Clinic at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin makes that process a little smoother for both the child and the family.
Dan and Sandy Rotar always wanted a family but can't have their own children. They looked into domestic adoption, but it was a long wait. That's when 19-month-old Kirill came into the picture. They adopted him from Russia a couple months ago.
"When we got the e-mail with his pictures on it we're just like, 'Oh my God, it happened so fast,'" Dan Rotar said.
One of the biggest challenges for the Rotars was reviewing Kirill's health records before they brought him back to the U.S.
"When you get a referral from Russia, they give you some medical information, but it's at times vague and inconsistent," Dan Rotar explained.
That's where the International Adoption Clinic comes in. Medical experts analyze the child's health records. .
"Every country has its own way of defining health, so we try to interpret it and tell the families what's going on," said Inshirah Farhoud, a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at the clinic.
Adoption workers from Russia visited Wisconsin to see the clinic for themselves and how the adopted children are doing here.
"We were so happy to see that the children's health has improved since being in these families," said Valentina Leshchenko, who spoke through an interpreter.
The clinic also does follow-up medical evaluations to make sure children, such as Kirill, are adjusting to their new surroundings.
"Obviously it worked wonders for us. We have a beautiful son who is just a joy," Sandy Rotar said excitedly.
The clinic has helped about 200 families over the last three years. The initial medical review costs at least $200, but the follow-ups are usually covered by insurance.
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