My profile:
Senior Russian and U.S. officials promised on Thursday to look into the death of Ivan Skorobogatov, a Russian boy who died while under the care of his adoptive American parents.
Pennsylvania parents Nanette and Michael Craver adopted Chelyabinsk-born Skorobogatov, whom they named Nathaniel, and his twin sister in 2003.
The boy was hospitalized in August after his father found him lying unresponsive in bed, and he died several days later. An autopsy found more than 80 external injuries on his malnourished body.
Craver and his wife were arrested Feb. 26 and face charges of homicide, conspiracy and child endangerment.
The U.S. State Department has begun an investigation into the boy's death, and U.S. officials will meet representatives from the Russian Embassy in the United States to discuss the case, state television Vesti-24 reported Thursday.
The Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case looking into the boy's death and will investigate any potential violations in the process of his adoption, Interfax reported.
John Beyrle, U.S. ambassador to Russia, said the parents would be held responsible if convicted of wrongdoing, Interfax reported.
Linda Clark-Reel
I am heartbroken when reading about what has happened to little Ivan and his sister. I am pained for any child being abused, more so when it is an adopted child. I cannot imagine how a parent - adoptive or otherwise - could hurt a child. As I mother, I know that we watch out for our own children but also for the children that are around our child. It is inexcusible.
We are an adoptive family with 3 beautiful little girls, sisters, from Russia. We love and cherish these precious children and are thankful everyday that we were allowed to raise them. Our adoption is now nearly 7 years along. We can never imagine what our lives were before we brought our daughters home. I beg that you please don't confuse the rest of the well-meaning, well-attentive adoptive parents with those monsters who tormented Ivan. Thousands of children are in loving homes with parents who love, care for and educate them.
It has been with pleasure that I have sent reports to the judge/ministry of education to elborate on the progression of our family. I have even sent photos of my daughters to the orphanage so that the administrators can see how beautiful and happy they are in their new lives. As my girls have gotten older, I have tried to foster a spirit of national identity and loyatly to Russia as well as America.
I am just so thankful to have them in my life and grateful to Russia in allowing me the honor of raising my beautiful little girls. Thank you.