Agency is a 501(c)(3) (non-profit)
organization formed for the express purpose of fostering foreign adoptions so
that that deserving parents can adopt international children in need. Agency is
overseen by a board of independent trustees, most of whom hold professional
degrees in fields related to the adoption process. One of the primary focuses
of the Agency is to help adopting parents avoid improper adoption practices,
such as improper fees or false representations as to international adoption
requirements or processes. Agency accomplishes this by providing consulting
and/or home study report services and by educational programs. Other priorities
include educational seminars for parents, mentoring and educational programs
designed to foster new, legitimate adoption organizations, and sending aid to
international child care organizations. Fees charged for consultation and/or
home study report services support Agency’s charitable activities.
Madison Adoption Associates is
founded on a strong belief that all children are adoptable and that what
constitutes a family is a stable home environment, the desire to share the joys
of a child, an open mind to learn and an open heart to teach.
Our placement goals are to meet the
child's needs and best interests, along with a strong commitment to work with
the wishes and rights of the prospective families.
To maintain standards and policies that are consistent with applicable child
welfare policy and law, including, without limitation, the The Convention on
Protection of Children and Cooperation in respect of Intercountry Adoption, a
multilateral treaty executed at the Hague on May 29, 1993 (the “Hague
Convention”), the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (the “IAA” or Hague Law),
and the implementing Regulations set forth in 22 CFR Part 96-98 dated February
15, 2006 (the “Hague Regulations”). Specifically, Madison Adoption Associates
shall abide by the principles of (i) ensuring that intercountry adoptions take
place in the best interests of children; and (ii) preventing the abduction, sale
or trafficking of children in connection with intercountry adoption.
Our
Inspiration.....
The Starfish Poem
Once upon a time there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his
writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.
One day he was walking along the shore. As he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself to think of someone who would dance to the day.
So he began to walk faster to catch up. As he got closer, he saw that it was a young man and the young man wasn't dancing, but instead he was reaching down to the shore, picking up something and very gently throwing it into the ocean.
As he got closer he called out, "Good morning! What are you doing?"
The young man paused, looked up and replied, "Throwing starfish in the ocean."
I then asked, "Why are you throwing starfish in the ocean?"
"The sun is up and the tide is going out. And if I don't throw them in they'll die."
"But, young man, don't you realize that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it. You can't possibly make a difference!"
The young man listened politely. Then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it
into the ocean, past the breaking waves and said - "It made a difference for that one."
