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The pandemic has ruined years of adoption planning for several Swedish couples. – When it was at its worst, I thought, could we never get there? says Susanna Siljetun, who has now returned from Taiwan with her son.
Two-year-old Noel Siljetun, who was adopted from Sweden amid the pandemic, plays at home in the Vännäs garden with his mother Susanna, father Claes and older sister Livia.
An adoption process can, at best, be personal, transformative, and ultimately surprising. However, during the current pandemic, you risk becoming tumultuous, heartbreaking and exhausting.
– We were told in December of last year that eight months later our son was able to return home, says Susanna Siljetun.
She recounts how she and her husband, who she adopted earlier, received the news in December that they were paired up with their son. Soon after, the crown pandemic shattered the plan.
– At the end of May we were informed that it was possible to obtain a special visa, but that we would have to be quarantined in different rooms for 14 days. Then we decided that my husband and I would stay home with the family.
But once the bags were packed and the tickets booked, a cold stopped. Everything was fixed in the future and July was a new month of departure.
– I did the coronate test and it came out negative, but the last thing, just before I left, was positive, with no symptoms. So we isolate ourselves here at home.
Only in August, after a new test did not show COVID-19, the green light was given for entry to Taiwan.
– Of course, it was extremely stressful. When I landed a lot of tears came, am I really here? I thought.
After being quarantined in the room for two weeks, Susanna Siljetun recounts how she was finally able to pick up her son and soon after return home to Sweden.
– There have been so many uncertainties, the most stressful thing is probably that we have not been able to do this trip as a family. But also the moment when we feel like we couldn’t have our child, she says.
TT has also spoken with a couple who are quarantined in Taiwan at the moment and who wish to remain anonymous.
– We are here, in the middle of the legal process. The economic effect of covid has been substantial. We expect SEK 70,000 in additional costs for that alone.
The couple notes that they never considered interrupting the adoption process due to the crown situation.
– But it is clear that it affects everything. The biggest fear is that one of us will get sick, what would happen then?
They describe the situation as being “very longing” and not yet knowing exactly how long it will all take.
– The additional additional cost is not relevant, but at the same time it is. We probably feel a bit forgotten by politicians. Where is the support? We haven’t lost our jobs but we don’t want to lose our son.
Samir Drincic agrees that increased political and financial support would ease a tense situation. He has just returned from South Korea with his son.
– My wife and I have adopted before. And even if we have financial security, I think of those who are not as well off as we are. How does all this affect you?
Drincic says that during the adoption process this spring she did not dare to leave until she tested negative for COVID-19.
– But at that time you couldn’t take the test, I had to call at least 50-60 health centers and ask if I could do the test. In hindsight, I get angry at my own country because it couldn’t be solved.
He says he “doesn’t even want to think” about what the situation might mean for those in difficult financial situations.
– I think many will end up in financial trouble. I think the state can help there.
