As a mother and physician, I believe that Banni wasn't really born disabled. He was neglected. He deteriorated into oblivion once he got back to Belarus. This is horrific.
it's been proven that neglect affects growth enormously. and the improvements shown in just 18 months in a loving family speak to that. if only he could have stayed, i wonder how much independence he could have gotten. but politics got in the way and he had to pay the biggest price. I'm so enraged
This is unforgivable, for those who decided this young soul didn't deserve living a life in love and comfort, instead sentencing him to a life of solitude and nothingness. Shame on them.
Yes why he was forced back to Belarus was a decision that did not take into account his best interests. Which is the only thing that matters. Banni suffered and suffers today because of someone else’s ego.
Especially when you see how happy those kids are just to get some attention....When that boy was clutching his hand, and he pet his hand and said "Good boy", that smile and the light in that boy's face made me tear up
To the person that put a stop to Banni's adoption, shame on you! You ruined his life. Bless this family for their efforts. Thank you for sharing your story.
This was really sad. When he scooted closer to you, I am convinced he remembered you. He probably felt abandoned. No one would have told him what really happened. Breaks my heart. This type of thing should have never happened. It's tragic.
@@LHLK-q2v absolutely agree! Just for his media career. I mean for 15 years they haven't visited Banni once! And Colm didn't even bother to bring him sweets or any souvenir from Ireland. Absolutely disgusted and heartbroken this poor boy had to endure this
Banni’s time with your family was not in vain. He may never have learned to walk if he hadn’t spent so much time with you. Imagine how much better his life is, meager though it may be, because he can walk. ❤💔 God be with you all.
Have you considered the fact that for 15 years (!) Colm was the first one and probably the last one to see Banni?! He didn't even care to bring this poor boy sweets or a warm sweater or something. Nothing! This is what completely breaks my heart
He wouldn't have been allowed to bring anything in front of all the other children. Seeing his foster brother seemed to trigger some emotion deep within Banni. He might not know why but seeing him caused sadness even to bring tears. He may have experienced an awakening of the severe trauma he suffered after being removed from the only family he had ever had.@@matthewmic12345
@@matthewmic12345yeah. He wasn't even willing to see Banni without being able to bring his cameras in. Like it was mainly to bring him a larger audience. Colm looks like he cares but not once have I seen him respond to any comment here or instagram.
I don't think banni was born disabled. He got that way through neglect, and it was miraculous that he started developing again after 6 years of neglect. Usually, once the window is closed, it doesn't open again. But this family's love and kindness made that miracle, and that horrible place took him back and took his chance at independence away. It's absolutely tragic.
Alot of such ppl in belarus and Ukraine are abused. Maybe not this hospital where Banni is, but ive seen alot pschiatric hospitals where things happen, which you dont want to see. Even girls and boys who even doesnt belong there.
@@maiwelsh8025 it may simply have been “acquired autism”, sort of the crude name for signs of extreme infant neglect that look the same as signs of low functioning autism. Mutism or language delays(because no one ever talked to them), poor motor skills(from being confined to a cot), stimming and sterotypy such as rocking back and forth, swaying side to side(in severe neglect cases it begins in infancy as neglected infants begin rocking themselves to self sooth and provide any sort of stimulation). Since the impacts are so long lasting and the child missed out on crucial windows to learn, those symptoms often never fully disappear. Which could make them appear classically autistic, but it could just be the scars of catastrophic neglect. Quite a famous example is Genie the “feral child”, who was locked to a potty chair until ~11 years old. She also appeared profoundly autistic long after being rescued due to the various symptoms of her abuse. But she was reportedly a normal baby with no discernible issues until she was broken by neglect. I can’t help but think Banni I might’ve been the same.
"he's alive" That broke me, no child should just "be alive", they deserve a life full of love and care and fun and play and everything a child his age should wish for !
I know right? That’s the best that they can say about his current life? People on life support are alive too. There’s no adjective for that lost missed opportunity to have a happy life for Banni.
Hello, I'm russian and since I'm native I want to tell what this woman means by saying "alive". So the short story is that kids who physically and mentally (especially) disabled are called "vegetable" or "ovoch" (овощ in russian). This means that you cant interact with them, they express no emotions and don't react to you, just exist. By saying alive she meant that he's capable of something, he can react to (according to this video: sweets) and he'll cover his face with a hand and this is how he express his feelings, so if you say something to him, he'll react, that means "Alive". This lovely woman puts hope in him that he'll stay like that or even better and never become "ovoch". Just wanted to tell you the terms we use here in soviet countries to talk about the disabilities of children. I've been to the orphanage once and unlike other ladies this lovely woman talked very politely, yet honestly about the person's future. ❤
I’m afraid that something awful happens again .. With all those old Russian nuclear weapons in your country, they aren’t safe. They are not technical maintenance. And the war.. so close.. 😢 I wish that those kind of weapons never were made.. 😢 Dear people I wish you the best and hope you’re safe and get a better future for you, all and especially those kids 🫶🏻 We, normal civilians, no matter where we live.. we don’t need wars or those weapons. We only need to be good for each other ❤️
Banni developed so much in his short time in Ireland! You can tell he got much bigger, more mobile, and was making a lot of attempts at speech the way that toddlers do. If he had stayed there, I think he would've flourished. The way Colm kissed him when they got reunited got me so emotional.
The pain Banni carries with him is heartbreaking 😭 I don't understand people can't see what is going on. People may think it is autism or being disabled. But this is actually what neglected and abandoned children look and behave like...
I think they understand, they just don't care. Embarrassingly primitive, barbaric creatures we are. We kill and torture and hate in the name of whatever God we were brainwashed about. We think we're smart because we have some technology, but we do nothing to protect and care for our children. We are selfish, terrible creatures destroying this planet and each other. We must be the change we wish to see in the world. I'm going to go spread love and kindness in my community right now. Tag, you're it.
Very sad. The only thing I can think of is maybe the institution is greedy. Who knows what kind of money they were receiving to take care of these children. The fact that they didn’t want these defects passed down to more people so they were keeping them isolated. Banni seemed normal when he was with the Irish family. They provided a very loving and nourishing environment and should have been able to adopt him. He was taken from his family twice which would’ve caused major post traumatic syndrome. He was definitely under stimulated.
I’m disabled extremely disabled and I would have been a kid like him if my parents did not fight as hard as they did to keep me and get me the care they knew I not only needed but deserved. I cannot walk, or even hold my head up. I lay flat on my back 24/7 and to a lot of people I was considered hopeless and useless but my parents saw what I could be and fought for my right to be that and I am so thankful to them and am thankful for parents like your parents and people like you who are still fighting for the disabled because we are worth the fight 🙏
You’re probably living proof, of how love and attention can improve a life. Kudos to your beautiful parents, in loving you the way a parent should love their child, disability or not. Bless you ❤️
I'm right there with you I think he remembered him and I think in Banni's mine you know they took him there and they deserted him they left him there and walked away he doesn't understand that they fought for years trying to get him and he is heartbroken
I also believe he remembered. He would absolutely remember the happiest years of his life. He would have felt the heartbreak of being separated from his ‘family’, as much as they did. So terribly sad, that someone in power, had him removed from these wonderful people. Be proud Colm, that you and your family did all they could, but were thwarted by someone who couldn’t have cared less.
I don't think he remembered he may have been 6 but was socially delayed for his age and so his development was not of a 6 year old when he lived with them briefly. Also even if it was through neglect and abuse, his regressed development as a 21 year old shows he doesn't have much understanding or communication let alone remember someone who was back then his adoptive child brother. I say this as I'm a SEN lawyer and also a close doting aunt to my 5 year old nephew and I am his caregiver each weekend he has ASD and ADHD. So I know a fair bit about SEN.
I’m a 52 year old American man with almost 20 years of Law Enforcement experience. I’ve watched this video so many times over the past year that I’ve honestly lost count but I’m man enough to confess that I cry EVERY TIME! Your family doesn’t tell people how to love, you show us! I pray for you, your family and Banni daily! ❤
The last request to see Banni, broke my heart... maybe i looked forward on you seeing banni one last time, i cried and cried i know how it feels... i bought a big home, to help out kids asking for help... i raised 162 kids looking for a better tomorrow, i home school every one... i now have 7 more kids and i am 65 years old... i am very happy carrying for kids asking for help...
You are a literal angel. I've promised myself that once I have a steady home and everything I'm going to take in children in need so they will get the life they deserve
Absolutely heart wrenching. Banny deserved his family, his future would have been so different 😞 he actually regressed over time, I’m sitting here just sobbing as this is the realty for thousands of children and adults across the globe…. The human race is honestly a lost cause if this is how we treat our most vulnerable. Disgusting
Could not have said it better 💔😔 Pure evil. They provided no explanation. Clearly it was hateful Belarus, corrupt to the core, punishing Ireland for exposing the inhumane treatment of these innocent souls. They were horrendously cruel pretending the adoption was being finalized and lying, they conned them into returning the little boy. I would try to sue that govt through the human rights courts in Europe. He's of age now, I would have just taken him home!! He's not a prisoner. I was surprised Colm didn't attempt it. Maybe they thought he would, hence no more visits allowed. I had a feeling that would happen. They are one of the most corrupt countries on the planet. I just feel heart broken & bewildered for the children and those suffering due to the accident. I have a feeling they wouldn't be treated a whole lot better in the US either, as our best & most innocent get treated the worst. Evil is universal.
Banni 100% wasn’t born disabled, look how much he improved in a loving home, yet when he went back to the orphanage he reverted, it seems like he’s the way he is due to neglect, no one pushing him in the right direction, instead they just let him sit & rot his brain away becoming a mindless shell of a human… it’s very sad. I’ve read a lot about Chernobyl babies & doctors pretending they had issues, sent the unwanted kids to orphanages & when people wanted to adopt them they’d refuse because of the fact when the child would begin to develop it would prove the doctors were lying & that the children were just neglected, not mentally and/or physically challenged. There was a whole documentary on it, I just can’t remember what the name of it was. This is the same situation I feel may have happened here.
So sad. They seem not to have wanted to allow the adoption simply to hide how much some of those children could improve and how much potential they really had. While he was with his family he was monumentally improved and then to see how severely regressed he was as an adult was heartbreaking. It shows the failure of the institution that just wants to hide them and forget they exist. Thank God for the volunteers. Just because a person is handicapped or disabled doesn't mean they don't have potential.
I see that too. It’s like they don’t want to see how beautiful the lives of these children can become because it’ll reflect how bad the facility was and seems still is.
@@EmpowHer23 Members of my family did voluntary work in Belarus. Irish people were working towards getting better facilities for the children. There were massive fundraising events and much-needed goods were donated.
Must be so hard for that priest to devote so many years to those children because it would be very much their way or the highway and personally I wouldn’t be able to shut my mouth!
21:01 Did anyone else get the unsettling feeling that the "immaculate" girls' dormitory rooms shown on the "tour" of the orphanage were just for show? The pretty pink bedspreads, the perfect, frilly curtains -- it didn’t look like anyone LIVES there, least of all severely disabled kids. I suspect it was all propaganda. He didn’t see the rooms where the children REALLY sleep.
of course it was.....along with the "administrator" following every move, so no one went anywhere they weren't supposed to go, the threat of the KGB.......all about control, down to the blocking of the adoption. the idea that Banni was "better off" there than with a loving family that WANTED him is ludicrous. no one in their right mind would think that. "No thanks, we'll just keep him here where he will suffer for the rest of his life." innocent citizens suffering at the hands of government pride, as usual.
I live in New York State and I just came across this video. I cried. My youngest daughter is adopted from China. When we adopted her she had similar needs to those of your Banni. She was younger but just like Banni was able to develop and come out her shell and learn new things with us. She talked, walked and met milestones later than most children and with therapy but met them all and even later ran track and played soccer on her high school team. Thank God we never had to “send her back”. I would have resisted at every turn. She’s 22 now and has autism but is independent with just a little help and attends a college program at Syracuse University for those with autism and other disabilities. My heart aches for Banni and what could have been. I so wish you could get him out now.
My heart is so broken. The pain he must have felt when he was taken. Being so confused, not understanding why he could not be with the people who made him happy. It’s heart wrenching. I can’t help but being so angry. I can’t imagine how your family feels. Words can’t even express it.
Oh poor Banni. He went from a laughing 6 year old to a quiet sad young man :'( it breaks my heart imagining how much better his life could have been if it wasn't for that idiot doctor. I wonder if he recognised Colm or not but if the mom walked in I bet he would have recognised her. Poor guy, he must have been heartbroken when they left him at the orphanage and not understood why they had to leave him there :'((
The lights in Bannis eye’s seem to have went off after years of being in the orphanage again. He really seemed to come alive whilst with your family in Ireland. Such a heartbreaking story for everyone involved.
I see it on Banni’s face and in his actions…. My heart is so shattered for everyone involved…. Banni remembers you, he’s sad and hurt because he doesn’t and didn’t understand why you guys left him….. And due to the neglect- he is fully non verbal………. Stuck in hurt emotions…… At the age of 6 those memories are there…. 😭😭😭😭😭 I’m literally so torn up about this….
If I were Banni I would be so angry at Colm for not having visited me once in 15 years or volunteered at the orphanage like other Irish people. I wouldn't want to see him nor his family. This kid has been separated twice from his family and then all of a sudden Colm turns up for a documentary. Absolutely disgusting
Colm, you made a beautiful pilgrimage to revisit your little lost brother. We viewers shed holy tears-the angel-water that pours from the broken beauty of our sorrow and our love….. And so we thank you for making us a little wiser and hopefully a whole of pay-it-forward kinder….God bless you and your lovely, lovely family.❤💔✝
@@LHLK-q2v I'm so glad there are people like you who see through Colm's selfish (in)actions. I have never been so disgusted by a journalist like him. Not even by the guy who interviewed Lady Di.
This is the saddest & cruelest thing I've ever seen. What a waste of a life for no good reason. That Belarus lawyer not showing up to see you was very selfish & mean. She knew that you traveled all that way to see both Banni & her. Being ignored or given "the silent treatment" is highly abusive & narcissistic behavior.
I full on cried when you met him again for the first time. It’s not fair. He should’ve been with you guys, he would have been happier and maybe even developed way way better. Like the woman said ‘he is alive’, yes, but not living. As he was at your place
I am just shocked beyond belief. What on earth did they stand to achieve by blocking the adoption of this little boy into a beautiful caring & loving family??? His little heart would have broken that moment when he was returned thinking he was being deserted. betrayed and abandoned. No wonder he has regressed and not flourished. The Lawyer was probably threatened into not seeing Colm unfortunately. This whole story is Horrifying, soul destroying and Wrong in every way. May God Bless Banny and all the other poor Souls caught up in this system .
You can see the recognition in Banni's eyes and then his heartbreak when Colm leaves. He covers his eyes. Maybe as Irene said you have to hope for Banni.
The reason he regressed is because there are to many children in that orphanage and not many staff so they don't have the time to give each child the time they deserve to flourish. To improve their abilities.
It's all about money. Period!! EVERY person involved, even the judge demands bribes. Then they try n stop adoption because the institution is given money for each child in it by government. There is also money from "renting" children out to pds. Ukraine n Russia are a sick society too!!!
I cried throughout this and when he asked what he'd say to his family about Banni and she said he's alive. My heart broke. Horrendous, horrendous people. No child deserves this😢
Banni's story is devastating, knowing all the love, happiness, security he could have had and wasn't allowed to. Seeing him as an adult with the frailty of a child, expressionless eyes, It makes me sick. He deserved to be cared for by a loving family, It's beyond cruel to have taken away his only chance at a better life. I can't imagine the shock for the adoptive parents to see Banni like this.
They didn't reach out nor visit him in 15 years. Do you really believe that they care(d)? And then out of the blue Colm pops up with a camera but no sweets or any gifts. That's what really is devastating!
@@matthewmic12345 yes I am sure they really loved Banny. Why they didn't visit him in 15 Years? I think they knew it would rip open his wounds of not have being adopted He didn't really know what was going on why he was left by his beloved family An how should they have explained him he can't come with them even if they loved him?
He was so happy with his adotive family. He was progressing so well. WHY? Why would they take him away from the love and attention he needed?! Disgusting.😮
@@powderandpaint14 No. That they chose to keep these orphans only to continue to neglect them rather than send them to another country where families genuinely wanted them is NOT understandable-not whatsoever. It’s pure selfishness and cruelty.
@@vdussaut9182it is not understandable how someone could be so cruel…. But there is a reason that is to be acknowledged! The former soviet states don’t want their children over in the "west" there are countless of cases where something similar happened and it is honestly so sad! But what do you expect from these states? They don’t protect their children rights… especially in those times. Children are worth less over there sadly and that’s why there are also a lot of cases where mothers were told their children were dead… just for the hospital staff to sell them all over the world to parents who paid good money for them. It’s not about the children to them (and let’s be honest to most governments!) it’s about the money or political gain.
Well to any human being looking at this footage, it is clear that an exception should have been made for him to be adopted. But there were no humans looking at his papers, only monsters who valued their pride and the money over the happy life of a human being.
He recognized you when you did little kisses in his cheek, he looked into your eyes, then he cried. The government there has no compassion. There’s nothing you can do but to pray for him. With the Russian/Ukraine war, perhaps that change will allow you to see him again and maybe bring him home, if that is what you want. My prayers are with you, your family and Banni.
Didn't you see how Banni tried to cover his face with his arm several times? You should pray for Banni only and not for people who never bothered to visit this poor boy in 15 years when there is an Irish volunteer program at the orphanage they could have joined.
I don’t know if you know how important a documentary this is for worldwide advocation of the loving treatment and developmental education of disabled children and adults. They are us. We are all affected by the care we receive starting at a young age and throughout our lives. I’m so sorry for how your story with your brother Banni has ended up. Thank you for this documentary. I hope the future holds hope for you and your family. You never know what change can come about.
My parents tried to adopt a girl from Belarus, she'd been coming to us for years but they were told they were too old but yet my parents were only in their early 40s! She came for about 8 years, every summer and Christmas. Was awful sending her back, knowing what she was going back to!! She now has 2 children of her own but such a sad upbringing she had plus all the others. She was one of the lucky ones to get out of the orphanage. It was so great to see her every year
Bani’s condition is horrendous!!! This is evil and inhumane. He deserves love and affection, just like all if the children from the nuclear accident. I hope there’s a brighter future with adoption for these children.
I can't help but think someone is hiding their own sin by preventing Banni from adoption. The fact his mother was institutionalized and pregnant with him... and the father is honestly unknown, that seems extremely fishy. It is disgusting they prevented him from life in a happy loving family. Disgusting. Who knows what lies were whispered to him "see they didn't want you, they never came back." 😢
you don't understand. They don't care about them. But at the same time, they so against West and foreigners, that they will never allow for these kids to leave.
On what grounds did those people demand to be have him back? And if his mother was mentally ill, who gave permission for him to leave the country in the first place? Why werenthosen permissions rescinded and by whom? Why would someone not prefer a child to be adopted vs staying in some nasty, underfunded sinkhole of an orphanage?
I’ve never forgotten Banny from when i first saw this story a few years ago. Breaks my heart 💔😭 May there please be a bright future for Banny yet 🙏🏼❤️💝😔
You're supposed to PAY the officials. That's why they gave him a little bit of time inside and told him to come back the next day. So he could bring "gifts". Also why they mentioned that Banni likes "gifts". Ahem, everyone likes gifts...
This absolutely broke my heart. All those beautiful kids that could've gone to loving homes abroad, but who were held back by cruel bureaucrats and politicians. Seeing the comparison footage of him as a happy little boy making progress to the nonverbal, frail, seemingly unhappy young man is just tragic. We will never know what could have been, but I can pretty much guarantee it would be worlds better than what the Government of Belarus sentenced him to.
What a beautiful little boy! So happy and laughing! And those deep sad eyes in older Banni. I am so sorry that your family was denied adoption, and that they barely allowed you to see him. 😞 Poor Banni. Life is so unfair.😢
This is to sad to watch.Banni started to act like a healthy boy in that family .and now he is when he first came to them.what in the hell could they not leave him with that lovely family?cant watch this 😢
This documentary was originally made in 2016 and there's been little to no updates about this. The most I can find is a Facebook post from 2021 saying that Banni has been moved to an adult asylum. I really hope he is okay.
what updates were you expecting? they were obviously uncomfortable with the attention this film directed to them, they wouldn't even let the brother come back again ... and yet you're sitting there expecting updates??
He is still the same but neglected in an adult asylum now. He went from a quiet little boy shut down to a little boy who was living life. He had a loving environment that he was thriving in but whoever decided that something was wrong with his mom as they wanted to adopt him. No nothing wrong she saw a child not someone to be discarded and ignored due to his lack of development. Sad.
Children in these programs are almost always returned to their home countries because the government agreements break down. It has nothing to do with the orphanage or the mother or anything else.
I’m so sad that he didn’t get to see Bani again. What a huge difference the family in Ireland made for this sweet boy. It’s so sad to see how his beautiful smiling face has reverted back to the sad and scared chap that he is now. It shows what love can do.
This broke my heart, Banni had such potential, he’s just regressed due to lack of love and attention, shame on whoever blocked this adoption, and definitely shame on the director of Banni’s institution, clearly he’s not a good guy, and only looking out for his self it seems.
WHAT a crime ... to deny this boy the love of a good, loving family. He would be a completely different person had they been able to keep him. Just tragic.
Sobbed through this. What can we do to help change the lives of these children? My heart is broken. The videos of Banni living in Ireland hurt to watch. I believe it was neglect that caused his disability. Your family are wonderful humans. I’m sorry he was taken from you.
Wonderful humans who haven't reached out to Banni in 15 years when they could have volunteered at the orphanage with the Irish mission or sent gifts or sweets to Banni when they knew that Colm was finally visiting this poor boy? Yeah, really wonderful humans. Absolutely disgusting
I'm in tears and absolutely devastated for this poor child. It's not the first time I've watched this video. How he kept his composure when he finally met Banni I've no idea, I think I would have lost it. How some countries treat disability is shameful 😢
They didn't bother to even try I was shocked I thought this guy was going to start something sort of proses to get the boy back but no just made money on this video
If it were that easy, i bet he wouldve been yup, youre coming home with me and heres your ticket. But sadly its not that easy. The Belarussian government would rather keep these kids with disabilities to have a "population number" in their country. And these orphanages want these kids so that way they can make money.
I’m just 7 minutes in but already googling and find hosting Ukrainian orphan for 4-5 weeks during summer. I need to do more research but this is something I’d like to do!! I am Japanese but married to Ukrainian husband. We have two children half Japanese and Ukrainian of ours and we’d love to host some orphans for their experience and being the bridge for potential adopt families. Thank you for giving me the new insight to help children in need.
This is a lovely idea. In Ireland,there is a big culture of Belorussian / Ukrainian children from near the Chernobyl disaster site staying with host families in the summer. I remember meeting Ukrainian girls around my age who were staying with my neighbours. A famous Belorussian who stayed in Ireland in her youth was Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and that's where she learned to speak English. So you could make a real difference to someone's life and health:)
Oh god. I want to weep for Banni, for who he could have become. It’s a small comfort, but it IS a comfort, that he felt love. For however short a time, he felt the sunlight on his face as part of your family. Bless his soul
My heart broke once they were finally reunited. Banni was failed by his government 💔. Seeing the videos of him as a child compared to him now made me cry, he finally had love and happiness and good care it was stripped from him because the doctor didn't believe anyone could love a disabled child. Just absolutely devastating. And the girl in pink that Colm held, who smiled at the camera, was so adorable I fell in love with her instantly 😭💔 I wish I had the resources to help these people and children.
Oh, poor, poor Banni. He visibly regressed after he went back to Belarus. This is heartbreaking. He could have had that love he knew in Ireland for his whole life, and it was ripped away from him.
I cant stop re-watching those home videos. That part where he rolls off the top of the couch when his dad prwtends to be asleep and hes just laughing hysterically. Something my son would do.
This video deserves to been seen by everyone this randomly came up in my recommendeds and even though I am very sensitive to child neglect and mental institutions I could tell informative and important this video was. Thank you for showing the truth. and in history it shows when they don't let you film that bad shit is happening that's just the truth. It's absolutely so incriminating they didn't let you film or see him again. (This video brought me to tears many times💜)
@@LHLK-q2vThey can, actually in some circumstances. For instance in many US states I’d you had a child placed with you as a foster child, you can later adopt them as an adult. There are some places where adult adoption is absolutely a thing. However the legalities of adopting an adult from Belarus would be terribly grim.
My youngest son has special needs and I’m so grateful that God has brought him into our family., that I was chosen to be his mommy. That he’s been surrounded by so many family members who love and support him. My heart goes out to those without parents, blessings to those who volunteer here with wonderful intentions and who actually love them beyond a paycheck. GOD BLESS!!
I have special needs due to my autism and other diagnosis. Im very grateful for my parents love and understanding. Also my little brother is my hearo for risking his friendships because he insistet that they include me too. That was totally his decision and not that of my parents. I graduated with a bachelor degree last fall, which shows that with a helping family and the right care and understanding, people can overcome many things 😊
@@Kessik8 That is wonderful. My other two sons also included their little brother when growing up. God bless you and your family. Keep pushing forward, follow your dreams and never give up. 🙏
My grandmother was a houseparent at a children’s home that housed over 100 kids - newborn to age 17. Every single child in the home was unadoptable because a parent/s or other family member had legal custody and refused to let them be adopted, always saying they’d come get them one day, which rarely ever happened. My parents wanted to adopt a 12-year old boy who’d been there since he was two, but his grandmother refused because he was her “blood”. My aunt and uncle were also houseparents when a newborn little boy was dropped off. Long story short, it took them over seven years to get legal custody of him, even though neither of his parents had ever come to see him or stay in touch. All they’d done year after year, for seven years was fill out paperwork stating the arrangement was “temporary” and they had no intention of relinquishing custody.
What a heartbreaking story. Thank you for sharing this, Colm Flynn. Thank you and your family for the time you spent with Banni, taking care of him and loving him
Yeah, and thank you for not reaching out to him in 15 years and all of a sudden pop up with a camera for selfish purposes and not even care to bring sweets
Colm….you are a beautiful person. So sad that Banni couldn’t grow up with you and your family. I’m sure it would have made a big difference to Banni’s life. ❤️❤️
Hi Colm, don't give up on Banni, I personally think you needed an interpreter back in Belrus and people were calling him Vania. The camera made everyone uncomfortable. This was incredible painful to watch , so many years passed by and even after this long you have tried. I wish from all my heart something can be done. Please don't give up, don't let him there 🙏
I'm so glad that your family was able to give Bani so much love. It is heartbreaking to see him now. He was denied being able to be part of your family, a family who obviously loved him so much. Whoever stopped this adoption is a criminal in my eyes.
Cet histoire m’a énormément touché, l’impact sur Banny qui a régressé dans ce milieu hostile après avoir connu l’amour. Dans ses yeux on voit la peur , la tristesse, l’abandon. Ils ont brisé aussi la famillle qui avait plein d’amour à lui donner , ce sont des criminels
The love and kindness of Banny’s Irish family shows what the power of love can achieve. Although Banny’s time with his Irish family was limited, he has at least experienced being loved and cherished. I echo what so many other commentators have said, it’s just so heartbreakingly sad for Banny that his life is so limited now. I have so much respect for people who try and make a positive difference to this world. Change always takes time but as we’ve seen, love is the most powerful force in the world.
i think he did recognize you because he kept putting his head down in his arm , he probably doesnt understand that it wasnt you guys who didnt want to keep him, all he understood was that you guys returned him and im sorry if it upsets you, i think its really messed up that the orphage ppl only let you see him when they thought you had treats or was going to give them something. also, orphanages hang on to every single person they can because they get paid for every single person.
That's not exactly how it works in European countries. In the United States, yes. Social welfare and medical care is government subsidized. There isn't money to be made off of these people. These sorts of asylum were created not to help but to hide. Remember that this is looking at another culture with your own cultural lens.
يا الهي كم يبدو غاضب في داخله وحزين ..لقد بكيت من اجله بحرقة لقد فطر وحرق قلبي كثيرا ..لقد كان سعيدا ومرحا في صغره عند العائلة ..كيف انقلبت حالته بهذا السوء هكذا
This has me sobbing like a baby. Seeing Banni so…lifeless… Seeing such cruelty to disabled individuals is so horrible. I’m autistic myself so it’s even more heartbreaking. My heart hurts for these children and young adults. I hope things change for them for the better.
I watched this numerous times and I can’t imagine not being able to bring your brother home. It’s heartbreaking knowing there is a family that loves him and wants him back.
He was neglected, but doubly so because he knew- absolutely KNEW- what a real, happy life was like and it was ripped away from him. So I think he fell much further than others because of sadness and grief he could not reconcile. He didn’t know why he was abandoned to that awful, terrible place. He could only have thought it was his fault? God….what a heart wrenching story. I almost wish I didn’t know this….😢
The Director of that place needs to be REPORTED!! Refusing to let ex family come visit! That place needs investigated, absolutely despicable behavior! I pray for every individual in that place. 🙏
Heartbreaking story. Normal children in orphanages go to the point where they rocking themselves to sleep and people who come there are restricted to show them even a little bit of affection so children don't get used. Therefore for the boy like Banni life in orphanage definitely ruined him even more. It will always be a thing to guess what person he would be now if he stayed in Ireland with your family. Most likely that conditions in orphanages are better than it was early 2000's. I hope Banni is around good people now btw I'm from Belarus and about Natalie's call she said to stop calling and something about Natashkin's child so feels like it was a wrong number. Anyways, it's very sad that you had to leave without answering so many questions.
They don't rock themselves to sleep. They rock bcs that's what happens when they get 0 stimulation mentally or physically. So the brain tries to come up with things on it's own to handle the situation.. Hallucinations are another common symptom.. It takes A LOT of neglect before that rocking starts.. so it says A LOT when every child that isn't in a cot, sits & rocks..
Очень печальная история. Люди нелюди, просто кого-то жаба задавила, а чего этот сирота будет жить хорошей жизнью, а мы...не сироты будем тут... Просто слов нет, какая жестокость. А ведь мог бы быть счастливым человеком, судьба дала ему шанс, оказаться в этой семье...и в итоге. Очень больно за парня.
This documentary has proved how much love, care & parenting is important in a child’s life. The Power of love and care can transform anyone’s life. Having family is itself a blessing! We should be always be grateful for our parents, friends & family. I’m deeply saddened to watch Banni being separated from his nurturer(foster parents). And watch him being a malnourished & under confident kid to healthy & jolly kid then again to unhealthy kid.🥺
Poor lady deals with an illness and ass holes. I personally would not put myself out there like that. Brave to try to educate people and take part. I hope she continues being so brave and strong.
The trauma of confining happy Banny from his new found family into a metal cot and then to an orphanage is an unmeasurable crime 😡 Whosoever blocked the adoption is actually the sickest person. I’m so sad for Banny.
Thanks so much for sharing Banni and your family’s story. This was a riveting documentary and very well made. I wish Banni had been able to stay with your family. They who stopped it clearly had the wrong motives
Is there any way you could still fight for Banni to move to Ireland with you? This is so sad he was doing so well with your family.. he’s been neglected
It’s unfortunately not possible since he’s not a minor anymore and he’s most likely declared legally incapacitated. The orphanage/state makes decisions on his behalf and I doubt it includes helping him move to a foreign country…
This made me cry. It is so wrong to neglect and forget about people just because they are different, or labeled as handicapped. Working with disabled people can be some of the most rewarding work done. They have nothing but LOVE to give, and only need someone to love them enough to care for them. It's heartbreaking. These poor kids.
They are deliberately denying Banni attention n love!!! Just sickening! The people running those hell holes have a special hell waiting for them! Banni deserves all the love n happiness he can get! He always did!!!! His family should have ALWAYS had Banni!!!!
I cant watch this. As a mom... To see how this boy was wanted could have thrived... To be instead locked away. It's too painful... It's child abuse. Why didn't they just let him stay let him be adopted. It's an evil thing they did...
He did seem to move closer to him. I'm sure he remembers somewhere, and im sure he remembers the LOSS ....perhaps that is his main sadness . Just because he can't express it doesn't mean he doesn't understand, especially if he's autistic! They tell us all the time when tools are available , they understand
This is criminal! Bannie deserved more! My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved. I think Belarus just didn’t want the embarrassment of what was going on. Blessings and Peace ✝️❤️
As a mother and physician, I believe that Banni wasn't really born disabled. He was neglected. He deteriorated into oblivion once he got back to Belarus. This is horrific.
Maybe he was born with symptoms of pre alzeimers or parkinsons?
@@bumbleiriat31 that's possible but not probable. Neglect is far more common than that.
it's been proven that neglect affects growth enormously. and the improvements shown in just 18 months in a loving family speak to that. if only he could have stayed, i wonder how much independence he could have gotten. but politics got in the way and he had to pay the biggest price. I'm so enraged
I agree.
@@vicsanfiful AMEN!!!🙏🙏🙏
This is unforgivable, for those who decided this young soul didn't deserve living a life in love and comfort, instead sentencing him to a life of solitude and nothingness. Shame on them.
Yes why he was forced back to Belarus was a decision that did not take into account his best interests. Which is the only thing that matters. Banni suffered and suffers today because of someone else’s ego.
@@nitachiquita9988😅
Especially when you see how happy those kids are just to get some attention....When that boy was clutching his hand, and he pet his hand and said "Good boy", that smile and the light in that boy's face made me tear up
They were hateful so wrong
They will answer to God as we all will. May He have mercy on their souls
To the person that put a stop to Banni's adoption, shame on you! You ruined his life. Bless this family for their efforts. Thank you for sharing your story.
Minimal efforts. They literally gave up.
That murderer of a child soul doesn't deserve any joy happiness nor love in this life or world
Special place in hell
Cursed!!!! He should be cursed!
There are laws and procedures to be followed in every country. But some people can only take their feelings into an account..
This was really sad. When he scooted closer to you, I am convinced he remembered you. He probably felt abandoned. No one would have told him what really happened. Breaks my heart. This type of thing should have never happened. It's tragic.
He only “scooted closer” because the girl who sat down nearly sat on him
they never should have gone to find him, they only went for their own selfish purposes
@BiblicalRevivalAcademy garbage, read about the program, get informed you don't go back and bring more trauma to someone when nothing can be done.
@@Tyson13797 and Colm didn't even bother to scoot to the left. Poor Banni was squished
@@LHLK-q2v absolutely agree! Just for his media career. I mean for 15 years they haven't visited Banni once! And Colm didn't even bother to bring him sweets or any souvenir from Ireland. Absolutely disgusted and heartbroken this poor boy had to endure this
Banni’s time with your family was not in vain. He may never have learned to walk if he hadn’t spent so much time with you. Imagine how much better his life is, meager though it may be, because he can walk. ❤💔 God be with you all.
Oh this is such a good point! He learned to walk there and while he lost so much he could still walk
Have you considered the fact that for 15 years (!) Colm was the first one and probably the last one to see Banni?! He didn't even care to bring this poor boy sweets or a warm sweater or something. Nothing! This is what completely
breaks my heart
He wouldn't have been allowed to bring anything in front of all the other children. Seeing his foster brother seemed to trigger some emotion deep within Banni. He might not know why but seeing him caused sadness even to bring tears. He may have experienced an awakening of the severe trauma he suffered after being removed from the only family he had ever had.@@matthewmic12345
@@matthewmic12345yeah. He wasn't even willing to see Banni without being able to bring his cameras in. Like it was mainly to bring him a larger audience. Colm looks like he cares but not once have I seen him respond to any comment here or instagram.
Absolutely heartbreaking.
I don't think banni was born disabled. He got that way through neglect, and it was miraculous that he started developing again after 6 years of neglect. Usually, once the window is closed, it doesn't open again. But this family's love and kindness made that miracle, and that horrible place took him back and took his chance at independence away. It's absolutely tragic.
Maybe. But he's definitely autistic as well.
Alot of such ppl in belarus and Ukraine are abused. Maybe not this hospital where Banni is, but ive seen alot pschiatric hospitals where things happen, which you dont want to see. Even girls and boys who even doesnt belong there.
@@maiwelsh8025 it may simply have been “acquired autism”, sort of the crude name for signs of extreme infant neglect that look the same as signs of low functioning autism. Mutism or language delays(because no one ever talked to them), poor motor skills(from being confined to a cot), stimming and sterotypy such as rocking back and forth, swaying side to side(in severe neglect cases it begins in infancy as neglected infants begin rocking themselves to self sooth and provide any sort of stimulation). Since the impacts are so long lasting and the child missed out on crucial windows to learn, those symptoms often never fully disappear. Which could make them appear classically autistic, but it could just be the scars of catastrophic neglect.
Quite a famous example is Genie the “feral child”, who was locked to a potty chair until ~11 years old. She also appeared profoundly autistic long after being rescued due to the various symptoms of her abuse. But she was reportedly a normal baby with no discernible issues until she was broken by neglect. I can’t help but think Banni I might’ve been the same.
Your joking!!
@@katyalupochev9589 i fully agree, this is so heart breaking
"he's alive"
That broke me, no child should just "be alive", they deserve a life full of love and care and fun and play and everything a child his age should wish for !
❤
I know right? That’s the best that they can say about his current life? People on life support are alive too. There’s no adjective for that lost missed opportunity to have a happy life for Banni.
Hello, I'm russian and since I'm native I want to tell what this woman means by saying "alive". So the short story is that kids who physically and mentally (especially) disabled are called "vegetable" or "ovoch" (овощ in russian). This means that you cant interact with them, they express no emotions and don't react to you, just exist. By saying alive she meant that he's capable of something, he can react to (according to this video: sweets) and he'll cover his face with a hand and this is how he express his feelings, so if you say something to him, he'll react, that means "Alive". This lovely woman puts hope in him that he'll stay like that or even better and never become "ovoch".
Just wanted to tell you the terms we use here in soviet countries to talk about the disabilities of children. I've been to the orphanage once and unlike other ladies this lovely woman talked very politely, yet honestly about the person's future. ❤
@@KisaRUclips I totally agree with you, people should analyze thing critically before overreacting
@@Careuuu thanks🩷
What a story...I am amazed that they would rather keep a young adult unhappy, than give him back to his adoptive parents. Horrible and sad.
He was 7 when they took him back. Still a child.
He was a political pawn. Nothing more.
Thanks for ruining it
@@Lonesome__Dove think they mean now :)
Excessive pride in their country, too proud to accept help from the Irish. Loathsome.
I'm from Belarus. And I'm crying now. Dear Colm and the Flynn family, thank you so much for all your efforts❤ 🙏
Same 😢
Do something please 🙏🏽
I wish you the best!
Zhive Belarus!
I’m afraid that something awful happens again .. With all those old Russian nuclear weapons in your country, they aren’t safe. They are not technical maintenance. And the war.. so close.. 😢
I wish that those kind of weapons never were made.. 😢
Dear people I wish you the best and hope you’re safe and get a better future for you, all and especially those kids 🫶🏻
We, normal civilians, no matter where we live.. we don’t need wars or those weapons. We only need to be good for each other ❤️
@@inge-9280 as someone with family in Russia and Belarus and family we brought here from Ukraine, I would say that this wasn't the right place.
Banni developed so much in his short time in Ireland! You can tell he got much bigger, more mobile, and was making a lot of attempts at speech the way that toddlers do. If he had stayed there, I think he would've flourished. The way Colm kissed him when they got reunited got me so emotional.
The pain Banni carries with him is heartbreaking 😭 I don't understand people can't see what is going on. People may think it is autism or being disabled. But this is actually what neglected and abandoned children look and behave like...
I agree. Having been neglected, loved and then that love taken from him. And with each day hope fading. Absolutely heart wrenching.
They can see, they don’t care
I think they understand, they just don't care. Embarrassingly primitive, barbaric creatures we are. We kill and torture and hate in the name of whatever God we were brainwashed about. We think we're smart because we have some technology, but we do nothing to protect and care for our children. We are selfish, terrible creatures destroying this planet and each other.
We must be the change we wish to see in the world. I'm going to go spread love and kindness in my community right now.
Tag, you're it.
Very sad. The only thing I can think of is maybe the institution is greedy. Who knows what kind of money they were receiving to take care of these children. The fact that they didn’t want these defects passed down to more people so they were keeping them isolated. Banni seemed normal when he was with the Irish family. They provided a very loving and nourishing environment and should have been able to adopt him. He was taken from his family twice which would’ve caused major post traumatic syndrome. He was definitely under stimulated.
Мне кажется, что у мальчика на лице застыла большая обида
I’m disabled extremely disabled and I would have been a kid like him if my parents did not fight as hard as they did to keep me and get me the care they knew I not only needed but deserved. I cannot walk, or even hold my head up. I lay flat on my back 24/7 and to a lot of people I was considered hopeless and useless but my parents saw what I could be and fought for my right to be that and I am so thankful to them and am thankful for parents like your parents and people like you who are still fighting for the disabled because we are worth the fight 🙏
I hope you're still doing good. Prayers to you.
@@helloyall4355 🙏
You’re probably living proof, of how love and attention can improve a life. Kudos to your beautiful parents, in loving you the way a parent should love their child, disability or not. Bless you ❤️
@@debgreen5879 🙏
God bless you! ❤
I think Banni remembered you and was emotional. The way he tucked his head into his arm. This is so sad. These poor people, it's heart breaking.
I'm right there with you I think he remembered him and I think in Banni's mine you know they took him there and they deserted him they left him there and walked away he doesn't understand that they fought for years trying to get him and he is heartbroken
He absolutely remembered. Poor child. His only chance was ripped from him and them. Just heart wrenching.
I also believe he remembered. He would absolutely remember the happiest years of his life. He would have felt the heartbreak of being separated from his ‘family’, as much as they did.
So terribly sad, that someone in power, had him removed from these wonderful people. Be proud Colm, that you and your family did all they could, but were thwarted by someone who couldn’t have cared less.
I don't think he remembered he may have been 6 but was socially delayed for his age and so his development was not of a 6 year old when he lived with them briefly. Also even if it was through neglect and abuse, his regressed development as a 21 year old shows he doesn't have much understanding or communication let alone remember someone who was back then his adoptive child brother. I say this as I'm a SEN lawyer and also a close doting aunt to my 5 year old nephew and I am his caregiver each weekend he has ASD and ADHD. So I know a fair bit about SEN.
We’ll said.
I’m a 52 year old American man with almost 20 years of Law Enforcement experience. I’ve watched this video so many times over the past year that I’ve honestly lost count but I’m man enough to confess that I cry EVERY TIME! Your family doesn’t tell people how to love, you show us! I pray for you, your family and Banni daily! ❤
The last request to see Banni, broke my heart... maybe i looked forward on you seeing banni one last time, i cried and cried i know how it feels... i bought a big home, to help out kids asking for help... i raised 162 kids looking for a better tomorrow, i home school every one... i now have 7 more kids and i am 65 years old... i am very happy carrying for kids asking for help...
ВЯлікій вам дзякуй. Вы моеце вялікае сэрца❤️❤️❤️
You are an angel on earth 💜
You are a literal angel. I've promised myself that once I have a steady home and everything I'm going to take in children in need so they will get the life they deserve
Thank you for being so amazing ❤
Absolutely heart wrenching. Banny deserved his family, his future would have been so different 😞 he actually regressed over time, I’m sitting here just sobbing as this is the realty for thousands of children and adults across the globe…. The human race is honestly a lost cause if this is how we treat our most vulnerable. Disgusting
We are one type of a species even when God has given us all the intelligence we simply can't live in harmony. We fail so dismally in that regard
We are the parasite on this planet
@@mosalethoba5267 It has nothing to do with god and everything to do with human greed and lack of empathy
Could not have said it better 💔😔 Pure evil.
They provided no explanation. Clearly it was hateful Belarus, corrupt to the core, punishing Ireland for exposing the inhumane treatment of these innocent souls. They were horrendously cruel pretending the adoption was being finalized and lying, they conned them into returning the little boy. I would try to sue that govt through the human rights courts in Europe. He's of age now, I would have just taken him home!! He's not a prisoner. I was surprised Colm didn't attempt it. Maybe they thought he would, hence no more visits allowed. I had a feeling that would happen. They are one of the most corrupt countries on the planet. I just feel heart broken & bewildered for the children and those suffering due to the accident. I have a feeling they wouldn't be treated a whole lot better in the US either, as our best & most innocent get treated the worst. Evil is universal.
Jesus is the answer. For God so loved the world that He gave His only son. Whoever believes in Him will have everlasting life.
Banni 100% wasn’t born disabled, look how much he improved in a loving home, yet when he went back to the orphanage he reverted, it seems like he’s the way he is due to neglect, no one pushing him in the right direction, instead they just let him sit & rot his brain away becoming a mindless shell of a human… it’s very sad.
I’ve read a lot about Chernobyl babies & doctors pretending they had issues, sent the unwanted kids to orphanages & when people wanted to adopt them they’d refuse because of the fact when the child would begin to develop it would prove the doctors were lying & that the children were just neglected, not mentally and/or physically challenged. There was a whole documentary on it,
I just can’t remember what the name of it was.
This is the same situation I feel may have happened here.
I agree. Save face for the doctors, keep the fear alive and money $$$$$
Wow, I really hope the people who made this see your comment.
read about the times, at the times they were putting a stop to international adoptions, you are not informed
The government came down on adoptions after psychotic Americans sent the children they adopted back to Russia.
He was born disabled. Why are you saying that? Many kids were healthy; he was not. It doesn't justify his treatment regardless
So sad. They seem not to have wanted to allow the adoption simply to hide how much some of those children could improve and how much potential they really had. While he was with his family he was monumentally improved and then to see how severely regressed he was as an adult was heartbreaking. It shows the failure of the institution that just wants to hide them and forget they exist. Thank God for the volunteers. Just because a person is handicapped or disabled doesn't mean they don't have potential.
The could loose funding from government I'm sure. Some kind of weird power play
I see that too. It’s like they don’t want to see how beautiful the lives of these children can become because it’ll reflect how bad the facility was and seems still is.
@@EmpowHer23 Members of my family did voluntary work in Belarus. Irish people were working towards getting better facilities for the children. There were massive fundraising events and much-needed goods were donated.
Must be so hard for that priest to devote so many years to those children because it would be very much their way or the highway and personally I wouldn’t be able to shut my mouth!
21:01 Did anyone else get the unsettling feeling that the "immaculate" girls' dormitory rooms shown on the "tour" of the orphanage were just for show?
The pretty pink bedspreads, the perfect, frilly curtains -- it didn’t look like anyone LIVES there, least of all severely disabled kids. I suspect it was all propaganda. He didn’t see the rooms where the children REALLY sleep.
Definitely for show.
Masz rację .Na Białorusi do dzisiaj jest wszystko na pokaz
of course it was.....along with the "administrator" following every move, so no one went anywhere they weren't supposed to go, the threat of the KGB.......all about control, down to the blocking of the adoption. the idea that Banni was "better off" there than with a loving family that WANTED him is ludicrous. no one in their right mind would think that. "No thanks, we'll just keep him here where he will suffer for the rest of his life." innocent citizens suffering at the hands of government pride, as usual.
TRUE... Very normal in all Communist countries where all the beautiful things are only for display...
I live in New York State and I just came across this video. I cried. My youngest daughter is adopted from China. When we adopted her she had similar needs to those of your Banni. She was younger but just like Banni was able to develop and come out her shell and learn new things with us. She talked, walked and met milestones later than most children and with therapy but met them all and even later ran track and played soccer on her high school team. Thank God we never had to “send her back”. I would have resisted at every turn. She’s 22 now and has autism but is independent with just a little help and attends a college program at Syracuse University for those with autism and other disabilities. My heart aches for Banni and what could have been. I so wish you could get him out now.
You changed that girls life well done ❤
@@kathleendowner6506 Aww thank you. She changed ours for the best!
My heart is so broken. The pain he must have felt when he was taken. Being so confused, not understanding why he could not be with the people who made him happy. It’s heart wrenching. I can’t help but being so angry. I can’t imagine how your family feels. Words can’t even express it.
It’s beyond words
Oh poor Banni. He went from a laughing 6 year old to a quiet sad young man :'( it breaks my heart imagining how much better his life could have been if it wasn't for that idiot doctor. I wonder if he recognised Colm or not but if the mom walked in I bet he would have recognised her. Poor guy, he must have been heartbroken when they left him at the orphanage and not understood why they had to leave him there :'((
The lights in Bannis eye’s seem to have went off after years of being in the orphanage again. He really seemed to come alive whilst with your family in Ireland. Such a heartbreaking story for everyone involved.
I see it on Banni’s face and in his actions….
My heart is so shattered for everyone involved….
Banni remembers you, he’s sad and hurt because he doesn’t and didn’t understand why you guys left him…..
And due to the neglect- he is fully non verbal……….
Stuck in hurt emotions……
At the age of 6 those memories are there…. 😭😭😭😭😭
I’m literally so torn up about this….
If I were Banni I would be so angry at Colm for not having visited me once in 15 years or volunteered at the orphanage like other Irish people. I wouldn't want to see him nor his family. This kid has been separated twice from his family and then all of a sudden Colm turns up for a documentary. Absolutely disgusting
Colm, you made a beautiful pilgrimage to revisit your little lost brother. We viewers shed holy tears-the angel-water that pours from the broken beauty of our sorrow and our love…..
And so we thank you for making us a little wiser and hopefully a whole of pay-it-forward kinder….God bless you and your lovely, lovely family.❤💔✝
horrible disgusting and painful for his own selfish purposes with nothing to offer Banni
@@LHLK-q2v I'm so glad there are people like you who see through Colm's selfish (in)actions. I have never been so disgusted by a journalist like him. Not even by the guy who interviewed Lady Di.
This is the saddest & cruelest thing I've ever seen. What a waste of a life for no good reason. That Belarus lawyer not showing up to see you was very selfish & mean. She knew that you traveled all that way to see both Banni & her. Being ignored or given "the silent treatment" is highly abusive & narcissistic behavior.
i’m sure the kgb threatened her to stfu.
Heartbreaking
More than likely she had no good justification and speaking to him would only have proven that the wrong decisions for whatever reasons were made.
She may have just been scared. The KGB had gotten involved, and who knows what they had threatened her with.
Most likely someone tipped her off that KGB got involved since it was highly publicized and she ran away.
I full on cried when you met him again for the first time. It’s not fair. He should’ve been with you guys, he would have been happier and maybe even developed way way better. Like the woman said ‘he is alive’, yes, but not living. As he was at your place
I am just shocked beyond belief. What on earth did they stand to achieve by blocking the adoption of this little boy into a beautiful caring & loving family??? His little heart would have broken that moment when he was returned thinking he was being deserted. betrayed and abandoned. No wonder he has regressed and not flourished. The Lawyer was probably threatened into not seeing Colm unfortunately. This whole story is Horrifying, soul destroying and Wrong in every way. May God Bless Banny and all the other poor Souls caught up in this system .
They did it to loads! My parents wanted to adopt but couldn't. She came to us for around 8 years for full summer and Christmas
You can see the recognition in Banni's eyes and then his heartbreak when Colm leaves. He covers his eyes. Maybe as Irene said you have to hope for Banni.
The reason he regressed is because there are to many children in that orphanage and not many staff so they don't have the time to give each child the time they deserve to flourish. To improve their abilities.
It's all about money. Period!! EVERY person involved, even the judge demands bribes. Then they try n stop adoption because the institution is given money for each child in it by government. There is also money from "renting" children out to pds. Ukraine n Russia are a sick society too!!!
I cried throughout this and when he asked what he'd say to his family about Banni and she said he's alive. My heart broke. Horrendous, horrendous people. No child deserves this😢
Banni's story is devastating, knowing all the love, happiness, security he could have had and wasn't allowed to. Seeing him as an adult with the frailty of a child, expressionless eyes, It makes me sick. He deserved to be cared for by a loving family, It's beyond cruel to have taken away his only chance at a better life. I can't imagine the shock for the adoptive parents to see Banni like this.
They didn't reach out nor visit him in 15 years. Do you really believe that they care(d)? And then out of the blue Colm pops up with a camera but no sweets or any gifts. That's what really is devastating!
@@matthewmic12345 yes I am sure they really loved Banny. Why they didn't visit him in 15 Years? I think they knew it would rip open his wounds of not have being adopted
He didn't really know what was going on why he was left by his beloved family
An how should they have explained him he can't come with them even if they loved him?
He was so happy with his adotive family. He was progressing so well. WHY? Why would they take him away from the love and attention he needed?! Disgusting.😮
Oh Banni 😢 it's hard for me to imagine what was going on in the heads of those in charge to believe this was the best outcome for him.
It's understandable in a way that countries wouldn't want children taken to other countries rather than staying in their own country.
@@powderandpaint14True.
@@powderandpaint14 No. That they chose to keep these orphans only to continue to neglect them rather than send them to another country where families genuinely wanted them is NOT understandable-not whatsoever. It’s pure selfishness and cruelty.
@@vdussaut9182it is not understandable how someone could be so cruel…. But there is a reason that is to be acknowledged!
The former soviet states don’t want their children over in the "west" there are countless of cases where something similar happened and it is honestly so sad! But what do you expect from these states? They don’t protect their children rights… especially in those times. Children are worth less over there sadly and that’s why there are also a lot of cases where mothers were told their children were dead… just for the hospital staff to sell them all over the world to parents who paid good money for them. It’s not about the children to them (and let’s be honest to most governments!) it’s about the money or political gain.
Well to any human being looking at this footage, it is clear that an exception should have been made for him to be adopted. But there were no humans looking at his papers, only monsters who valued their pride and the money over the happy life of a human being.
This absolutely breaks my heart!!! I wish I could take him... The sorrow in his eyes pierces my soul. I pray he is ok.
He recognized you when you did little kisses in his cheek, he looked into your eyes, then he cried. The government there has no compassion. There’s nothing you can do but to pray for him. With the Russian/Ukraine war, perhaps that change will allow you to see him again and maybe bring him home, if that is what you want. My prayers are with you, your family and Banni.
Belarus is its own country and not part of Russia.
@@singingstars5006 I'd say it pretends to be.
he is an adult he is not going anywhere and this was selfish and hurtful on their part
Didn't you see how Banni tried to cover his face with his arm several times? You should pray for Banni only and not for people who never bothered to visit this poor boy in 15 years when there is an Irish volunteer program at the orphanage they could have joined.
The look in Banni' s eyes now compared to when he was little was just heartbreaking 😢
This is so heartbreaking. There is no explanation for the cruel decision to deny Banni a loving family.
There is no explanation why Colm and his family never reached out to him or visit as volunteers with the Irish program in 15 years
I don’t know if you know how important a documentary this is for worldwide advocation of the loving treatment and developmental education of disabled children and adults. They are us. We are all affected by the care we receive starting at a young age and throughout our lives. I’m so sorry for how your story with your brother Banni has ended up. Thank you for this documentary. I hope the future holds hope for you and your family. You never know what change can come about.
My parents tried to adopt a girl from Belarus, she'd been coming to us for years but they were told they were too old but yet my parents were only in their early 40s! She came for about 8 years, every summer and Christmas. Was awful sending her back, knowing what she was going back to!! She now has 2 children of her own but such a sad upbringing she had plus all the others. She was one of the lucky ones to get out of the orphanage. It was so great to see her every year
My heart broke at the child who flinched when the lady was picking him up. That was horrific
Bani’s condition is horrendous!!! This is evil and inhumane. He deserves love and affection, just like all if the children from the nuclear accident. I hope there’s a brighter future with adoption for these children.
I can't help but think someone is hiding their own sin by preventing Banni from adoption. The fact his mother was institutionalized and pregnant with him... and the father is honestly unknown, that seems extremely fishy. It is disgusting they prevented him from life in a happy loving family. Disgusting.
Who knows what lies were whispered to him "see they didn't want you, they never came back." 😢
The father was probably one of the employees of the asylum......
I agree
you don't understand. They don't care about them. But at the same time, they so against West and foreigners, that they will never allow for these kids to leave.
@@jlapienkoit's almost like they get 💲 for institutionalizing ppl and having orphanages for the disabled 🙄
On what grounds did those people demand to be have him back? And if his mother was mentally ill, who gave permission for him to leave the country in the first place? Why werenthosen permissions rescinded and by whom? Why would someone not prefer a child to be adopted vs staying in some nasty, underfunded sinkhole of an orphanage?
I’ve never forgotten Banny from when i first saw this story a few years ago. Breaks my heart 💔😭 May there please be a bright future for Banny yet 🙏🏼❤️💝😔
Amen
You're supposed to PAY the officials. That's why they gave him a little bit of time inside and told him to come back the next day. So he could bring "gifts". Also why they mentioned that Banni likes "gifts". Ahem, everyone likes gifts...
Yeah he kinda missed this. If he had a local explaining him how to proceed with the officials there it would really help
This absolutely broke my heart. All those beautiful kids that could've gone to loving homes abroad, but who were held back by cruel bureaucrats and politicians. Seeing the comparison footage of him as a happy little boy making progress to the nonverbal, frail, seemingly unhappy young man is just tragic. We will never know what could have been, but I can pretty much guarantee it would be worlds better than what the Government of Belarus sentenced him to.
What a beautiful little boy! So happy and laughing!
And those deep sad eyes in older Banni. I am so sorry that your family was denied adoption, and that they barely allowed you to see him. 😞
Poor Banni. Life is so unfair.😢
This is to sad to watch.Banni started to act like a healthy boy in that family .and now he is when he first came to them.what in the hell could they not leave him with that lovely family?cant watch this 😢
This documentary was originally made in 2016 and there's been little to no updates about this. The most I can find is a Facebook post from 2021 saying that Banni has been moved to an adult asylum. I really hope he is okay.
You know he isn't.
@@saraschneider6781 I know. I know...
what updates were you expecting? they were obviously uncomfortable with the attention this film directed to them, they wouldn't even let the brother come back again ... and yet you're sitting there expecting updates??
He is still the same but neglected in an adult asylum now. He went from a quiet little boy shut down to a little boy who was living life. He had a loving environment that he was thriving in but whoever decided that something was wrong with his mom as they wanted to adopt him. No nothing wrong she saw a child not someone to be discarded and ignored due to his lack of development. Sad.
Children in these programs are almost always returned to their home countries because the government agreements break down. It has nothing to do with the orphanage or the mother or anything else.
I’m so sad that he didn’t get to see Bani again. What a huge difference the family in Ireland made for this sweet boy. It’s so sad to see how his beautiful smiling face has reverted back to the sad and scared chap that he is now. It shows what love can do.
I bawled watching this. This poor kid. All those poor kids. I've wanted to adopt since I was a child myself, but this is just heartbreaking.
This is a horrible story he would’ve been a normal kid. Had he been left in Ireland. I am crying through this whole video.
This broke my heart, Banni had such potential, he’s just regressed due to lack of love and attention, shame on whoever blocked this adoption, and definitely shame on the director of Banni’s institution, clearly he’s not a good guy, and only looking out for his self it seems.
WHAT a crime ... to deny this boy the love of a good, loving family. He would be a completely different person had they been able to keep him. Just tragic.
Sobbed through this. What can we do to help change the lives of these children? My heart is broken. The videos of Banni living in Ireland hurt to watch. I believe it was neglect that caused his disability. Your family are wonderful humans. I’m sorry he was taken from you.
Wonderful humans who haven't reached out to Banni in 15 years when they could have volunteered at the orphanage with the Irish mission or sent gifts or sweets to Banni when they knew that Colm was finally visiting this poor boy? Yeah, really wonderful humans. Absolutely disgusting
Sobbing. The dogs had to come comfort me. It was so distressing seeing him in the orphanage.
I'm in tears and absolutely devastated for this poor child. It's not the first time I've watched this video. How he kept his composure when he finally met Banni I've no idea, I think I would have lost it.
How some countries treat disability is shameful 😢
It's shameful how Colm didn't even bother to bring him gifts let alone sweets but instead a camera for media attention.
he is not a child. he is 21.
@FrogsLikeFruitSnacks moronic and useless comment
Banni should be with you and your family! This is heartbreaking, I’m so sorry. ❤️
They didn't bother to even try I was shocked I thought this guy was going to start something sort of proses to get the boy back but no just made money on this video
If it were that easy, i bet he wouldve been yup, youre coming home with me and heres your ticket. But sadly its not that easy. The Belarussian government would rather keep these kids with disabilities to have a "population number" in their country. And these orphanages want these kids so that way they can make money.
@@dawnegan3984 He's 21 now, not a kid that can be adopted.
@@dawnegan3984you sat here and watched a whole video about the situation where it mentions reasons why they couldn't and you still said that?.....
@@run8196 This film is from 2016, so Banni is about 28.
I’m just 7 minutes in but already googling and find hosting Ukrainian orphan for 4-5 weeks during summer.
I need to do more research but this is something I’d like to do!!
I am Japanese but married to Ukrainian husband. We have two children half Japanese and Ukrainian of ours and we’d love to host some orphans for their experience and being the bridge for potential adopt families. Thank you for giving me the new insight to help children in need.
what a beautiful family you must have! best wishes to you
This is a lovely idea. In Ireland,there is a big culture of Belorussian / Ukrainian children from near the Chernobyl disaster site staying with host families in the summer. I remember meeting Ukrainian girls around my age who were staying with my neighbours. A famous Belorussian who stayed in Ireland in her youth was Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and that's where she learned to speak English. So you could make a real difference to someone's life and health:)
I wish you all the luck.
Oh god. I want to weep for Banni, for who he could have become.
It’s a small comfort, but it IS a comfort, that he felt love. For however short a time, he felt the sunlight on his face as part of your family. Bless his soul
My heart broke once they were finally reunited. Banni was failed by his government 💔. Seeing the videos of him as a child compared to him now made me cry, he finally had love and happiness and good care it was stripped from him because the doctor didn't believe anyone could love a disabled child. Just absolutely devastating.
And the girl in pink that Colm held, who smiled at the camera, was so adorable I fell in love with her instantly 😭💔 I wish I had the resources to help these people and children.
Imagine to lose your family who actually treated you like a human being, twice!😢
Inhumane. Now a severely damaged person. He’s lost for ever.
the home videos kiiilled me 😭you can see the amount of love they had for him
Oh, poor, poor Banni. He visibly regressed after he went back to Belarus. This is heartbreaking. He could have had that love he knew in Ireland for his whole life, and it was ripped away from him.
I cant stop re-watching those home videos. That part where he rolls off the top of the couch when his dad prwtends to be asleep and hes just laughing hysterically. Something my son would do.
This video deserves to been seen by everyone this randomly came up in my recommendeds and even though I am very sensitive to child neglect and mental institutions I could tell informative and important this video was. Thank you for showing the truth. and in history it shows when they don't let you film that bad shit is happening that's just the truth. It's absolutely so incriminating they didn't let you film or see him again. (This video brought me to tears many times💜)
Banni knew......when he put his head in his arm, that spoke volumes
Please keep trying to adopt him even though he is an adult. Publicity is the best weapon. Don't give up.
adults cannot be adopted
@@LHLK-q2vThey can, actually in some circumstances. For instance in many US states I’d you had a child placed with you as a foster child, you can later adopt them as an adult. There are some places where adult adoption is absolutely a thing. However the legalities of adopting an adult from Belarus would be terribly grim.
@@LHLK-q2vyes they can!
@@LHLK-q2vyes they can!
I don't get why?!😢 what are they keeping him for?!😢 he should be with people who loves him
I am crying so much..don't know of I have the power to continue the video. There is so much pain in the world! Praying for all these innocent kids
My youngest son has special needs and I’m so grateful that God has brought him into our family., that I was chosen to be his mommy. That he’s been surrounded by so many family members who love and support him. My heart goes out to those without parents, blessings to those who volunteer here with wonderful intentions and who actually love them beyond a paycheck. GOD BLESS!!
I have special needs due to my autism and other diagnosis.
Im very grateful for my parents love and understanding. Also my little brother is my hearo for risking his friendships because he insistet that they include me too. That was totally his decision and not that of my parents.
I graduated with a bachelor degree last fall, which shows that with a helping family and the right care and understanding, people can overcome many things 😊
@@Kessik8 That is wonderful. My other two sons also included their little brother when growing up. God bless you and your family. Keep pushing forward, follow your dreams and never give up. 🙏
My grandmother was a houseparent at a children’s home that housed over 100 kids - newborn to age 17. Every single child in the home was unadoptable because a parent/s or other family member had legal custody and refused to let them be adopted, always saying they’d come get them one day, which rarely ever happened. My parents wanted to adopt a 12-year old boy who’d been there since he was two, but his grandmother refused because he was her “blood”. My aunt and uncle were also houseparents when a newborn little boy was dropped off. Long story short, it took them over seven years to get legal custody of him, even though neither of his parents had ever come to see him or stay in touch. All they’d done year after year, for seven years was fill out paperwork stating the arrangement was “temporary” and they had no intention of relinquishing custody.
That is outrageous!!😢
God please give Banni a miracle.
What a heartbreaking story. Thank you for sharing this, Colm Flynn. Thank you and your family for the time you spent with Banni, taking care of him and loving him
Yeah, and thank you for not reaching out to him in 15 years and all of a sudden pop up with a camera for selfish purposes and not even care to bring sweets
Colm….you are a beautiful person. So sad that Banni couldn’t grow up with you and your family. I’m sure it would have made a big difference to Banni’s life. ❤️❤️
Hi Colm, don't give up on Banni, I personally think you needed an interpreter back in Belrus and people were calling him Vania. The camera made everyone uncomfortable. This was incredible painful to watch , so many years passed by and even after this long you have tried. I wish from all my heart something can be done. Please don't give up, don't let him there 🙏
If they wanted they would find him
Vania is a common nickname for Ivan, which is his name. Banni is something that Colm's family came up with.
I'm so glad that your family was able to give Bani so much love. It is heartbreaking to see him now. He was denied being able to be part of your family, a family who obviously loved him so much. Whoever stopped this adoption is a criminal in my eyes.
Cet histoire m’a énormément touché, l’impact sur Banny qui a régressé dans ce milieu hostile après avoir connu l’amour. Dans ses yeux on voit la peur , la tristesse, l’abandon. Ils ont brisé aussi la famillle qui avait plein d’amour à lui donner , ce sont des criminels
The love and kindness of Banny’s Irish family shows what the power of love can achieve. Although Banny’s time with his Irish family was limited, he has at least experienced being loved and cherished. I echo what so many other commentators have said, it’s just so heartbreakingly sad for Banny that his life is so limited now. I have so much respect for people who try and make a positive difference to this world. Change always takes time but as we’ve seen, love is the most powerful force in the world.
So so so beautifully said, Sarah. ❤️❤️❤️
😢
It’s actually worse, can you imagine the confusion and pain he felt when he had to go back?!
i think he did recognize you because he kept putting his head down in his arm , he probably doesnt understand that it wasnt you guys who didnt want to keep him, all he understood was that you guys returned him and im sorry if it upsets you, i think its really messed up that the orphage ppl only let you see him when they thought you had treats or was going to give them something. also, orphanages hang on to every single person they can because they get paid for every single person.
That's not exactly how it works in European countries. In the United States, yes. Social welfare and medical care is government subsidized. There isn't money to be made off of these people. These sorts of asylum were created not to help but to hide. Remember that this is looking at another culture with your own cultural lens.
يا الهي كم يبدو غاضب في داخله وحزين ..لقد بكيت من اجله بحرقة لقد فطر وحرق قلبي كثيرا ..لقد كان سعيدا ومرحا في صغره عند العائلة ..كيف انقلبت حالته بهذا السوء هكذا
This has me sobbing like a baby. Seeing Banni so…lifeless… Seeing such cruelty to disabled individuals is so horrible. I’m autistic myself so it’s even more heartbreaking. My heart hurts for these children and young adults. I hope things change for them for the better.
There was no reason why he couldn’t be adopted. The forced that poor child to go back to be abused. Heartbreaking.
I watched this numerous times and I can’t imagine not being able to bring your brother home. It’s heartbreaking knowing there is a family that loves him and wants him back.
That family hasn't reached out to him nor visit him through the Irish volunteer program in 15 years! Disgusting
He was neglected, but doubly so because he knew- absolutely KNEW- what a real, happy life was like and it was ripped away from him. So I think he fell much further than others because of sadness and grief he could not reconcile. He didn’t know why he was abandoned to that awful, terrible place. He could only have thought it was his fault? God….what a heart wrenching story. I almost wish I didn’t know this….😢
Yes he tasted lovely and got it stolen away worse in a way😢
My heart just broke into a million tiny pieces; Banni’s story will remain with me for years to come.
The Director of that place needs to be REPORTED!! Refusing to let ex family come visit! That place needs investigated, absolutely despicable behavior! I pray for every individual in that place. 🙏
in his eyes you can see the pain,the sadness that he is going trough its so heart breaking,hope he is doing okay ❤❤
Heartbreaking story. Normal children in orphanages go to the point where they rocking themselves to sleep and people who come there are restricted to show them even a little bit of affection so children don't get used. Therefore for the boy like Banni life in orphanage definitely ruined him even more. It will always be a thing to guess what person he would be now if he stayed in Ireland with your family. Most likely that conditions in orphanages are better than it was early 2000's. I hope Banni is around good people now
btw I'm from Belarus and about Natalie's call she said to stop calling and something about Natashkin's child so feels like it was a wrong number. Anyways, it's very sad that you had to leave without answering so many questions.
Sadly, they’ve not likely changed much 😢
@Dharma’s Life I lived in the boarding school for a while myself and it was reconstructed a lot last years. So I think same happens to orphanages
They don't rock themselves to sleep. They rock bcs that's what happens when they get 0 stimulation mentally or physically. So the brain tries to come up with things on it's own to handle the situation..
Hallucinations are another common symptom..
It takes A LOT of neglect before that rocking starts.. so it says A LOT when every child that isn't in a cot, sits & rocks..
Очень печальная история. Люди нелюди, просто кого-то жаба задавила, а чего этот сирота будет жить хорошей жизнью, а мы...не сироты будем тут... Просто слов нет, какая жестокость. А ведь мог бы быть счастливым человеком, судьба дала ему шанс, оказаться в этой семье...и в итоге. Очень больно за парня.
возможно еще испугались, что он что-нибудь расскажет потом
This documentary has proved how much love, care & parenting is important in a child’s life. The Power of love and care can transform anyone’s life. Having family is itself a blessing! We should be always be grateful for our parents, friends & family. I’m deeply saddened to watch Banni being separated from his nurturer(foster parents). And watch him being a malnourished & under confident kid to healthy & jolly kid then again to unhealthy kid.🥺
Poor lady deals with an illness and ass holes. I personally would not put myself out there like that. Brave to try to educate people and take part. I hope she continues being so brave and strong.
The trauma of confining happy Banny from his new found family into a metal cot and then to an orphanage is an unmeasurable crime 😡 Whosoever blocked the adoption is actually the sickest person. I’m so sad for Banny.
This is the saddest thing I think I’ve ever watched. How can a government allow this and not give these children to people who love them
Thanks so much for sharing Banni and your family’s story. This was a riveting documentary and very well made. I wish Banni had been able to stay with your family. They who stopped it clearly had the wrong motives
Banni is angelic , hoping and praying his angel guardians protects him forever.
Is there any way you could still fight for Banni to move to Ireland with you? This is so sad he was doing so well with your family.. he’s been neglected
It’s unfortunately not possible since he’s not a minor anymore and he’s most likely declared legally incapacitated. The orphanage/state makes decisions on his behalf and I doubt it includes helping him move to a foreign country…
@@alexandrasokolova520 they could fight to become his legal guardian caretaker since he is mentally possibly autistic
This made me cry. It is so wrong to neglect and forget about people just because they are different, or labeled as handicapped. Working with disabled people can be some of the most rewarding work done. They have nothing but LOVE to give, and only need someone to love them enough to care for them. It's heartbreaking. These poor kids.
They are deliberately denying Banni attention n love!!! Just sickening! The people running those hell holes have a special hell waiting for them!
Banni deserves all the love n happiness he can get! He always did!!!! His family should have ALWAYS had Banni!!!!
I cant watch this. As a mom... To see how this boy was wanted could have thrived... To be instead locked away. It's too painful... It's child abuse. Why didn't they just let him stay let him be adopted. It's an evil thing they did...
He did seem to move closer to him. I'm sure he remembers somewhere, and im sure he remembers the LOSS ....perhaps that is his main sadness . Just because he can't express it doesn't mean he doesn't understand, especially if he's autistic! They tell us all the time when tools are available , they understand
This is criminal! Bannie deserved more! My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved. I think Belarus just didn’t want the embarrassment of what was going on. Blessings and Peace ✝️❤️
This broke my heart. What a gorgeous child. He was gifted a beautiful family, only to have it ripped away from him. What horror 😢