The abrupt closure and bankruptcy filing by a U.S. adoption agency has stunned hundreds of hopeful clients left struggling with the emotional impact and likely loss of thousands of dollars, Reuters reported yesterday. The non-profit Independent Adoption Center of Concord, Calif., closed on Jan. 31 and filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy on Feb. 3. Clients said as many as 800 families may be affected, although the agency has not provided figures. In a statement, the agency blamed fewer potential birth parents than at any point in its 35-year history. Independent Adoption Center's board president, Gregory Kuhl, acknowledged in court papers the hard feelings sparked by the agency's closure, and said families and birth mothers are getting potential referrals.
