Today the first batch of families have received their I600 approvals under the new system of filing prior to travel. These families received approval approximately 3 weeks from when their applications were filed which is an excellent turn-around time. We should proceed with caution, however, when presuming that things will continue on this time table indefinitely. It is probable that these first applications were expedited due to the advanced state of their files when the changes were implemented. Some cases will undoubtedly require the full 60 days to investigate while others may be approved much sooner. Additionally the USCIS is understaffed and ill-equipped to take on such a heavy work load for the long term. Hopefully additional staff will be added to help manage the investigations in a realistic time frame without compromising the on-going integrity of the adoption process. Meanwhile we are very encouraged to see approvals being issued and families, once again, traveling to Vietnam to complete their adoptions.
These approvals come just a week after JCICS held a summit of licensed Adoption Service Providers and government officials to discuss some of the on-going issues that families are facing as well as the future of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which is set to expire next year. Most accounts of this meeting were very positive: agencies felt their voices were heard, a standard of best practices was outlined and agencies responded positively. JCICS has informed us that they will release notes from this meeting on their website today so we look forward to learning more about the outcome of this potentially important meeting.
Meanwhile we continue to get responses from agencies willing to participate in our Full Disclosure Project. These agencies recognize the value of transparency in adoption and are willing to share answers to commonly asked questions of value to parents when choosing an adoption agency. Please read on to explore the submissions from these agencies and if your own agency has not participated, encourage them to do so. The more information we have to compare, the better picture a potential adoptive family has to make one of the most important decisions of their lives and the life of their future child.
7 Responses
I wonder if you will update the info ona somewhat regular basis. Is it possible that some agencies will have information that changes or changes on the adoption front could make some answers obsolete?
Hi M – Yes, we have plans to initiate updates quarterly and allow for on-going updates from agencies who participate whenever they want to contact us.
You can read answers to this and other similar questions at the Full Disclosure Project FAQ here: http://www.adoptionintegrity.com/full-disclosure-project/faq/
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I’ve heard that these changes will mean less travel time in Vietnam. Possibly 7-10 days instead of ~3 weeks? Any info on that?
I don’t think this is likely. The process won’t change other than you’ll have one fewer appointment so it might shorten it by that day but otherwise there is nothing different enough about the process to significantly alter travel times. The first families under this new process are traveling now so we will hopefully see better what to expect from their experiences.
Will this new process hopefully reduce the number of NOIDs issued while in Vietnam? In the future will the PAP receive the NOID before traveling?
Hi Nic – yes, that’s the idea. Investigations and any related NOID would be issued prior to travel this way.