[kris123]

I am considering adopting from Guatemala, but after all I've read about issues there, I am wondering if it would be wiser to choose another country.

Does anyone have any insight into how things are going there and what direction they might be taking?

I hear different things from different agencies. One says that their program is progressing very well and that a number of parents have returned with their children in the past few weeks. Another has stopped taking applications for Guatemala and thinks that they will not even re-open their process for another year.

I'd really appreciate any help with this...

[crathke]

Chris, the biggest "threat" to Guatemalan adoptions currently is essentially an anti-adoption law that is being pushed by various factions in the Guatemalan government (with backing from UNICEF). However, with the presidential election runoff slated for December, and the fact that a new law must have a minimum of three hearings before being voted upon, it will be a little while yet before that becomes a "reality"--if it ever does. The adoption attorneys in Guatemala have already successfully beaten down the Hague Convention this summer and they are fully prepared to fight any anti-adoption legislation tooth and nail.

That being said, the way the Guatemalan government works, any new laws cannot be made retroactive--meaning that if you have accepted your referral of a child and have your POA (Power of Attorney) registered with the Procuraduria General de la Nacion (PGN)--there should be no impediment to your bringing a child home.

Many people on the Guatemalan board have been waiting all summer for their children and they are sick and tired of being sick and tired--and I cannot blame them in the least. On the other hand, I have also heard of recent cases (those filed with the PGN after July 1st, for example) which are progressing extremely quickly. My agency contact has at least half a dozen families making their "pickup trip" this month--and this is an agency which began their Guatemalan program in the late winter/early spring of this year. (keep in mind adoptions were illegally suspended from March until August in Guatemala!)

International adoption is and always has been challenging and risky. Many agencies are backign away from Guatemala in an effort to be prudent and conservative--and it is a business decision for them to make. Others are frantically trying to place the many children they have available. If you check the archives on the Guatemalan board on this forum, you can find many reputable agencies who can help you make an informed decision.

Best wishes---

[TaraL]

Courtney:

Do you know why UNICEF would want to stop adoptions all together in Guatemala? It just seems so sad that there are so many babies that need good homes and unfortunately many families in Guatemala continue to struggle to survive. Without international adoption some babies may starve to death, live in an orphanage their whole childhood, or who knows what else. This will only increase the amount of people living in poverty. This is just so sad.

Tara

[BELONGTOGOD]

Tara,

Have you thought about Ecuador? We started the process for Guatemala and then accepted a referral from Ecuador. I know our agency is looking for at least 14 families. I would be glad to answer any questions you might have.

I agree with the post above, UNICEF is really pushing hard to get the attornys out of the adoption process in GUA. They continue to introduce new legislation. Research! Research! before signing up with any agency!

Best of luck to you!

Marsha

Homestudy approved in Ecuador on August 10th
Referral on August 10
Travel Date sometime between Feb and March

[shellydm]

What agency?

I'd love to find out more about your new country!

Thanks!

[BELONGTOGOD]

Shelly,

I have written you an email. Let me know if you do not receive it.

Thanks,
Marsha