We, the undersigned recognize the need to change the past adoption & orphan care system in Guatemala. We recognize that it will take the collective wisdom of many stakeholders and authorities to determine the best solution and a long time to implement the solutions. Our immediate concern is for the children that as of this day are caught up in the system that have been or will be negatively affected by the change. Therefore, we suggest the following:
1.that temporary orphanages be set up at strategic locations around Guatemala that would also serve as "no questions asked" drop off centers for babies.
2.that the Guatemalan Govt put out an immediate request for help from trusted humanitarian organizations around the world to come to Guatemala to help.
3.that all solutions for the short term include keeping the children in Guatemala until a consensus is obtained to do otherwise.
4.that all lawyers or notaries who have been involved in any adoptions in 2007 be required to disclose the locations of any orphanages, child care homes or facilities they are aware of. Also, they would be required to disclose the location of any children that are orphans or were awaiting adoption before the law changed. There needs to be severe penalties attached to any violations of this requirement.
5.that all people, homes, or facilities that have any orphans be required to immediately report their location and the location of every child not currently living w/ their parent that they are aware of. There needs to be severe penalties attached to any violations of this requirement.
6.that qualified professionals be immediately hired to go inspect all facilities and create a routine inspection system to insure the care of the kids in these homes or facilities. These professionals would have immediate access to the judges if the kids are not being properly taken care of, to petition the court for their removal if the current caregiver will not voluntarily relinquish the child(ren).
7.that immunity & protection will be immediately given to anyone that has knowledge of corruption, illegal, or harmful practices that have been taking place in the past regarding these children, if they come in and report said activities w/i the next 30 days. This immunity will be for any non-leaders in said activities.
8. that an immediate media campaign be started w/i Guatemala to communicate the new policies & the immunity/protection for people who will volunteer information.
Greg Garrett
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment