My husband and I were thrilled to adopt two children from Children's Home Society in 1986 and 1991. The process each time was long, laborious, invasive and frustrating. It was made quite clear to us from the onset that we would not be successful in adopting any children unless we passed a strenuous list of qualifications, including detailed information regarding our personal backgrounds and finances. It was also made clear that the children and birth parents served by CHS were of primary importance, and not our desire to become parents.

CHS and its caseworkers were always professional in every way to the final decree of adoption, as well as with any follow-up care we have received. It is tragic for any reason that a child was ever placed in such an horrific environment as Sean Paddock was, especially after knowing the high standards CHS once required to adopt two precious children.

Deborah Poetzsch

Raleigh