("Holt International Children's Services" )
"We didn't know about international law. We didn't know about welfare of children, except they are God's children, and they should be cared for."
~Bertha Holt ("Sept. 21st")
Challenges to the goal
To do international adoption, Harry and Bertha Holt needed Congress to pass a special law. Formally called "An Act For the Relief of Certain Korean War Orphans," it was referred to as the Holt Bill. Passed in 1955, the bill allowed the Holts to adopt their eight Amerasian children. The children ranged in age from infancy to three and a half years old (Dewan).
Another challenge for Harry in Korea was learning the Korean culture, language, and law. Also Harry and the eight children he planned to adopt became ill and had to get well before they could go to the United States ("Holt International Children's Services").
After the special law was passed and Harry and the children were well again, they flew to their home in Oregon to join Bertha and the six biological Holt children.
Another challenge for Harry in Korea was learning the Korean culture, language, and law. Also Harry and the eight children he planned to adopt became ill and had to get well before they could go to the United States ("Holt International Children's Services").
After the special law was passed and Harry and the children were well again, they flew to their home in Oregon to join Bertha and the six biological Holt children.