Adopted Children 'stolen'

The Sunday Age

Sunday August 24, 2008

Shannon Molloy, Melissa Singer

FAMILIES who are victims of an alleged Indian adoption racket face the prospect of having to return their children to their biological parents.

Indian authorities say at least 13 children adopted by Australians were snatched by gangs between 1998 and 1999 and sold for less than $300 to Chennai-based adoption agency Malaysia Social Services.

An article to appear in this week's Time magazine reports that investigations centre on one girl, identified only as Zabeen, who was snatched as a two-year-old from outside her home in Chennai.

The girl, now 9, is reportedly living in Queensland with her adoptive parents, who are said to be stunned by the revelations.

Queensland Child Safety Minister Margaret Keech said yesterday that her department was told of the allegations last year and immediately launched an internal audit of all adoption cases involving Indian children between 1995 and 2007. The Queensland Government would co-operate with Indian investigators examining the possibility that children were stolen.

Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland has also ordered an investigation. It is understood most of the children live in Queensland, Tasmania and the ACT.

"These allegations demonstrate why it is necessary to maintain rigid procedural safeguards to ensure the integrity of the overseas adoption system and, in particular, to avoid the exploitation of children," Mr McClelland said.

Federal Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson said Australia had a moral responsibility to return any children found to have been stolen.

Ms Keech said she had ordered a review of Queensland's intercountry adoption processes. She said her department had contacted the Queensland family concerned and offered support.

"As a mother myself, my heart goes out to them . . . this Queensland family has been absolutely devastated by this news, but I also feel for the family in India that has lost a child."

She said responsibility for the child's adoption rested with the High Court of Madras, which "endorsed and approved the adoption".

Tony Dunne, president of Intercountry Adoptive Families Queensland, said Australia's adoption processes were extremely rigorous. He said Australia only dealt with countries that were signatories to The Hague convention on intercountry adoption.

Federal Government figures show that 327, or 10%, of overseas adoptions between 1997-98 and 2006-07 were from India.

© 2008 The Sunday Age

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