Who believes that old quip anyway? I am quickly believing that no news means nothing is getting done! I talked with my social worker this week-- believe it or not! The only news I received was "we're working on it." I am at a low point and I don't know what to do. I saw a friend of mine this weekend and she's going through this adoption stuff for the second time (she obviously has more patience than I do-- I don't know how she is keeping her sanity). She's going to try and get some information for me this week. I only hope it is good news.
On a different note, I have been looking at all kinds of blogs this morning. The old saying, it's a small world is true!! Just by looking at the blog of one of my high school friends, I have seen so many other blogs of friends of days gone by. Is it strange to leave them a message out of the blue? Or am I just being weird? I feel like I am stalking them unless I leave a message! But after 10 years of seeing them, would they really even remember who I am? I think I need some blogging etiquette advice!!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
One World, One Dream
After my last posting, I read through a couple of my friends' blogs. I must say to JWP- you inspired me to write my own post about the Olympics.
I have never really liked sports, which is not news to most of you who know me well. What you may not know is that I love to watch the Olympics. Let me be honest-- not all of the games catch my attention, but some do. I especially like gymnastics, swimming, and diving! And like JWP, I love the stories they tell about the athletes and their families. What some athletes do just to be able to compete is remarkable!
Another reason I am particularly interested in this year's games is the place--China! Even though it will still be a while before we travel to get our daughter, just the thought of being there is overwhelming. All of the stories are captivating to me!!
Hague Regulations
Another week gone, nothing new to report. We did get a response from our agency and our case worker said that she sent the final revisions for the home study to our social worker. Apparently, one of the biggest problems in getting the home study finalized is the new Hague requirements. Apparently, there is an issue with our social worker and her non-profit status (she is based in Alabama and our agency is based in Texas). Regardless, it has been more than 12 weeks and we still don't have our home study. I think (and hope!!) the last form (the one from Homeland Security) will be easier than dealing with these home study requirements!!
I have had a couple of people ask about what Hague is-- so I thought this would be a good time to share.
Question: What Is the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption?
Answer: The Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption is an international agreement between participating countries on best adoption procedures. These procedures have basically two goals in mind: 1) The best interest of children are considered with each intercountry adoption. 2.) The prevention of abduction, exploitation, sale, or trafficking of children.
The guidelines and procedures that are set forth in the Hague Convention are also for the protection of birth families, as well as adoptive families. Part of the Convention's guidelines ensures that one Central Authority is in place in each country so that adoptive parents get the most accurate information regarding adoption. The Department of State is the U.S. Central Authority for the Convention. According to the State Department's Web site, implementing the principles of the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption is the State Department's top priority at this time.
History of the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption--- The Hague Convention on Private International Law has been around since 1893, but the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption was completed for comments by member countries on May 29, 1993.
The United States signed the Convention on March 31, 1994. In 1998, President Clinton sent the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoptions to the U.S. Senate for ratification. In 2000, both Houses of Congress passed bills for implementation of the Convention, the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (the IAA), Public Law 106-279. President Clinton signed the IAA into law on October 6, 2000. The United States ratified the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption on December 12, 2007 in the Netherlands. The Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008. This means that private adoption service providers will need to be accredited, temporarily accredited, or approved, supervised by a provider that is accredited, temporarily accredited, or approved, in order to provide adoption services involving the U.S. and another Convention country.
I have had a couple of people ask about what Hague is-- so I thought this would be a good time to share.
Question: What Is the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption?
Answer: The Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption is an international agreement between participating countries on best adoption procedures. These procedures have basically two goals in mind: 1) The best interest of children are considered with each intercountry adoption. 2.) The prevention of abduction, exploitation, sale, or trafficking of children.
The guidelines and procedures that are set forth in the Hague Convention are also for the protection of birth families, as well as adoptive families. Part of the Convention's guidelines ensures that one Central Authority is in place in each country so that adoptive parents get the most accurate information regarding adoption. The Department of State is the U.S. Central Authority for the Convention. According to the State Department's Web site, implementing the principles of the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption is the State Department's top priority at this time.
History of the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption--- The Hague Convention on Private International Law has been around since 1893, but the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption was completed for comments by member countries on May 29, 1993.
The United States signed the Convention on March 31, 1994. In 1998, President Clinton sent the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoptions to the U.S. Senate for ratification. In 2000, both Houses of Congress passed bills for implementation of the Convention, the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (the IAA), Public Law 106-279. President Clinton signed the IAA into law on October 6, 2000. The United States ratified the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption on December 12, 2007 in the Netherlands. The Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008. This means that private adoption service providers will need to be accredited, temporarily accredited, or approved, supervised by a provider that is accredited, temporarily accredited, or approved, in order to provide adoption services involving the U.S. and another Convention country.
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