Guatemala Update
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In an effort to keep you updated on the current happenings in Guatemala, please find the following update:
As of the end of April, the PGN and Central Authority have temporarily stopped the processing and release of adoption cases. In the last several weeks there have been discussions that in order to assure cases were done legally and ethically, a review of cases will take place and birth mothers and children will be brought in for interviews as needed.
As of Thursday, May 8th, Guatemalan attorneys have been receiving summons to bring birth mothers in for interviewing. In most cases, the presence is being requested of the birth mother, foster mother, child, and notary. While we have had two attorney's complete interviews at this time and both reported that things went fine, some attorneys from other agencies are reporting some difficulties. In each case, as we receive notification of these appointments from Silvia and Karla, we are letting workers know so they can make families aware. Please continue to be in prayer for all of the children and families in process.
In addition, because of the heightened attention international adoption is receiving in Guatemala, there are a few items we would like you to be aware of as we work to keep children, foster mothers, and families safe:
Please know that it is the attorneys, Guatemala staff and our ultimate goal to keep the children and foster mothers safe during this time. We want to thank you for your continued support for the Guatemala program, families, attorneys, Grand Rapids staff, and Guatemala staff during this difficult time. We ask for your continued prayer support for those families who are still waiting to bring their children home and specifically for the children whose lives are being affected most.
http://www.jcics.org/Guatemala.htm
Bookmark :
In an effort to keep you updated on the current happenings in Guatemala, please find the following update:
As of the end of April, the PGN and Central Authority have temporarily stopped the processing and release of adoption cases. In the last several weeks there have been discussions that in order to assure cases were done legally and ethically, a review of cases will take place and birth mothers and children will be brought in for interviews as needed.
As of Thursday, May 8th, Guatemalan attorneys have been receiving summons to bring birth mothers in for interviewing. In most cases, the presence is being requested of the birth mother, foster mother, child, and notary. While we have had two attorney's complete interviews at this time and both reported that things went fine, some attorneys from other agencies are reporting some difficulties. In each case, as we receive notification of these appointments from Silvia and Karla, we are letting workers know so they can make families aware. Please continue to be in prayer for all of the children and families in process.
In addition, because of the heightened attention international adoption is receiving in Guatemala, there are a few items we would like you to be aware of as we work to keep children, foster mothers, and families safe:
- VISITS: The "monitoring" of foster homes has significantly increased at this time. Because of the risk in having foster mothers and babies out in public, we will not be scheduling new visits. Should this change, we will let you know.
- MEDICALS/PICTURES: Also as a result of the increased risks, please be advised that medicals and pictures may not be coming to us as frequently as in the past. These will be done at the attorney's discretion. Again, this is to help ensure the safety of everyone involved.
- FINAL TRAVEL: At this time we are not encouraging families to travel outside of the hotel during their pick up trip. While we realize that technically the adoption is legal, there is still the potential for harrassment outside of the hotel.
- EMBASSY REP at AIRPORT:
In speaking with the Embassy, we have been given the name of the permanent
US Embassy representative at the airport in Guatemala. The name,
SELVIN PENANT, is being given to families should they need assistance when
leaving the country.
Please know that it is the attorneys, Guatemala staff and our ultimate goal to keep the children and foster mothers safe during this time. We want to thank you for your continued support for the Guatemala program, families, attorneys, Grand Rapids staff, and Guatemala staff during this difficult time. We ask for your continued prayer support for those families who are still waiting to bring their children home and specifically for the children whose lives are being affected most.
http://www.jcics.org/Guatemala.htm
