FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -------------------------- Of interest to editors/authors covering: Family, Parenting & Children; Women's Interests; Health; General Editorial 10,000 American Families Affected by Hidden SARS Repercussion DENVER, CO - May 27, 2003 /PRnetwire.com/ -- One Light Adoptions (onelightadoptions.org) estimates that nearly 10,000 American families eagerly anticipating the arrival of adopted children from China have been told that their adoptions are on "indefinite suspension" due to SARS. The China Center for Adoption Affairs suspended adoptions last Tuesday, affecting the placement of most international children adopted into the United States. 30% of incoming international adoptions are from China. "A lot of those families expecting kids are in an absolute panic," says Lisa Novak, an attorney specializing in international adoptions. "These are people who have gone through a lot of time, expense and emotion to start the adoption process. Now they're being told to 'wait and see what happens', and no one knows how long the suspension may be." Many adoption services only work with Chinese adoptions, and can't offer families here alternatives. Novak, who co-founded the non-profit One Light Adoptions, which works with many countries, says that her office is inundated with calls from families wanting to know what their options are. "People don't know what to do. They are not certain if they're going to get a child, and it's a highly charged emotional issue for them. It's also financial, for some of them say that if they don't get a child, they won't get back any fees they have already paid agencies," says Novak. In response to this crisis, a free informational hotline offering updates and alternatives to Chinese adoptions has been started by One Light. Prospective parents at any step along the adoption path can call to get the latest information on the situation, or find out what options they have. The One Light Chinese Adoption Information and Alternatives hotline is 303- 442-8880, and is staffed Monday through Friday 9AM to 5PM Mountain Time. Callers can leave a message to have an adoption expert call them back at other times. About One Light Adoptions One Light Adoptions is a non-profit, non-denominational, international adoption agency founded by the sister-brother team of Lisa and Joseph Novak, who have nearly 50 years of combined domestic and international business experience and a lifetime of charitable and volunteer activities promoting the welfare of children. One Light demystifies the process of international adoption and provides extensive resources including pre- and post-adoption training and support for adoption families across the U.S. Media Contact: Lisa Novak One Light Adoptions +1-303-442-8801 LNovak@onelightadoptions.org # # # --------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Important Note: to reach the person sending the news release contact: LNovak@onelightadoptions.org If used for publication, please send specimen copy. [source of news = One Light Adoptions] ref: http://www.send2press.com/2archive/2003/pr_03_0527-onelight.txt --------------------------------------------------------------------------- prn-2/4c/co