Luttner, who is single, adopted Alena and Mary from a Russian orphanage in 1994. Things seemed fine until they approached school age. Not all children adopted from overseas have the severe problems exhibited by Luttner's children. But many have suffered from abuse, poor nutrition, inadequate stimulation and insufficient contact with a caregiver. That often leads to problems.
Children usually act out only at home and to one caregiver.
One of the biggest difficulties Luttner faced was the lack of support. I didn't receive calls even from clergy friends. I felt the church didn't live what we preach. I felt I was alone. Luttner said she wasn't informed by the adoption agency of any possible problems.