JCICS Update on Transition Cases

Looks Like Good News For Us All!!!
For those of you not familiar with the Guatemalan adoption process-there was a severe threat made this week that would shut down adoptions entirely!! Even those in process-that would include our adoption.

Through everyone pulling together and making their voices heard to our political figures and mainly to our God it looks like things are taking a turn for the better. Please continue to pray that divine protection surrounds our children and that all adoption cases will progress smoothly.

This is what I received from my agency this morning.

Guatemala – Transition Cases
Joint Council is pleased to confirm that the Hague Permanent Bureau has now joined with Joint Council, the U.S. Department of State and others in agreeing that transition cases should be allowed to proceed to completion without interruption. It is our understanding that the HPB has now conveyed their revised position to both the Berger administration and Guatemalan Congress.

Guatemala – 3217 Process
Based on a number of postings and questions regarding the passage of 3217, Joint Council again confirms the passage of bill 3217 by the Guatemalan Congress on October 3 2007.

Legislative Process
It is our understanding that the majority of bills passed by Congress require two (2) initial readings into the Congressional record followed by a third reading, review and vote. In the case of 3217, the third and final reading was separated into a third reading and vote on October 3 2007 and a final review and vote on or after November 4 2007.

Amendments
At the time of the final review, each article and amendment separately will be reviewed/voted upon. In the event that more than 35% of the articles are amended, the bill would normally be sent back to the committee for review and approval. However, the committee has already approved over 60 amendments to 3217. Given that all amendments have been “pre-approved” by the committee, the number of amendments added will not impact the status of the bill or the ability of Congress to vote. The only exception to this would be if the amendments that are not pre-approved by the committee, exceed 35% of the total number of articles in 3217.