Child fatality in Intercountry adoption: What media reports suggest about deaths of Russian children in the U.S.

•Many of the child deaths involved recently placed boys, frequently age 3 or younger•Most of the children had multiple injuries characteristic of battered child syndrome•Parents were traditional couples under severe parenting stress.•In four situations, parents either were not charged or were found not guilty•Most placements involved agencies founded within 15 years before the child fatality

This article addresses the ultimate risk in child placement, fatality, in the context of international adoption. It first reviews relevant literature, then profiles demographic and policy trends, followed by analysis of risk factors derived from public media reports related to the children, families, and placing agencies in 19 known cases of death of Russian children in U.S. adoptive homes since 1996. The article concludes that many of the child deaths involved recently placed boys, frequently age 3 or younger, most with special needs or challenging behaviors, and often placed along with siblings. Most of the children who died had multiple injuries characteristic of battered child syndrome. Parents were traditional couples under severe parenting stress who usually had other children, often including additional preschoolers and/or homeschoolers. Mothers frequently pled guilty to various charges, typically less serious than murder. In four situations, parents either were not charged or were found not guilty. Most placements involved agencies founded within 15 years before the child fatality, and several subsequently closed, three amid scandals unrelated to the deaths. The remaining agencies include well-regarded organizations, and five directors or representatives contributed their perspectives. This article identifies patterns and makes recommendations for practice, with the goal of reducing risk of harm to children placed internationally.