Yes, that is right. There were some problems with countries such as Canada with Guatemalan adoptions. The advantage of the Guatemalan adoptions, foster care instread of orphanages, makes some feel that birth moms are selling the babies. Canada no longer allows adoptions from Guatemala. Implementation of The Hague in such countries as Paraguay (forgive spelling) have been a diaster. UNICEF (I am not sure what the full words are)does some good. They promote child care in developing countries such as immunizations and health care. Mr. Harris is involved and pretty much has set as a goal to shut down Guatemalan adoptions, because his belief is that children needs to stay in their own environment culture. One attorney in Guatemala is sueing him due to his promotion of lies. While it is true, not every child is appropriate for adoption, international adoption can promote family and give to all who participate (parents, child, culture) As an adoptive mother, I promised my son's foster and birth mother to educate him on his birth culture and some day visit his birth land. I hope that my son will be as proud of his Guatemalan culture as he is of his American culture. One way everyone here can help is to instead of giving money to UNICEF or stores that support UNICEF (Pier One, IKEA) give a donation to a hogar or group home to help care for those children who for some reason or anther cannot be adopted. I give to The Prince of Peace Girls Home in Guatemala since they are also providing job training and education for the children that live in the home. E mail address:
pophome@itelgua.com There are many more. So while you are waiting, I just gave you some ideas on how to keep busy. I wrote and researched homes in Guatemala and then went a writing campaign against UNICEF and I now boycott PIER ONE. Trust me, they lost a lot of $ from me. There are so many things we can do to make a difference. Lets keep hoping Guatemala revokes the Hague!!!!
A fast and safe adoption journey to all those in the process. Mary
in Illinois.