Joint Council had the great honor of hosting a eight member delegation of Vietnamese officials and legal experts from March 24th through April 2nd, 2009. The delegation was lead by Vietnam's Vice Minister of Justice and was made up of key individuals with direct influence over international adoption and child welfare. The intention of the trip was to provide a forum for discussion on the Hague Convention and an interim adoption agreement between the U.S. and Vietnam. Joint Council and the delegation sought educational opportunities regarding U.S. child welfare and child protection systems. Demonstrating both the need and the success of intercountry adoption through meetings with adoptive families was also a key element of the trip.
Overall, the delegations trip was a resounding success and a first step to any agreement between the U.S. and Vietnam regarding intercountry adoptions and the subsequent implementation of the Hague Convention by Vietnam. Joint Council urges all Members of Congress to support the timely development and implementation of an interim adoption agreement between the U.S. and Vietnam and to urge the Dept of State to accept Vietnam's invitation to meet in Hanoi next month.
"Two different lives, Shaped to make yours one....... One became your guiding star, The other became your sun...... The first gave you life, And the second taught you how to live it........ The first gave you a need for love, And the second was there to give it." --MOTHER'S BRIDGE
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