Update from ICF

This is a weekly email we get from another agency. We are on their mailing list because they seem to be more informative. We have not heard anything from our agency because they are still trying to get accredited. Last we heard they have until Oct. 2 to file the rest of their paperwork. So until then...
GUATEMALA
There is nothing much new to share this week. I've talked with two other agencies, too -- For This Child and Carolina Hope Christian Adoptions -- and they are short of any news from their contacts. The general feeling is that Guatemala will focus on setting up the infrastructure soon, now that the birth mother interviews are done. I don't think there is any doubt that Guatemala will re-open to new cases, as well as finish the 2007 cases, but it remains a mystery as to what the new procedures will be. I can think of so many variations on that theme that my head spins.

In theory, all adoption will ultimately be approved by the Central Authority. But where will they start? With agencies and attorneys, or directly through the Central Authority? On one hand, with agencies and attorneys, families may have more control and input as to the child or children they wish to adopt, but the fees will probably then remain high. On the other hand, if the Central Authority must approve each match, it could take months and months, but it could conceivably cost less.

Countries often look to neighboring countries for ideas on how to structure adoptions. Colombia, a Hague Convention country, could be a role model for Guatemala. Colombia is a comparatively wealthy country, with much better services for orphaned children. They have very good private orphanages, as well as public orphanages and foster care. Adoptions flow through the ICBF, which is the Colombia Central Authority, and referral time frames for younger children, infants and toddlers, are 2-3 years. That's a long wait. For older children and sibling groups, it can be 6-9 months.

Guatemala does not have the resources for the level of care that the children in Colombia have access to. It really remains to be seen how they intend to help the birth mothers who wish to relinquish children, or the children who have lost their families. Frankly, it is odd to me that we have so little specific information about the Central Authority's plans; the attorney and facilitator go to their offices, they ask questions, but the main answer they get is "soon."

I would love to have more substantive information for you -- but not this week.