In the late1960’s, just before being adopted from a Korean Orphanage by an American family, Deann’s Identity was switched with that of another girl named Cha Jung Hee. Originally, her Korean name was Kang Ok Jin. After this issue happened to, the then, 8 year old Deann, she was told to handle the whole issue with uttermost secrecy. No one should ever know what transpired concerning the switch of her identity during the adoption process. Up to date, her passport and drivers license still reads Cha Jung Hee; even her birthday was manipulated, and her true identity was kept a secret from her American family.
Good Story
According to US Department of Health and Human Service, The national Survey of Adoptive Parents in April, 2013, 25% of the adoption comes from oversea. I found out this story while translating her documentary script. In her documentary, she talked about the adoption and how they switched her identity. Although this incident happened a long time ago, but it doesn't mean it can’t happen again. To avoid this happening again, I want to find out the type of protocol the adoption service has now.
Pictures
Deann’s passport, driver’s license and her official paper work.
The video Clips
The clips from the documentary: In the Matter of Cha Jung Hee and the First Person Plural. The picture of young Cha Jung Hee, and the picture of young Deann.
Interviews
- Do you think there are more cases of misidentified orphans that have been sent oversea?
- What did you feel when finally realized who you are?
- Do you blame the social worker?
- Have you imagined what will your life be if you stayed in Korea?
- How do you think the adoption effect your life choice?
- Did your parents take any legal actions after they found out?
Lynne Silver, Executive Director of ADOPT, and adoption service in San Francisco.
- What kind of method are you using to confirm the baby’s information?
- Have you had or heard this kind of incident happened before?
- What kind of protocol you have to avoid this kind incident happening?
Two sides of the Story
Many American couples now are adopting babies from oversea, what would they do if they find out the baby they adopt was not the one they want to? What would happen to the misidentified child?
