September 8, 2008
Following our update of September 1, 2008, it is Joint Council's
understanding that the Government of Vietnam has issued a formal
diplomatic note to the United States Government naming a high
ranking Vietnamese official as Vietnam's lead negotiator and also
requesting that both governments begin negotiations towards a new
Memorandum of Agreement regarding intercountry adoption.
Joint Council applauds the Government of Vietnam for taking this
very important step and encourages the U.S. Government to respond in
a most positive manner. For more information on the ongoing
diplomacy, please visit the State Department's website.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
MOU Expires
Many have asked for an update ont he adoption. Labor Day the MOU expired. Below is from the JCICS concerning the situation in Vietnam and the expiration of the MOU.
Joint Council Update
Program International Relations Initiative
Date September 1, 2008
Regarding Vietnam
Today, September 1, 2008, the current Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
between the United States and Vietnam expires. As a result,
intercountry adoption is effectively suspended until a new MOA is
signed and implemented by both countries. Joint Council sees the
suspension of intercountry adoption as a tragedy for children and for
the families willing to provide a loving family to Vietnamese
orphans.
Joint Council and its Member Organizations remain committed to the
children and families of Vietnam and continue to work closely with
both governments. Completing existing adoption cases and putting a
new MOA in place remain the top priorities.
Joint Council remains confident that a new MOA is achievable
especially in light of recent events. Joint Council's A Child's
Right Campaign, the subsequent letter from Members of the U.S.
Congress to the Department of State, arrests of corrupt practitioners
in Vietnam, a discussion of the Hague Convention by Vietnam's
National Assembly, a joint statement by President Bush and Prime
Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, the U.S. Department of State's official
request for a lead Vietnamese negotiator and other recent events, all
demonstrate that both parties take this seriously and are interested
in resolving this crisis.
While some confusion remains regarding the processing of existing
adoption cases, it is Joint Council's understanding that if a child
has been referred to a family and that referral has been approved by
the Vietnam Department of Intercountry Adoption (DIA), the adoption
can proceed to completion. It is important that Adoption Service
Providers and potential adoptive parents recognize that a referral
may not continue on to completion unless the referral has been
approved by the DIA. Families should consult with their Adoption
Service Provider in making this determination.
We continue to seek clarity on all aspects of the adoption process in
Vietnam and have suggested that the DIA refrain from returning family
dossiers to their respective adoption service provider at this time.
Unfortunately many questions remain such as when a new MOA is in
place, will existing dossiers be considered valid. When this and
other determinations are made, we will notify you promptly.
Please know that Joint Council remains closely involved and will keep
you notified as significant events occur.
Sincerely,
Tom
TOM DIFILIPO | President & CEO | Joint Council
Joint Council Update
Program International Relations Initiative
Date September 1, 2008
Regarding Vietnam
Today, September 1, 2008, the current Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
between the United States and Vietnam expires. As a result,
intercountry adoption is effectively suspended until a new MOA is
signed and implemented by both countries. Joint Council sees the
suspension of intercountry adoption as a tragedy for children and for
the families willing to provide a loving family to Vietnamese
orphans.
Joint Council and its Member Organizations remain committed to the
children and families of Vietnam and continue to work closely with
both governments. Completing existing adoption cases and putting a
new MOA in place remain the top priorities.
Joint Council remains confident that a new MOA is achievable
especially in light of recent events. Joint Council's A Child's
Right Campaign, the subsequent letter from Members of the U.S.
Congress to the Department of State, arrests of corrupt practitioners
in Vietnam, a discussion of the Hague Convention by Vietnam's
National Assembly, a joint statement by President Bush and Prime
Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, the U.S. Department of State's official
request for a lead Vietnamese negotiator and other recent events, all
demonstrate that both parties take this seriously and are interested
in resolving this crisis.
While some confusion remains regarding the processing of existing
adoption cases, it is Joint Council's understanding that if a child
has been referred to a family and that referral has been approved by
the Vietnam Department of Intercountry Adoption (DIA), the adoption
can proceed to completion. It is important that Adoption Service
Providers and potential adoptive parents recognize that a referral
may not continue on to completion unless the referral has been
approved by the DIA. Families should consult with their Adoption
Service Provider in making this determination.
We continue to seek clarity on all aspects of the adoption process in
Vietnam and have suggested that the DIA refrain from returning family
dossiers to their respective adoption service provider at this time.
Unfortunately many questions remain such as when a new MOA is in
place, will existing dossiers be considered valid. When this and
other determinations are made, we will notify you promptly.
Please know that Joint Council remains closely involved and will keep
you notified as significant events occur.
Sincerely,
Tom
TOM DIFILIPO | President & CEO | Joint Council
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)