The Letter From The JCICS

The letter from the Joint Council of International Children Services was sent to my email today from our agency. It is in the form of a contract outlining principals and practices for the agencies working in Vietnam to follow. It is an attempt to show the State Department that their areas of concern regarding how adoptions are handled in Vietnam are being addressed. Not only are they being addressed but that a resolution is in place to become completely and uniformly active by September 1, 2008. They see the need to allow agencies the time to implement all that is required by the JCICS. It seems clear and concise to me. I'm not sure what else the US would like to be done. Well actually I do know, the US wants Vietnam to become a member of the Hague Convention and follow its practices. It has been rumored that all the "threats" of not renewing is a way to muscle Vietnam into joining Hague. I do not believe that this will work to convince them to sign with the Hague Convention and hope that the US will not punish Vietnam by not renewing. This will only punish the orphans. I hope that the US main focus is what is best for the children and not to convince a country to see things that we do....a "our way or the highway" approach. If there is a system in place to protect the children from exploitation and an explanation of where all the fees are being paid, then why not keep adoptions open. The wrong-doers on both sides will be revealed by the agreement set in place by the JCICS. They intend to submit this letter in the beginning of March to all who are involved from both countries. Let's hope it's not too late and that it will convince the State Department to sign the letter of intent to renew the Memorandum with Vietnam.