One part of the report caught my eye that I'm uncertain about the meaning. I think it has to do with translation:

"suspension of all adoptions before the PGN"

Does this mean ADA is thinking that all adoptions would be suspended that haven't made it as far in the process as PGN, or:

Does it mean that adoptions currently "in" the PGN would be suspended.

I'm suspecting the latter, but thought I would ask.

The ADA said they are trying to decide between whether to prosecute Barrios and Arellano or to continue placating them. Neither of these strategies tend to work. I don't know the situation nearly as well as they do, but I tend to think that hiring an extremely skilled negotiator to help Barrios and ARellano adjust their opinions more in the direction of the guatemalan attorneys would be a better option.

Keep in mind that this is a proposal. I am not a lawyer and I do not know the Guatemalan system. I have no special knowledge nor personal link to those in the guat adoption biz. I am a potential adopting parent who is trying not to panic (well, I did last week but am calmer now).

I don't know if the proposal has to go through congressional committees who can then modify the proposal (the way the US system works), or if it enters their congress as one piece of legislation that is either approved or not approved.

Worse case scenario: The way that I interpret the Manual, it implies that all adoptions not having gone through the new systems will be suspended. It does not seem to differentiate between those currently in PGN or at any stage. In other words, the Guatemalan government will set a date to implement the new policies and anyone not completing an adoption by that date will have their contract negated by the government.

What happens to those cases (our cases) is unclear. The actual Manual of Good Practices says that all current cases will be suspended. Perhaps they haven't really thought this through, or perhaps they mean what they say - our contracts will be void and useless.

It does not seem reasonable that the Guatemalan government will negate all current adoption cases. They have so much to lose. But reason is not always involved in politics, right?

I don't think we will get a clear answer until we get closer to the congressional vote, the actual implimentation of the new procedures, or the lawsuits that ADA is proposing. It seems that there should be a time for negotiation somewhere in the process.

I want to thank Guatadopt and the ADA websites for keeping us abreast of the situation. Although each posting seems to create more questions than provide answers, I'm glad that we have the opportunity to read the information and hear an unbiased evaluation. It may not help us sleep at night, but at least we have something to think about in the wee hours of the morning.

Regardless of a Guate Congressional vote and the passage of laws, the US plans to ratify the Hague by 31 Dec 07. Any Hague signatory country that is not Hague compliant will be off limits to Americans.

The comment: It does not seem reasonable that the Guatemalan government will negate all current adoption cases. They have so much to lose." Let me elaborate on this. First, you must understand the culture behind the possiblity that yes, all adoptions will be suspended. Overall, Guatemalans see adopting a child as a noble thing. but they certainly do not see the process as being noble. The Press has chipped away at any validity in the system, add to this the constant onslaught of seeing Americans as taking their children away from their culture. The argument can be made that it is the children who have alot to lose, yes is the response, their country and their culture. Adoption in GT is not encouraged and only 200 domestic adoptions occured in GT last year. Any financial benefits because of visiting tourist doesn't make a stand here. Probably a media campaign adoption would be in order. On another note, what is disturbing to me is the need for a second DNA test, this to me will only delay things more, as we all can attest to the delay in results and in awaiting PAs from the US Embassy. Marie

A second DNA does not require the biomother to be present - as I understand it. It would only be a swab from the child that is matched with the initial DNA that was collected. The additional "wait" time would be well worth the benefits of the second test. By adding this to the end, we can reduce the amount of scrutiny that takes place prior.

Some very "crafty" professionals have "skirted" the initial DNA process. It is of the utmost importance to stop the "rumor games" the media plays, and make any new laws completely beyond question.

Troy

Did anyone's pre-approval take longer than 30 days?

Dear All Concerned:

I am writing in a general way regarding several recent issues on this site. One nice tidbit received: I am glad that a reporter is writing a balanced story. But,I am repeatedly disturbed by the animosity, resistance to collaboration, and posturing that goes on in Guatemala around these adoption issues. Susanna Luarca referred to Josefina at the PGN as being anti-adoption. I know Josefina, due to unfortunate situations and "holes" in the adoption system down there made more than glaringly clear in the death of my adopted daughter. Josefina has been more than supportive and responsive in this instance. I KNOW that she is not against non-Guatemalans adopting Guatemalan children. Susana, and equally those on other "sides" of this primitive group dynamic of projection, splitting, and paranoia are all anxious to blame "the other." There is a lot of upheaval, stress, and fear in Guatemala around the country's political and economic future, etc. and great concern around children losing opportunities for loving families. That is what most people want, but they don't seem to feel comfortable enough with one another to trust and work together. I believe, given the country's history, this is understandable. But I sure hope that they can join together enough to help these kids.

I believe that I had to write because, once again, I read a whole slew rhetoric spun with angst and anger. It frightens me for the kids down there and for the families here (and elsewhere) waiting for them.

I have been trying to decide whether I can adopt from Guatemala again. These most recent listings leave me feeling that it is not a healthy decision for me. What gets lost in all of this fighting is the well-being of the children, and my daughter died while involved in this system.
I am looking forward to providing more information to all of you regarding this atrocity at some appropriate time in the future. (I hope that additional information will be of some help to you).
One additional, specific concern mentioned by S. Luarca, was the underfunded, understaffed, and improperly equipped public hospitals. Therefore: IF YOUR CHILD IS HOSPITALIZED, INSIST THAT SHE/HE GO TO A PRIVATE HOSPITAL, unless there is a very clear reason to go to a public hospital (a service there not provided elsewhere, an anomaly)...this is that child's right...you are paying for this healthcare as part of your attorney fees. Your money should go towards treating your child, not the money/resources that are limited and there for serving Guatemala's indigent children.

Sorry so scattered. Just wanted to quicly respond to a few issues/comments that stood out to me recently.

Claire

Our DNA has been in the embassy since the end of January...so, yes, it is taking longer than 30 days to receive pre-approval (at least in our situation). We are also tied up in family courts waiting on our social report at the same time. Are other people seeing delays here as well?

I received a referral on 2/9/07. Documents were sent to Guatemala and rec'd there on 3/2/07. I was notified about a week ago that I had the pre-approval for DNA test.

Patchara