For those of you not familiar with Ethica, it is an adoption advocacy organization concerned with ethical adoptions, both domestic and international. Yesterday, they reported on its site that it was seeking the answer all PAPs want – what does “in process” mean? (thanks to a comment by Amy at Voices for Vietnam Integrity for alerting me to this!)
Here is the relevant portion of Ethica’s statement:
2. Cases in process on September 1. Families are understandably concerned about the recent State Department warning and are anxious for information about whether cases “in process” on September 1 will be completed by Vietnam, and further which cases are considered “in process” (for example, cases in which a dossier is logged in or cases in which a referral has been made).Ethica has spoken with the Department of State about these questions and we have requested that DOS seek a definitive answer from the DIA.We must continue to caution families that, at this time, no one can guarantee what will happen on September 1. Some families are reporting that their agencies have assured them that all families with dossiers in Vietnam on September 1 will be assigned a referral and completed. Some report that their agencies have received assurances or one sort or another directly from DIA.Ethica believes that such guarantees, even when made in good faith, are ill-advised in the current situation, and reminds parents that there have been endless conflicting reports about what DIA has said about several issues, including the practice of “umbrella’ing” and donations to orphanages. Therefore, families are cautioned against putting their faith in anything that is not an official announcement from the U.S. government that transmits what the DIA has decided about in-process cases. While such official pronouncements can also be changed at a later date if Vietnam were to choose to do so, an official announcement is a stronger indication of what will likely occur. We will continue to transmit updated information as it becomes available.
You can read the entire statement here.
Also, consider bookmarking the Vietnam page as it is a good place for news.
I would love to see a definitive statement on this topic! Although again, I won’t feel “safe” until I am home with my child. I’m rather surprised to read that some agencies are assuring PAPs that anyone with a dossier in Vietnam at the end of the MOU will complete the adoption. I don’t know how an agency could make such assurances with a clear conscience. I know when I talked to my agency my caseworker was absolutely clear with me that no one knows for sure what will happen. It would be nice if it were true, though, wouldn’t it?
