60 Minutes: Aug 7

Not one but two stories from Tara Brown on 60 Minutes this weekend -including a story on adoption going wrong overseas.

Unwanted
If you think America is the heart of modern civilisation, this story will surely change your mind. There, a trade in unwanted children exists and the way they do it is distressing. It’s known as “re-homing”, and when parents decide they no longer want their adopted child, they simply advertise them on websites to lure prospective new parents. It’s as straightforward as getting rid of an old fridge on eBay. There is no vetting or court orders required and the children can be handed over to anyone. Not surprisingly, the consequences for these disposable kids are often disastrous.
Reporter: Tara Brown
Producer: Laura Sparkes

Predator
When Allison Langdon was asked to report a story about leopard seals in Antarctica, she had no idea it would turn out to be her toughest assignment ever. Just getting to the frozen continent was an ordeal: a three day journey in a tiny yacht across the Drake Passage, the most treacherous stretch of water in the world. But the sea sickness was quickly forgotten when she saw the beauty of the last true wilderness on the planet, although it meant the most dangerous part of her story was about to begin – diving into the freezing waters of Antarctica and swimming with one of the most vicious and unpredictable predators of the sea, the leopard seal.
Reporter: Allison Langdon
Producer: Nick Greenaway

The Missing
In February 2013 Lorrin Whitehead, a mother of five beautiful children, left her home in Bannockburn, Victoria and went to the local supermarket. She hasn’t been seen since. There are no suspicious circumstances about Lorrin’s disappearance and no clues about what might have happened or where she might be. Her 23 year old daughter, Amelia is leading the campaign to find her mum, and has also taken charge of her four little brothers and sisters. But this Missing Person’s Week, a special appeal for information in the hope Lorrin might come home to celebrate her daughter’s wedding day.
Reporter: Tara Brown
Producer: Alice Dalley

Sunday at 7.00pm on Nine.