[chica_latina]

Hi everybody!

I was just reading my agency's contract and noticed how the contract emphasizes that it is not responsible, in any way, for the health of the child referred to us. It is also not responsible of any inaccuracy or misrepresentation of the health of the child referred to us.

The agency I'm going to use has a great reputation, but I can't help but get a bit leary of these statements in the contract.
Has anybody else had this in their contract??

I'm worried that we will receive a glowing health report only to find out that there are serious medical conditions that were hidden from us.
How often does this happen???

From my understanding, pregnant moms may have some malnourishment during pregnancy. But drugs and alcohol abuse during pregnancy is not common in Guatemala.
Has anybody else heard this???

Help!

p.s. I don't think that I'm allowed to put down the name of my agency in this post, but I will pm anybody that would like to know.

Myrna

[kauai2k]

Fear not - it isn't unusual verbage for such a contract. Our situation was similar. I'm sure that many others will say the same.

The health of these children is most certainly not a given, but for the most part I believe that they are healthy. Drugs and alcohol are items that require money - which is a luxury in some of the most indigent/primitive areas of Guatemala.

Certainly you should be aware that health conditions may arise, but I wouldn't be as worried with Guatemalan babies.

Looking forward to other posts on this thread.

diane

[becky]

That is normal language...as the agency cannot guarantee anything...no one knows what the long-term health of anyone will be.

I would be sure to find out whether the agency has a good reputation for having excellent foster care, and if the children see a physician regularly...those are important for making a good start in life!

[ej-momtobe]

This is what my contract states also. That is one of the reasons that I want to go down and visit early...to see things for myself (not that I would turn down a child because he had a problem, but I would rather make an informed decision). I am certainly not a medical professional, but if I go down there and notice a problem maybe there is something that can be done to treat it, or at least I will know what I am getting.

[JohnnaMJH]

If your agency has a great reputation and a long history in Guatemala, I doubt they would risk it by intentionally hiding a medical problem. If, on the Guat end, the atty or facilitator did that, they would risk losing the agency as a client.

Maybe you could ask some more questions, like, provide a scenario, say my child hasn't gained weight in a month, what would you do? Or, if the Dr. report says something is suspicious, do they insist on a specialist or follow up visit to make sure things are OK?

I agree with others who said that it is probably standard to insure they can't be blamed for an undetected problem.

Good luck,

[Amykk]

I think my agency's contract had similar language and I think most use some type of language to that effect to avoid liability. We received monthly medical reports, so I felt like I knew everything they knew and the doctor they were using had a good reputation. I think that's about the best you can hope for. If you can go visit, you get to see your child first hand and how they are developing. Maybe talk to some families who used your agency to see what their experience was so that you have a better comfort level.

[Chrysanthemum]

I was concerned about the same thing. I visited my child to put any concern to rest. Are you able to visit, once you have your referral?

[chica_latina]

Thanks for all your help! And thanks to Johnna for suggesting those questions I can use.

Unfortunately, we will not be able to visit, so we will have to depend on the info that we receive.

I've heard of people sending medical info to a international adoption specialist that can review the info. We live in SD and the fanciest dr we have around here is a pediatrician (lol) .. (There's not much diversity around here so I don't know how much our local dr.s can help us).

Anybody have any suggestions?

[Amykk]

Originally Posted by chica_latina

Thanks for all your help! And thanks to Johnna for suggesting those questions I can use.

Unfortunately, we will not be able to visit, so we will have to depend on the info that we receive.

I've heard of people sending medical info to a international adoption specialist that can review the info. We live in SD and the fanciest dr we have around here is a pediatrician (lol) .. (There's not much diversity around here so I don't know how much our local dr.s can help us).

Anybody have any suggestions?

I didn't send my info to a specialist, but I know there are many out there who will advise you based on pictures and/or videos that you send them (through mail or email). They wouldn't have to be in your state. If someone doesn't respond to this thread, I would post a new one requesting info on IA specialists who people used and recommend.