Last Wednesday the CNA held a meeting for hogar directors in Guatemala. While not an adoption-specific meeting, I think we all realize the stake and concern we have for the systems being developed in the wake of the adoption law, Hague standards, etc.
Nancy Bailey from Semillas de Amor was kind enough to write us a synopsis. Click on more for that.
The meeting with the CNA on Wednesday, January 27th, was an all day meeting to discuss standards of care for children’s homes and the new data base system to keep track of kids in the children's home. The data base system is GREAT and something that has been needed a very long time. The data base system is easy and will allow the CNA to track the kids, see how many kids are in care and what the needs of the children are. Before the CNA could not answer the question, how many children are in the homes? Number of boys and girls? Disabilities? Education level? So now this will give the CNA a tool to track the children.
The morning began with Xiomara Campos, a consultant with the CNA, discussing standards of care, based on the meeting we had in late November with the CNA. Xiomara has also traveled to several countries, Peru, Colombia and even the US (Florida) to see other children's homes. I have sent Xiomara and the CNA the spanish translation of Elizabeth Bartholet's work on the effects of the institutionalization on children. An adoptive mom from Semillas de Amor had the entire document legally translated into Spanish. For those that don't know, Elizabeth is with the Harvard School of Law and is the director of the child advocacy program. I don't have the link for her recent articles, but this woman is amazing and well worth reading. Maybe Kevin has the link. I know there was a post awhile back about Betsy’s work.
The meeting with the CNA went very well. There were at least sixty children's homes in attendance. I really felt that our concerns were addressed, that the CNA really wanted to hear what we had to say and many times thanked us for being there and working with them. This is UNHEARD of in any Guatemalan government office. Jaime Tecú gave a very inspirational speech, which I feel came from his heart. I have a pretty good BS sensor after living in Guatemala so long and I felt as though the CNA really cares about what happens to the kids. I also felt, for the very first time ever, that the CNA would be approachable and be willing to deal with difficult cases. Although they really have no control over the “grandfathered” cases. The CNA clearly is on the side of the children's homes and they are there to support us. What an incredible concept, because that does not happen in Guatemalan government
The downside, is that we will continue to have to work within the children's court and with the PGN. I am not totally clear what the PGN’s role will be. The new judge has arrived in Chimaltenango and I have heard good things about her.
A few things about the CNA, just as an FYI: There are 500+ kids that have a certificate of adoptability. The CNA is still in the process of selecting which four countries they will work with, out of the 10 who applied, and the decision will be based on what countries that will be willing to take older an special needs kids. Special needs kids might be children with illnesses, disabilities, sibling groups, older kids. The CNA has identified 60 children in that category that will be part of the two year pilot program. The CNA is starting out slowly and cautiously. I expect it will be quite some time, if ever, before toddlers or infants will available. Adoptions should begin in May or June of this year.
The Children's Court judge still decides where a child is placed. Children's homes DO NOT have to have an adoption program, although the CNA encourages that children not be institutionalized.
Children’s homes are being certified, as time permits. The CNA was very clear that they want to work with the homes as a team and want to hear what our concerns are. The reality is that the CNA needs the children’s homes and it makes sense that we all work together, the priority is the child. But that does not often happen in Guatemalan government so it is exciting to hear and we will see, as time passes, how we all work together.
All in all I felt positive about the meeting and ready to move forward and I know other homes felt the same way, although I suspect we are all a bit cautious.
Nancy Bailey
Semillas de Amor Children’s Village
www.semillasdeamor.org
Will the government (or UNICEF) help through the CNA to get funds for the hogars to care for these children as they wait until Spring or longer?
Or are the hogars expected to provide excellent care for these children----but do it for free.
I feel encouraged by your post, but not too much because of this one part. If the government is serious, really serious, about quality care for these 560 children, plus prabably many others who are not yet adoptable, then they will back up their quality of care standards with some $. Quality care is not free.
EB
Posted by: EB at January 30, 2010 06:57 PMIt sounds like good steps in the right direction to getting the children of Guatemala the care they need in these homes.
Thank you Nancy and Kevin for the update.
Finally some GOOD news. I hope it is the beginning of a brighter future for all the children who need families.
Posted by: Beth in MN at January 30, 2010 09:36 PMGood to hear things are moving in the right direction. Slowly but surely I hope! Please tell me UNICEF will not be getting involved-please please tell me ain't so.
Posted by: Chrissy at January 30, 2010 10:42 PMEB: Sadly, there was no mention of financial help. During the first CNA meeting, in late November, that question was asked and was a major concern of the children's homes and we were told that CNA was not going to be funding the homes nor was the Bienstar Social or any other Guatemalan government entity. UNICEF certainly has not given a dime for the care of the kids. One would think that during the transition period UNICEF would have offered some funding. Basically, we are on our own and all homes, except government homes, are surviving on donations. We still have not been told whether children's homes will be allowed to charge any fees for adoptions. I did mention that US citizens receive a tax credit for adoption fees and the I thought the CNA should allow children's homes to take advantage of that to help fund the homes.
I know for many that what the CNA has done so far does not seem like it is enough. As a children's home director and someone who is responsible for the lives and futures of many children I have to focus on the positive and work with the system to make sure our children have a bright future, not always an easy task.
Posted by: Nancy Bailey at January 31, 2010 01:50 AMThank you, Nancy, for passing on this news. I'm wondering, was Susana Luarca in attendance at this meeting? Any word on what is happening with her case? Thank you - Monica
Posted by: Monica at January 31, 2010 06:05 PMSo UNICEF, SO concerned with the well-being of children (wasn't that their mantra?) is doing nothing. Big surprise there--NOT! They were making political points on the backs of innocent children. And APs were given grief for being "selfish". Time has told, hasn't it?
Posted by: sjbj at January 31, 2010 09:37 PMThis is good news. Thank you for the update and for everyones involvement, caring, sharing of information, and teamwork.
I also wanted to say that throughout our being involved with guatemalan adoptions there have been black hats, gray hats, and white hats on both sides including on those you would not suspect it. I used to view Jamie Tecu and Josefina Arellano as black hatters who should have been on the side of what is right. When Arellano swore children would not recieve abandonment decrees on her watch I thought she was the devil. Because it is an institutionalization sentence. Then we all found out about the stolen children passing through the abandonment route. Her black hat started to turn to grey for me. It might not even be grey. The important thing is I am open to viewing her differently although I may not agree with all of the methods and statements I am seeing her more as a person who tried to make a difference. I used to think Jamie was a villian. Now, again, I am not so sure. I am glad to hear someones take on him from the other side of the fence if you will. Thank you for giving your perception on Jamie. I do think we have all the same ultimate wish the well being of the children and this sounds like maybe just maybe we can finally come together towards that.
I also have been wanting to know about Susana. I know the "opposite side of the fence" views her as the devil. But I do not see her that way and hope the truth comes out whatever the truth is and anyone who acted against the interest of the children is ultimately prosecuted. I hope the case against Susanna is one based on truth and not politics just because she is such a vocal figure.
One final note since babies are always brought up. My children were 11 months and 2 1/2 when they came home. I would have liked to have had them home sooner. Its not so we can have a shiney new baby to show off as some so grotestequely state. Its because it is hard on them. The harder it is on them the deeper we must reach into ourselves to try to help them. The more difficult it is for the family as a unit and I most definately am holding the children up as the most important part of that unit. Sometimes I feel people hold the children a little bit longer for perception sake without really doing anything to ensure it is right just so armchair quarterbacks and philosophers can feel better we didn't get our shiney new baby. When in reality they hurt the child. They hurt us but they did it by hurting our child. I feel I can speak for many that there were nights holding my children while they cried that I silently hated and cursed those that kept them from coming home.
So do the right thing. But remember every second every hour spent debating and judging and not acting also has impact on the life of a child. We should adopt the older and special needs children. They need to make the process easier in all countries. Because older and special needs takes more on behalf of the parent to see to their needs. And the longer it takes.. the more the needs. After awhile the window starts closing on people who think they can meet these needs. Which hurts the child. Its not necessarily that everyone wants a child little and cute its that noone should sign up for more than they can handle. And realistically most of us already take the leap of faith to begin with. How far do you want us to leap and will people realistically make it through the process and get the support they need? Will they attempt to adopt an 8 yr old and take 4 yrs of telling that 8 yr old he/she has a family before maybe making it home? How cruel to the children. So cruel. Establish parents are acceptable, establish children are adoptable, then cut the BS out of the middle.
Paz.
Lisa
Well said Lisa! It is about these children in safe, loving homes. It should not be so difficult. I wish they would quit making the children pawns in international politics.
Posted by: Julia at February 1, 2010 02:12 PMBut remember every second every hour spent debating and judging and not acting also has impact on the life of a child"
I couldn't agree more with the above statement Lisa...thank you for making it. I don't disagree with tightening every loophole and redefining a system that needs to be redefined and changed...but REMEMBER that this is not just a process..this is a process involving children. The longer they wait the longer the impact on them and it isn't good.
We are still caught in the grandfathered system...over three years now and I used to think that was a good thing because we wouldn't have to start over, but we have been caught in a never ending system that appears hell bent on keeping our son from a family simply because they can. We are not an abandonment case and his birth mother has been involved whenever she has been asked for THREE YEARS ! We have jumped through every hoop created and still they hang on...asking and reasking for the same reports 3 different ways. It is unmerciless. We in this system have nowhere to go for help. And time marches on! Where is Unicef advocating for these kids cases to be resolved ? where is anyone ?
Beyond frustrated...I totally agree with you, where is anyone??? I was happy (well, not really happy) to hear someone else is going through the same thing with the PGN. Birth mom has been in at least 3 times, reports are being written...and rewritten...and rewritten and nothing is being done! Papers are just being shuffled from one place to another. Everytime it looks like the file is close to getting the final signature, the department heads are changed or another report needs to be done.
Meanwhile our children are growing up and becoming more attached to their caretakers and country. I NEVER dreamed this whole thing would take this long and it doesn't seem like anyone can do anything about it. I have started calling PGN about every week or 2 hoping someone will get sick of me!
Well said, Lisa.
We adopted our two daughters. Even though we started the second one over a year after the first, they finalized at the same time.
Our daughter who came to us at 9 months had her share of issues and adjustments to make, but after a year home she is doing great. Our other daughter who was 2 at the time the adoption was completed, has had ongoing struggles, and we've needed to do a lot of therapy, work, and attachment related stuff for her. From what we can see now (they are currently 2 and 3) our older daughter will probably have ongoing issues that need to be addressed. We are so glad she is with us and we can help her through that, but what I wouldn't give to spare her the difficulties she has had and may continue to have.
For full disclosure, I should mention that it was very clear she was quite neglected in her foster home (don't get me started on that!) and chances are she would have fared better had she been in a situation with more attentive care. Still, had our adoption been complete sooner and had we brought her home sooner, we could have spared her too much time in that environment.
The stories of PAP like beyond are almost to sad to contemplate. I think the Guatemalan adoption program is over. What may someday may be resumed will be nothing like to program we knew in the past.Has any other Central or South American country that shutdown its adoption program enacted the necessary safeguards then reopened the program as a viable adoption alternative?
I am afraid at some point PAPs stuck in process will have to acknowledge that continued efforts are futile and need to move on. I pray that I am wrong but I don't see any agency or person of influence supporting their cause.
I know your post is well meaning Henry....but what you are suggesting is not in my vocabulary! There is no option to just "move on"....this is our son...and we have loved and supported him for over three years! We will never just abandon him simply because the process wore us down. We will find some way!
Terri....I am with you....I call more frequently than every couple of weeks....I call every couple of days now. And I am planning a visit. PGN needs to know there is a family waiting for this child...he is not just a "FILE"! This is not just a political game. If no one else is going to advocate and fight for these kids...we have to! I will push until I have nothing left. His birth mother has been true to her adoption plan for her son and so are we. They have to honor that...it is the legal and right thing to do. But if anyone reading these posts knows of anyone at all within the Guatemalan system that will help or listen...please post! There are very real legitimate cases being held hostage with no voice to help it be known!
Beyond, my post was not intended to offend and in your situation I would probably feel the same way.This situation is tragic.A birthmother wants to place her child for adoption.A willing and able family wants the child but the "system" says no.
I don't believe that the Guatemala program was closed in order to install procedures to stop fraud. Fraud, real or otherwise was the excuse to close the system. The powers that have done this have no intention of someday reopening adoptions.
Posted by: Henry at February 2, 2010 01:41 PMAt over two and a half years in process, with a couple of birthmother interviews, and now stuck in abandonment hell, I am NOT giving up. While it might, in some sense, be easier on parents to grieve and "move on," that suggestion ignores the best interest of the chid.
I visit as often as money will allow. I agonize. I call our lawyer. I try to stay one step ahead of a changing system. I cry. But I do not give up. Because we are grown ups, we have to shoulder the burden of suffering for the children.
Posted by: WaitingMom at February 2, 2010 02:28 PMOh how I miss the forums to connect with people still in process and STUCK in the PGN madness!!!!!! It often feels like I am the only one going through this back and forth with PGN and MP and other areas that need to write a report. I try calling PGN regularly but am either hung up on or transferred to 5 different people. I was starting to think that Sonia in Minors had caller ID because she would never pick up the phone when I called.
Posted by: Crayolagal at February 2, 2010 02:32 PMSince the forums are still down, I wanted to take this opportunity to say that there are so many still praying for those of you still waiting to bring your children home. We have not forgotten you and you are not alone!
Posted by: Michele at February 2, 2010 04:32 PMCrayolagal...I talk to a Lisa at PGN. She usually has to call Sonia to find out what is happening but she is very nice about doing it. Lisa also told me that the lawyer in charge of the Minors has told her she can ask her about the cases. However, it seems like that lawyer is not usually there when I call.
There have been many times when I have wanted to give up because of the emotional and financial nightmare I have been through but I have been encouraged by my agency and lawyers to continue. Last week the lawyer did say that this is a political issue. I am wondering if they have released any files recently? I ask Lisa but she just seems to "skirt" around the question.
Beyond...I am glad you are planning a trip. I would camp out at the PGN!!! Unfortunantely I am unable to go right now because of work and finances soooo please "fight" for the rest of us!
Posted by: Terri at February 2, 2010 06:29 PMI absolutely agree that the system was shut down to stop all adoptions, grandfathered as well as new ones. And they have succeeded. We have been in investigation mode with the MP and PGN for two and a half years, and what I first thought was just red tape and inefficient systems now seems like malicious intent to me. I, of course, support investigating cases that have inconsistencies or concerns, but do it already! It's clear to me they have forgotten (or don’t care) there are children suffering while they play this charade.
Posted by: Donna at February 2, 2010 07:06 PMWould "beyond frustrated" or "Waitingmom" help answer questions of a family who is in a similar situation?
Posted by: looking for help at February 2, 2010 07:55 PMWe want to echo what Michele said. We pray for you families still in process every day. We only wish there was more than we could do than pray. We cannot begin to imagine how awful this is for you and for your children. And we admire your strength and determination beyond words.
Posted by: sjbj at February 2, 2010 08:39 PMIn NO way am I defending the ludicrous delays facing so many grandfathered cases. It is wrong and most importantly unfair to the children.
With that said, I believe it is wrong to characterize things as if there was no intention of approving in-process cases. Let's remember that the majority of cases in process when the new law took place went through the b-mom interview and were subsequently approved.
I think the problem today is threefold. (1) in CNA/abandonment cases, the courts are slow - this is nothing new and inexcusabble (2) bureaucracy as a whole (3) fear - PGN attorneys, judges, etc are scared to approve cases because they don't want to end up in jail.
Pointy being that 1-3 need to be addressed and taken care of. But I don't think it's correct to try to turn it into some grand conspiracy.
Just my dos quetzales,
Kevin
Guatadopt.com
Has anyone with a child that was in a hogar that was raided by the MP in 2008 or 2009 successfully completed their case and actually been allowed to bring their child home?
Seems like once the cases fall into the hands of the MP all progress stops.
Jen
Posted by: waiting1 at February 2, 2010 11:32 PMKevin,
Unless its Unicef.. I completely believe they have a conspiracy to turn the whole world into a replica of our failed foster care system.
Paz.
Posted by: lisa at February 3, 2010 12:14 AMTo looking for help....I would be willing to talk to or answer questions for anyone that needs help...I would do whatever I could in that regard. Not sure how to get my info to you...Kevin can you do your magic in that regard ? In the forums it would be easy !
To those who have expressed your support and thoughts...THANK YOU so much...it means the world and I miss the forums so much too! It was such an outlet and a source for so much information! I never realized how isolated I have felt!
Kevin...I always value your opinions and yes I agree, fear is probably playing a big part however our case is not an abandonment case, our birth mother participated in two interviews, and has cooperated in every way they have asked. They have requested these MP reports 3 or 4 times for no logical reason. It has been since September just on this part alone ! I only have my perspective to go on, but at this point....what other reason do I have to go on but they just are looking at these remaining cases as ones that might just go away if they wait long enough ? What ? I don't know anymore ? The term grandfathered has lost all meaning if all they are going to do is continue to add new requirement after new requirement and continue to delay the process with no oversight from anyone! We have NO ONE to go to ! They can do whatever they want. I wish I had a more positive outlook on PGN, and if someone has had reason to have one, please share....I could really use an inspirational story !
Beyond, I didn't intend to disagree with your experience with your case. I have no explanation and it is ridiculous from all you have said. My guess is that maybe your case falls into that CYA, afraid to approve issue that is very real with PGN right now. Remember that reviewers have been arrested in the Anyeli case. And in that one, they did have a abandonment decree from a judge so it seems hard to blame the guy from PGN.
So far as how to communicate with one another, my suggestion would be to create a yahoo group and I would be happy to post info on it. Or conversely, you can put your e-mail into comments here. The one thing is not to just type it. So do something like kevin @ guatadopt.com. The extra spaces protect you from the spammers...
Kevin
Guatadopt.com
So HAS ANYONE BEEN RELEASED FROM THE MP and completed a successful adoption????
NO ONE ever answers this question -IS it because it has NEVER happened?
I also have been waiting since Jan 2007 to bring my daughter home. She is not an abandonment but has been in the grasp of MP since May 2008. There is no one to ask for help - we just keep spinning in circles.
I ALSO MISS THE FORUMS! Will they ever return - many of us are still suffering.
Posted by: Jestry at February 3, 2010 10:20 AMGuatemala900 has created a yahoo group for in-process families to share information.
Here is the group address:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Guatemala900/
Formal campaigns will continue to be communicated via the website www.guatemala900.org
Posted by: colleen at February 3, 2010 11:55 AMThanks Kevin...
I would like to start a yahoo group...and will look into that tonight. I will post on here the info. Another question I have is has anyone heard or have knowledge of people going to talk to PGN and having any success in getting their case moved ? This is what I am contemplating because frankly I feel like I need them to see ME...the waiting mother. I plan to bring a huge photo of my son...and make him a person to them...not just a file. But I am waiting to see from my people...atty etc... if they will receive me. So....anyone have any feedback on this ? I would go to the ends of the earth for him...so if there is a shred of hope that this will help....I am on a plane !
Thanks everyone for your feedback !
I have two things...
1. sjbj said this so eloquently that I want to copy it: We pray for you families still in process every day. We only wish there was more than we could do than pray. We cannot begin to imagine how awful this is for you and for your children. And we admire your strength and determination beyond words.
2. Why doesn't Guatadopt have a Facebook group?
Just to support Kevin's comment that 2) bureaucracy is probably playing a role in delays--we have been trying to change our son's name , in Guatemala (ie on his Guate birth certificate) for almost a year now! We keep hitting various hurdles, have had to go back to Renap several times etc. We are working with an attorney in Guatemala and still have had an awful time doing just a simple name change. The system there just does not work.
Posted by: sjbj at February 3, 2010 03:49 PM"Beyond Frustrated", Thank you for your willingness to talk. Kevin has emailed you my contact information. You can send me an email when you have time. Thank you.
Posted by: looking for help at February 3, 2010 04:08 PMCrayolagal, beyond frustrated, waitingmom, terri and looking for help-I am so sorry to hear that you and your kids are still in process. Just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you, hoping the kids are well cared for, that you are able to be in touch with whoever is caring for them, and hoping that things do move again soon. I cannot imagine how hard it is for you all.
If you end up creating a yahoo group, and dont mind those of us who are done chiming in some times to let you know we think of you, post something somewhere on guatadopt I'll keep an eye out.
My adoption is not an abandonment case either and the birth mom has been cooperative but nothing has been done since last summer except reports being written and another interview. I too am over 2 1/2 years into the process.
According to the lady at PGN that I talk to, they are scared to release files because of the possibility of being put into jail. This however does not help us at all. I keep saying that the "grandfather" is dead and gone!
I would also be interested in connecting with anyone still going through the process. I was in an email group from my agency but all the families have come home (the last 1 being a year ago) so I am the last one left.
Posted by: Terri at February 3, 2010 08:51 PMI couldn't agree more, EB, that there are no black hats or white hats. It seems that the one thing we can count on is not knowing what is going on with the PGN or the MP, what their marching orders are that day or the politics between the two groups. By law, the judge has all the power, but in reality we know that isn't the truth. Interesting that you mentioned Josefina Arellano. Lic. Arellano came to Semillas de Amor, with the head of the Bienstar Social, to serve me with a criminal complaint several years ago. After listening to "my side" of the story the criminal complaint was dropped and Lic. Arellano was a huge help in several of our cases. These were cases where the MP had adoption files and wouldn't release them, and getting the PGN reviewers to do their jobs, review the cases. Then one day she just disappeared. But she was more helpful than anyone I have ever dealt with in the PGN. Jaime Tecú has always been willing to listen and problem solve. The reality, in Guatemala, is that nobody trusts anyone. It doesn't matter if it is adoption, doing business, meeting people. People in Guatemala just don't trust each other, it doesn't matter if you are a foreigner or Guatemalan. Adoption and the dysfunction that we see is not just adoption related, it is the entire government and legal system. The corruption is pervasive in the government. No matter what direction you turn, there is corruption everywhere.
The Guatemala900 is still working and dedicating themselves to getting the kids home. Those who don't belong to that group I really recommend connecting to them for support and continued updates and what is planned next to get the kids home. I think the Guatemala900 group also has a Yahoo group. It is a good idea to combine expertise in order to fight the UNICEF beast.
I did not see Susanna Luarca, Monica, at the CNA meeting and have not read anything recently about her case.
I disagree, Henry, that these grandfathered kids won't be going home. I believe they will. What seems to be missing in the posts is the US government's part in all of this. Where is the help from the US government? I know that some people will say, "Guatemala is not the US and so the US government cannot get involved or tell the Guatemalan government what to do." There is absolutely NO truth to that. The United States government can help and they don't. Perhaps it is an agreement with UNICEF but the United States government influences policy ALL THE TIME in Guatemala. I suspect that the DOS just doesn't care or maybe not care enough to get the kids home that are grandfathered. Your energy needs to be spent, with all families with kids in Guatemala, pressuring your government. They have abandoned you. You asked most Guatemalans and they will tell you, "the US government owns Guatemala". So when you ask why your kids aren't home, I would ask that question of your government, not Guatemala. The dysfunctional will continue in Guatemala's legal system and it is shameful that YOUR government, supposedly fairly functional, lies to you and appears powerless and has not brought the kids home.
I agree with Henry, adoptions will never go back the way they were. In some ways that is good and other ways tragic. In order for me to advocate for the kids left behind, I must be able to work within the system, dysfunctional as it is, to find families for the 15 children we have without families. After those children have families I will re-evaluate and see if working with the CNA and the children's court is doable. Will I still be impressed with the CNA next year at this time? I really hope so. The very best thing I can do is work within the new system to find children, families, provide quality care and lessen the damage that is done in institutional care. Teamwork and collaboration is not typical in Guatemala, and if we can make small changes in one place, a place that impacts so many children, I am all for that. But we are working against the odds.
If you want your kids home you MUST pressure the US government. Do not let them tell you they have no power in Guatemala, they have a lot of power, just read the history of Guatemala and the US government's involvement.
Posted by: Nancy Bailey at February 4, 2010 12:51 AMRe: Nancy Bailey's comments
I can understand that the bureaucratic process is extremely frustrating and that the judicial, etc. systems do not work efficiently/as they are supposed to.
But I think it's untrue to say that "teamwork and collaboration are not typical in Guatemala" and that "nobody trusts anyone." I can definitely see the despair that might prompt that sort of thinking, but there are lots of folks in Guatemala trying to make it a better place in spite of obstacles, trying to curb violence, plan for the drought and promote education.
But I don't understand your comment "just read the history of Guatemala and the US government's involvement" when you encourage folks' to pressure the U.S. government. That history is heartbreaking! Do you mean the CIA backed coup that overthrew a democratically elected president in 1954 thereby reversing a very modest land reform that would have helped thousands of campesinos? Or do you mean weaponry and skills training at the School of the Americas for the authors of the 1980s massacres? Both, of course, were done in the name of a "noble" cause: the fight against communism. I'll assume that's not what you meant, but I hope you can see how that comment is so very disrespectful of many Guatemalans' experiences (and of the experiences of people in the U.S. and other countries that protested those interventions as best they were able).
Nancy, you're in a position with a lot of authority (in country, with lots of experience there). I think you need to be vigilant about the types of stereotypes you are promoting about Guatemalans and about how you are interpreting history.
That said, I also wish you more peace and hope and recognize that this is a hard time, caught between a new system (that's not in place) and an old one with very little support.
Posted by: andrea at February 4, 2010 09:41 AM
I brought my daughter home in November 2007. I KNOW it is just luck and timing that we are home and so many other families are still waiting.
I have to agree with Nancy and I am personally disgusted that the US government continues to do nothing to assist you and your children.
Again...thank you everyone for all the expressed prayers and support...means so much !
Nancy...I agree with you in one respect...the US has the power, they influence foreign policy every single day in any country they choose to...they flex political muscle wherever they want....but repeatedly we (I) are told "they will not interfere with the PGN Guatemalan government process for adoptions. I have spoken w/ Congressman, embassy people, and people at USCIS. If you sit in on the scheduled conference calls with all embassy, visa, and USCIS people involved it sounds like pollyana world where visa's are just issued everyday and adoptions are processed as normal....it is insane. Of course they require the AP's to mute their phones and email their questions so no one gets verbally confronted in the call....but frankly it's a joke. I went through my local congressman and begged for 3 months prior to my last visit for an appointment at the US Embassy in Guatemala and was refused. What do you suggest we do in the form of pressure ? I will do it....I just need the platform. Short of the ability to get on Oprah or Ellen...I am not sure how to get this story heard with out the ugly side of the media turning the story into something it's not. And frankly with what is happening in Haiti....I am not sure that wouldn't happen. In fact, I am currently waiting for my I171H renewal and literally was told my renewal was shoved to the side due to Haiti and while my heart breaks for what is going on there, that renewed document is what keeps my case open in terms of bringing my son home to the US....so I was a little put off by being told that. I have had to fight at every turn of this case and am so sick and tired of being portrayed as being impatient, not understanding, pushy etc.... Come on....3.5 years and counting...when is it time for my son ? and all these cases where there are none of the issues that they really can claim legitimate issues on ? It is pure human rights violations. I am open to any suggestions or options as to who to pressure or contact !
I think Nancy makes a very good point. The situation in Guatemala is unlikely to change until the government is forced to. The Guatemalan government needs to realize that it is in their interest to resume processing adoptions. They only entity with this influence is the U.S. government. Some may feel this is heavy handed,and they may be right,but there is probably no other way to break the logjam.
Maybe some congressman or State Dept offical can be persuaded to take up the cause.
Posted by: Henry at February 4, 2010 01:18 PMYes, this is all great knowing that these kids in the homes will hopefully have better care. But, I also see it as more delays in all the children that are still in limbo from 2 years ago. The whole thing is a total mess and I don't believe anyone anymore, no president, CNA, Unicef, PGN or anyone else that is involved in this awful political and corrupt mess. These kids that are in limbo should be here with there families in a stable home. This whole situation is so politically and money motivated and whoever is involved in all of this should rot in hell.
Posted by: Lisa at February 4, 2010 01:21 PMWaiting anxiously to hear if one of you puts a group together...yahoo, facebook or otherwise. Looking forward to catching up and cheering on those of you still working to get your kiddos home. Stephanie, so sorry to see you are still waiting! You have been on my mind and in my prayers! Many of us oldies are still here and NOT leaving until ALL the kids are home! YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN!! HUGS!
Posted by: Michele (mom) at February 4, 2010 03:38 PMAndrea: you totally misinterpreted my post about Guatemala. I have lived in Guatemala 16 years this month. I have one Guatemalan adopted daughter who is 14, who was put in my arms at four days old, and one 10 year old foster daughter who is caught in this adoption nightmare. I would not stay in Guatemala if I was not committed to the children of this country and, in fact, I don't work with any foreigners and all my staff is Guatemala. As the mother of Guatemalan children, living and raising them in Guatemala and me a foreigner I have worked very hard to make sure my daughters learn about the good, the beauty and the positive of their country. My oldest daughter is amazingly patriotic, she is also well aware of the very dark side of Guatemala since she has been through some pretty horrendous times here. My daughter is currently studying Guatemala's constitution and legal system and was shocked by the laws that are in place to protect human rights and how the legal system, by written law, should work. She has also seen how the legal system does not work here. Do you honestly believe that I would be stereotyping Guatemalans by saying that people here don't trust each other. THEY DON'T. And no, Guatemala is not a collaborative society. When I came to Guatemala I trusted everyone, I believed we would work together. I held that belief for quite some time, against the advice of many Guatemalans that thought I was nuts. Now, I have a more realistic view of Guatemala, which means I can do a better job here. I love this country, I am a long term legal resident of Guatemala and I have stayed through out this nightmare that UNICEF created in order to advocate for the children in my care, both with families and without. So to think that I am anti Guatemalan is wrong. It is quite the opposite. What I am saying about the United States' history in Guatemala is just what you posted. There is a horrible, horrendous history. To understand Guatemala is to understand the history and the part the US government played in that. Why I brought up the history is that many, many adoptive families, waiting to bring their children home, have dealt with their senators, congressperson, and any other government person who will listen. What they get is a lot of "hand wringing" as though the US government can do nothing. We know that is not true. I am not asking for an all out war, but what I am saying is that the United States government is doing nothing and want adoptive parents to believe they can do nothing and that is far from the truth. This is a very difficult time. I am watching the children, with families, grow older and they are missing valuable time with their families. Everyday they are not home with their families is criminal. The reason that nothing is being done is because the US government has not intervened. The US government intervenes all the time in drug trafficking. Just ask the families, that had children in the school in Zacapa, when the DEA opened fire on the "drug lord's" house next door. This happened at 10AM when kids where in school. The US government has a brand new DEA facility in Guatemala to stop drug trafficking. The US government can easily call the shots in Guatemala. Getting a few children home to their adoptive families, kids with visas should not be that difficult. Heaven forbid, the former president of Guatemala, Alfonso Portillo, is going to go on trial in the United States because the truth is he will NEVER be found guilty in Guatemala. So yes, the United States government has the power to bring the children home. For whatever reason, they don't want to.
Nancy Bailey
Semillas de Amor
www.semillasdeamor.org
I just joined the Guatemala900 support group at Yahoo.com that was listed above. Hope to hear from some of you.
Posted by: Terri at February 4, 2010 10:39 PMNancy...I hear you and I respect your position and work....but what I am not hearing are your ideas as to what you think AP's in our positions are supposed to be able to do to get the attention of the US Government to demand the help we deserve ? If you have any contacts with the US Embassy in Guatemala that would agree to meet with me...please share. Believe me....I have been as proactive as possible but aside from being the one who is asked to simply pay and wait....I haven't run across many people who really want to answer my questions or be accountable to this waiting adoptive mother as to what they are doing and how long they are taking to do it.
Just curious as well...has anyone contacted UNICEF to see what they have to see these days about what they are doing in Guatemala about any of these cases...old and current ?
Beyond Frustrated: I really recommend that you join the Guatemala900 group. There has been a good deal of pressure put on the US representatives. But the problem is that it continues to be the same handful of adoptive parents and we need everyone involved. There have been meetings held with UNICEF in NY with the Guatemala900, high level DOS representatives,marches on DC and nothing. It will take a lot of angry and frustrated adoptive parents to make the US government do something. Your representatives need to be educated about what is going on and that is the adoptive parents' job to do. We have just a very small group of people working really hard and that group needs to grow. I will say that the US Embassy in Guatemala can really do nothing. They take their orders and do what they are told to do. However, that being said I do believe that not only the US Embassy in Guatemala needs to be pressured but the DOS and your senators and congressmen. There were over 50 senators and congressmen who signed a letter, drafted by Barbara Boxer (D-CA) asking Hillary Clinton to look into what was going on in Guatemala. It took a huge effort on the part of the Guatemala900, their family and friends to get their representatives to sign this letter. Then there was the massive email campaign on UNICEF followed up the next day with a massive phone campaign. People called and sent emails from all over the world in support of the kids left behind in Guatemala. Many of the families in the Guatemala900 group have their children home so this group is not limited to families with cases in process. Join the group www.guatemala900.org and channel your frustration and anger into getting your child home.
Posted by: Nancy Bailey at February 6, 2010 01:40 AMNancy - I have been inprocess for over 3 years now. My child was taken in an orphanage raid in May 2008. I have written and emailed to DOS, my senators, my representatives, USE in Guatemala as well as the Consular General. I even wrote Mrs Obama. Maybe my letters are not professional enough, Could someone post some form letters that I could send? I will send them every other day until get someone's attention.
Posted by: Jestry at February 7, 2010 07:52 AMNancy, I read your latest post carefully and remain convinced that you need to be more careful with your words. I may not be able to read your intention but I can read the way that you phrased your call to history , and your stereotypes.
I too have been involved in Guatemala since 1993, and I am a fluent Spanish speaker and well educated (by Guatemalans!) about politics and history. That said, I would never presume to understand all that goes on, or the complicated webs of corruption involved.
I find your reference to Guatemalan-U.S. history deeply disrespectful and disagree wholeheartedly with your stereotypes about all Guatemalans being non-trustful and non-collaborative. I can think of many counter-examples, including your own assessment of CNA`s willingness to work with homes.
It makes sense to me to petition the U.S. senate and congress for help, but it´s evil to compare the help you want with the ¨help¨the U.S. gave Guatemala in 1954 and the 1980s. Maybe I´m the only one hoping for a new, different (even collaborative!) U.S. foreign policy, but I do, and I think it´s important that you state your intentions carefully, and not use painful examples of history as the standard for U.S. involvement.
Posted by: andrea at February 9, 2010 07:08 AMI have been a follower of this site for years but not a poster but a couple things have caught my attention.
I know that there are more then just a handful of parents working to bring their children home - I think the Guatemala900 is working very hard and appreciate their work and I am sure every parent with a child still stuck is working hard as well. I do not know if anyone knows the "best" way to get this to end but peopele are trying. We have all sent letters and emails and made phone calls. People have tried to visit PGN and the courts and called their representatives. Joining the Guatemala900 is just one of many things that parents can do and have been doing.
There was another discussion that made me think - when I started down the road of adoption over 5 years ago, I trusted everyone till they proved that they could not be trusted. My first adoption had a few bumps in the road and I was told that it was because of things on the Guatemalan side. So I took it in stride and used the same agency for my next adoption - Don't worry I was told, trust me. Well my agency folded overnight and was involved in a RICO suit (which settled out of court so no details are released) and I realized that my trust meter is not good when it comes to adoptions. It was the American side of the adoption that I trusted was doing everyting that went wrong not the Guatemalan lawyers. Who to trust and not trust is not based on being an American or Guatemalan but on mutual respect. Lose respect you lose trust. There are great people I have met in Guatemala who are doing the best they can and they can be trusted.