[thordis]

Can anybody tell me what the recent news about the adoption of protocols between Viet Nam and the United States means to those interested in adopting from Viet Nam? Thanks!

[Katia555]

We are in the process of adopting from China, and I would love to adopt a second child from Vietnam so have been following recent developments. Here is what our adoption agency says: "The U.S. Department of State released the following information on June 14, 2005. This news of finalization of an agreement between the U.S. and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is wonderful news and means that the program should formally re-open soon."

The agency refers to this statement:

"U.S. and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Reach Agreement on International Adoptions

The United States Embassy in Hanoi is pleased to announce an agreement initialed yesterday between the governments of the United States of America and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam regarding cooperation on the adoption of children, paving the way for signature next week in Washington, D.C.

This has been an effort of many months and reflects both countries’ commitment to the welfare and well being of children and parents, as well as to a transparent and effective adoption system between our two countries. The features of the agreement include:

The Parties support the facilitation of the adoption of orphaned children on humanitarian grounds and for the purpose of child protection.

The agreement that appropriate measures should be taken under respective national laws to prevent and deal with actions of adoption abuse involving the exploitation of children and other infringements on a child’s lawful rights and interests.

Recognition of the respective national laws governing the licensing and oversight of adoption service providers.

The United States welcomes indications from the Government of Vietnam that it intends to accede to the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption. The United States supports the goals and principles of this Convention, which calls for transparency in a country’s adoption system and safeguards to protect vulnerable children."

END

I would imagine that a lot of agencies won't accept new clients until the new Vietnam requirements are fully understood.

Best wishes...

[KoughGirl]

My sister is working with an agency right now 9/14/05 and she is adopting from Vietnam. We are all very excited!

Good Luck, Kellie

[brendanod]

I do not know how the hell she is, no final agreement has been signed yet, and no fee structure has been agreed. I hope she has not paid them any money. No agencies have been licensed yet. I think everything is going to be sorted out very soon, but I think it is better to wait for the press release from the Department of State for Children or Maura Harty who is the person involved in the negotiations..