*One Step

Our agency sent out an update this week stating that Vietnam has named a head neogtiator - a first step in signing a new MOU. Vietnam has also requested that both governments now begin negotiations toward a the end of establishing a new MOU. So, that's progress, and good news to us.

Last week in Hanoi there was a meeting between the Ministry of Justice, DIA, Provincial Justice officials, MOLISA and directors of the orphanages that are approved to participate in inter-country adoption to discuss possible changes to international adoption procedures in the nation. The following changes were proposed:
The following list is a direct quotation from our agency's email:

1. The DIA would act as a functional central adoption authority.
2. That licensed adoption agencies would not have direct contact with orphanage directors for placement of children.
3. Allocation or referrals of children would be handled by an “adoption committee” which would consist of team members from MOJ, MOLISA, Foreign Affairs or other governmental agencies. This would be done within the central adoption authority.
4. That charitable donations for the care of children in the orphanages would be strictly handled by a committee within the central adoption authority. All funds would be deposited with the central adoption authority and they would disperse the funds to the MOLISA office responsible for the orphanage receiving the donations. The orphanage will be required to file a detailed description of how the funds were allocated.
5. There will be a reduction in the number of adoption agencies licensed in Vietnam. The exact number has not been determined but is reasonably believed to be reduced from 43 to 15.
6. That Vietnam will initiate legislation to implement the Hague Treaty.

It all sounds good to me, except number 5. Does that mean if our agency is not one of the 15, we are out of luck? Another something to pray about.

There has been no decision by the DIA (of Vietnam) yet as to weather or not our dossiers will be returned or stay on file in country.