A Brief Run Down of the Article by Derrick Broze, Part 1

For the last 80 years, Bethany Christian Services (BCS) has marketed itself as a Christian non-profit providing adoption and foster care services. However, critics accuse the organization of failing to protect children and obstructing parents seeking to connect with their children.

Allegations and Lawsuits

Former clients and parents have filed lawsuits and flooded social media with accusations against BCS. Many fear speaking out due to potential legal repercussions from the notoriously litigious organization. Concerns also surround BCS’ contracts with the U.S. government to temporarily house migrant children.

Founding and Mission

Founded in 1944 by Marguerite Bonnema and Mary DeBoer, BCS started as Bethany Christian Home in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It has since grown into a prominent family preservation agency operating internationally in Colombia, Ghana, Ethiopia, and South Africa. BCS advocates for alternatives to abortion, such as abstinence-only sex education and promoting healthy marriages.

Controversial Practices and Policies

BCS has faced criticism for its refusal to work with LGBTQ adoptive parents until 2021. Philadelphia officials cut ties with BCS in 2018 due to this policy.

DeVos Family Connections

The DeVos family, known for their significant influence in conservative Evangelical circles, has donated millions to BCS through various foundations. Betsy DeVos, former U.S. Secretary of Education, and other family members have been closely associated with BCS.

Immigration Policy and Child Separation

During the Trump administration, BCS was involved in resettling children separated from their families under the “zero tolerance” immigration policy. Despite claiming opposition to family separation, BCS faced protests and scrutiny over their role. Allegations have surfaced accusing BCS of facilitating human trafficking through their work with the federal government.

Recent Scandals

In 2023, former youth counselor Alfredo Ramos Quixan was arrested for sexually abusing children at a BCS shelter. This incident highlighted ongoing concerns about the safety and well-being of children under BCS care.

Adoption and Trafficking Concerns

Journalist Kathryn Joyce, in her book “The Child Catchers,” warns of the potential for immigrant children to be adopted by American families without their parents’ approval or knowledge. Joyce and others have documented how BCS and similar organizations may manipulate vulnerable pregnant women into relinquishing their parental rights.

Data Breaches and Regulatory Violations

BCS has faced multiple complaints and violations over the years. In 2019, sensitive information about children was accidentally made public on their website. In 2011, BCS was cited for failing to consider relative placements for foster children adequately, demonstrating a pattern of ignoring children’s racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.

Call to Action

If you are a parent who believes you have been coerced or victimized by Bethany Christian Services, email Intothelight@protonmail.com to share your story. Your experiences can help expose and prevent further injustices in the adoption industry.

Do you have a complaint about adoption?

Adopted or a family member separated because of adoption? Adoption Truth and Transparency Worldwide Information Network on FB.

Not adopted but interested in adoption? Join the discussion at Adoption Talk After Hours, where you can ask questions anonymously.

Exposing Bethany Christian Services’ History of Negligence and Manipulation

6-4-24 50 minutes in an update on the Bethany Christian Services investigation and why this matters Bethany Christian Services:

6-8-24 Bethany Christian Services: Mothers Speak Out In the second part of our investigation into Bethany Christian Services, we speak to several mothers who were directly impacted by what they say were deliberate efforts by BCS to coerce, manipulate, and outright lie to them regarding the conditions of relinquishing their parental rights.