In February, we posted a report that the new assistant to US Secretary of State in charge of consular affairs, Janice L. Jacobs was in Vietnam working with Vietnamese officials on a variety of matters, including adoption. However, we cautioned PAPs (prospective adoptive parents) that a new agreement could still take time.
Last week, Ethica issued a similar warning:
March 1, 2009
Recently there have been rumors circulating claiming that Vietnam will be open to Americans adopting by the end of this year. Conversations with the U.S. Department of State have confirmed that adoptions are not likely to reopen for some time. Negotiations for a new Memorandum of Understanding have not been successful and Vietnam has indicated that it will be preparing to sign and ratify the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption. Given that Vietnam has considerable progress to make towards adoption reform and transparency, particularly in regards to how children come into care and the need for a fee schedule, Ethica advises families to be aware that this process will most likely take as long, if not longer, than the 3 years that it took for the second Memorandum of Understanding to be approved. If families are hearing otherwise, they are strongly encouraged to contact the U.S. Department of State for confirmation at AskCI@state.gov.
All of Ethica’s updates on adoptions from Vietnam can be accessed here.
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