By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon992seoki@gmail.com
Monrovia – The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has permanently revoked the license of Americans for African Adoptions (AFAA) and its affiliate, Cradle of Hope, following a damning police investigation that uncovered child abuse and welfare violations by the institution.
A letter from Liberia’s Gender Minister Gbeme Horace Kollie dated February 19, 2024 informed the AFAA’s Country Director, Oretha James, that the institution’s accreditation was being revoked due to “widespread abuse and neglect.”
Before the decision of revocation was reached, there was a police report detailing physical abuse, neglect, and failure to report sexual abuse involving 30 children at the orphanage.
The report alleged that four staff members forced children to hold chairs over their heads for extended periods and subjected them to physical punishment.
The Liberia National Police in its explosive report also claimed that AFAA officials deliberately failed to report instances of sexual abuse, despite being aware of them. As a result, several AFAA staff members, including James, face indictment and prosecution.
“This lack of transparency has raised concerns that international adoption organizations may still list AFAA as a viable entity in Liberia.” The Police report said.
The controversy began in December 2023 after the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia raised alarms over serial child abuse and welfare violations at the orphanage.
The embassy’s findings were based on complaints from adoptive parents, some of whom reported that their children required counseling after adoption.
The allegations also contributed to visa delays for prospective adoptive parents.
Sources within the Ministry of Gender say AFAA lobbied for reinstatement, claiming it had taken corrective measures but was unsuccessful.
Minister Kollie confirmed that all implicated AFAA officials, including Cheryl Carter-Schotts, are permanently banned from working in childcare or adoption services in Liberia unless acquitted in court.
The government plans to evaluate pending adoption cases through private legal representatives and place remaining orphans in safe homes or with natural parents.
