Madonna's Adoption Nearing Completion

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

16 May 2008 07:35 AM

Finally, there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel for Madonna.

The Material Girl's bid to adopt 2-year-old David Banda is likely to be approved by a judge in a few days.

Madonna's journey to make the Malawian tot she found in an orphanage in 2006 a permanent member of her family has made headlines around the world and fueled an international debate about celebrities and adoption.

According to new reports, it appears a judge will give Madonna and her film director husband Guy Ritchie permanent custody of the young boy by the end of next week. The news comes after a copy of the Ritchie's custody review was leaked to the press. In it social welfare officers involved in the case described the "Evita" star as a "perfect mum" for David, who was severely malnourished when she found him at the Home of Hope Orphanage. The report also revealed that David was sent to the orphanage because his mother had died (she did so shortly after giving birth to her son) and his father was too poor to take care of him. David's dad publicly stated that he placed his son in an orphanage to ensure the child's survival. Banda also noted that he did not object to Madonna adopting David.

The boy has been living with Madonna and her family in Britain for nearly two years. He turns three in November and the singer says she hopes by then she will be able to officially call him her own.

The adoption process has been anything but a cakewalk for the "Truth or Dare" star. Back in October 2006 Malawian officials threatened to automatically revoke the temporary custody order given to her if they felt David was being treated differently from the Ritchie's other children, Lourdes and Rocco, or that his human rights were being violated in any way.

While a handful of children's rights groups have vehemently criticized the adoption, saying it would be better to provide more resources so that kids can be cared for in their native countries, adoption officials say Madonna's bid should not encounter any additional setbacks.

For her part Madonna has set out to prove she is sincere about helping other children in David's former home. She has set up a charity called Raising Malawi, and she is funding six more orphanages outside the capital, which will provide education and food for about 4,000 children. In addition, the singer footing the bill for a multimillion-dollar academy for disadvantaged children in the region.

The award-winning singer also produced and narrated "I Am Because We Are," a new documentary, which shows how poverty and disease are devastating the lives of Malawi's children. The film also encourages others to join in the fight to help disadvantaged youngsters.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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laniesmommy (21) 16 May 2008 12:02 PM

What has always disturbed me about this case is the free use of this boy's full name in the press and when discussing his adoption process and the leaking of information about his family and confidential court reports. I realize that Madonna, being a celebrity, has condoned (and sometimes arranged) press moments for her career and can't now decide to have privacy but this is a child who deserves some anonimity and caution. I just hope this is resolved soon and this because a private, family story.

Michele Cheplic (37339) 17 May 2008 06:13 AM

I agree laniesmommy I think Madonna would love to be left alone at this point, but she did make her own bed. So you are right hopefully things will quiet down for the family after the court rules next week.