Madonna's Home To Be Visited by Malawi Welfare Official

30 August 2007, Washington (By Ray McDonald) -- The Malawi welfare official tasked with assessing Madonna's fitness to adopt a young African boy will next week visit her London home.

Director Penston Kilembe canceled a visit in May, the first of two court-ordered trips to check on the singer's suitability to adopt David Banda.

A dispute reportedly arose over Madonna possibly paying his expenses for the trip.

Speaking to AP Television News in New York, Kilembe said the financing was meant to be shared between the prospective adoptive family and the Malawi government. "But you have to remember that our budget on children's issues is very, very small so we may not be able to afford that one...it's in the best interest of the child that she does support, as a way of complimenting government efforts."

Madonna spokeswoman Liz Rosenberg told The Associated Press that the singer would produce a statement by the end of business hours August 29; however, no such statement appeared.

Madonna and her film director husband Guy Ritchie were allowed to take David, then 14 months old, to their London home last October. Malawian rights organizations said the action undermined regulations stating parents must undergo an 18-24-month assessment period in Malawi.

Child welfare officials are expected to file a report on the parental suitability of Madonna and Ritchie after two trips, originally planned for May and December, to their London residence.

Kilembe said he planned to travel September 4 or 5 to visit Madonna and her family. The singer has two other children: nine-year-old Lourdes, and six-year-old Rocco.

Source: VOANews.com

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