[mckinnea]

I haven't posted to the board in months. I am mom to a 2.5 year old beautiful Guat boy.

However, today I write the group seeking advice for a friend. Here is the situation:

She and her husband were in PGN with a little 8 mos old girl. She went down to visit and noticed that her daughter-to-be seemed somewhat delayed. She is a nurse and maybe noticed things that others would not notice.

When she returned from her trip, she contacted her agency and expressed her concerns. The director of her agency stated that she had had the same concerns when she met her daughter but didn't say anything because she didn't know for sure.

The agency really gave her the runaround at this point in terms of seeking a medical assessment. This went on for a couple of weeks. Finally, a couple of days ago - after she pushed and pushed - they reluctantly sent her for another eval. The physician who saw her indicated that he would not give a prognosis until the baby had a CT scan and an MRI. This is after he personally examined her.

Naturally my friend was devastated. That night she received a call from her agency telling her that her pink slip had been prepared (in Antigua - which it was supposed to be processed in Guat Cty) and would be ready for pick up in a few days (This is just a couple of days after they told her that it would be another 4-6 weeks... hmmm.) Anyway - my friend said, "Whoa - hold it. I need to speak to the doctor that examined my daughter! I need more info." The agency then told her that she needed to come and pick up her daughter and that she could deal with her "medical concerns" in the States.

Finally they gave her the number of the physician who was very kind and very frank. He told her that he and his colleagues had concerns with the babies severe gross motor delays and her flacidity. She asked him some medical questions and he answered her appropriately. When she point blank asked him if he thought she may have Cerebral Palsy - He said that it is a possibility.

I know this is a long post but my questions are - What are my friend's rights here? The agency told her that she was out of luck if she choose to suspend the adoption agreement and of course they have already collected full payment. Please don't take offense that I am asking about the business side of this. I am just trying to seek out info. for my friend.

Regards to the group-

Michelle
mom to Edwin

[Bassette]

If she is pink slipped then her adoption is final and she is the legal parent of this child. She can not stop or reverse the adoption.

It is unfortunate that this was not discovered earlier but that is where her adoption stands.

I would encourage your friend *not* to jump to conclusions. Again, she is the parent now, so there is alot she can do about getting her child tested, diagnosed and treated if neccessary once she returns with her daughter to the US. Doctors often have "concerns" that turn out to be nothing. Peds in particular are very cautious and I would hate for your friend to stress and distance herself from her daughter if this ends up being nothing.

I'm not sure if this is true as I don't remember where I read of heard this but I understand that CP is what it is at birth and does not get worse. If true then if this child has CP it is mild enough for doctors to have missed it for months. I wanted to add that soothing tid bit but also want to impress not to assume this child has a condition at all! <<<Hugs>>> to your friend and to you for supporting her so tenderly.

Nice to see you again. How are you?

[monti10]

I have heard a similar story when I first started my adoptions in January 2004. The adopted family did not continue and the agency found another family and they did an inter state adoption and they went to pick the child up in Guatemala. If your friend wants options tell her to call an adoption attorney. They will let her know what her options are.

[Chop]

If your friend continues please encourage them that the environment of the child is huge for gross/fine motor development. When we adopted our daughter she was 2 years old and had motor skills of a 9 month old!!! After a couple of years of occupational therapy (which is fun and great bonding time with your child) she is a normal 7 year old who is AWESOME at athletics. I would have her ask how much stimulation the child has. Does the child rock for self stimulation, if so it is most likely the delay is caused by lack of stimulation not cerebral palsy. If she wants to talk to me about my experience PM me and I will give you my number.

[Stangermom]

I can not give much advice about her legal situation but I can give a little info about CP. My neice was diagnosed with CP when she was born. It has not necessarily gotten worse but it has definitely been a struggle. My sister-in-law is a single mom and has raised my niece by herself and she has done an excellent job. It has required many surgeries and alot of work on her part but my niece is 13 and has a very normal life. She does cheerleading, softball, and is doing well in school. I would tell your friend to hang in there if she can, especially being a nurse she really has a lot to offer to this child who might not get the support otherwise.

Tennille

[bjitta]

If it were me. I would go get my daughter and bring her to the states for a full neuro eval and go from there.