Last week we saw the passing of the Ortega Law, a law that is so anti-adoption that it threatens to stop adoptions all together. Since then, rumors of important amendments to this law are rampant.

According to the JCICS (Joint Council on International Children’s Services), a grandfather clause was drafted by the Children’s Committee. However, amendments will probably not be voted on until after the November elections.

The JCICS also reported on October 5th, 2007 that the Hague Permanent Bureau along with the Joint Council, the US Department of State and others support allowing adoptions in process to be completed. UNICEF has not come forward with clear support for grandfathering in adoptions in process. This was their response to the JCICS on this issue:

The UNICEF office in Guatemala has received numerous emails from adoptive parents citing their concern over the future of international adoptions in Guatemala. UNICEF Guatemala empathizes with the concern voiced by US citizens in the process of adopting Guatemalan children. UNICEF also recognizes that Guatemala needs to implement the Hague Convention as of January 01, 2008…In the past three months, UNICEF Guatemala has been meeting on a regular basis with representatives from the US Consulate and members of the Guatemalan Government to express their concern for and interest in the approximately 3,000 children whose adoption will be “in process” as of December 31, 2007. UNICEF believes that it is in the best interest of a child to be part of a permanent family. Placement within an institution or a temporary foster family, unless absolutely necessary, is not in the best interest of the child. Therefore, serious consideration should be taken by the Guatemalan Government as to how these cases will be processed to ensure that the best interest of the child is respected. It is important to clarify that the decision of how cases in process will be treated is the sole responsibility of the Guatemalan Government.

Well, we know that they are receiving emails from adoptive parents, but they certainly aren’t taking a clear stand on grandfathering in adoptions in process. This organization will never cease to amaze me. Let’s keep the email pressure on and let them know that we are not at all happy with their “neutral” stance on adoptions in process and that we expect more from an organization that is supposed to be looking after the welfare of children. Here is the contact info if you didn’t get it off my previous blogs:

Call or fax UNICEF Guatemala
Ask to speak with Manuel Manrique
Their number is 011-502-2327-6373
Their fax number is 011-502-2327.6366

I’m disappointed that the JCICS hasn’t come out against the Ortega Bill until now. Susana Luarca of the ADA has explained this bill clearly several times, outlining its weaknesses and anti-adoption stance. Bill #3635 is in her opinion a much superior bill and it is unfortunate that the JCICS has not supported it to date. You can read about these two bills in my past blog here.

On October 4th, the Focus on Adoption petition was up to 25,000 signatures. If you still haven’t signed it, please click here. Although in one of my blogs I wrote that letters are more effective for contacting government officials, apparently they will get to our senators and congressmen too slowly as they have to go through security. So emails, faxes and phone calls are the way to go. That contact information can be found here for senators and here for representatives.

Families Without Borders has updated their sample letters for the Department of State and your US congressional representatives. Click here to access them.

There is a comprehensive sight that is worth your attention called “5000 Orphans.” Click here to link to that site.

I realize that some of the information I’ve posted here is posted in my previous blogs, but since it is so crucial for all of us to be involved, I’ve made it available again. Let’s keep informed and proactive!
Photo credit: Google Images