The Current PGN Saga...

According to the Prensa Libre on May 5, all adoptions are being put on hold for a month in order to validate the legitimacy of the cases. The story can found here:

http://www.prensalibre.com/pl/2008/mayo/05/236311.html.

This is what the Guatadopt staff posted today:

1.) Birthmom interviews - we do NOT have any info to indicate any plans for ALL birthmoms to be interviewed. I'm not saying it won't happen, just that we have no info to indicate it will.

2.) There were somewhere between 40-50 cases that had been approved by the old PGN regime but not yet picked up. PGN has sent out a courrier with a notice to the Notarial attorney on those cases with an appointment date of this Thursday for the birthmom, child, and foster mom to appear before PGN. They are usig the addresses given on the CNA registration form.

3.) On at least some of those addresses, the courrier was unable to find the attorney. Either the office was closed or in some instances it appears as though it is an incorrect our outdated address. PGN is continuing to try to locate these attorneys and I have no info on "what if" they don't locate them or if the appointment is missed. I also don't know which attorneys they need to locate.

4.) An amparo was filed with the courts to question PGN's legal right to do interviews when there is no probable cause. Note: my legal explanation may be incorrect, I'm not a lawyer

5.) On all of this, my advice would be to encourage folks to comply with the request and not fight while they wait for the ruling on the amparo. Everyone I have spoken to who has had contact with the CNA and the new folks at PGN says that they seem to be well intentioned and willing to work with the attorneys. One of my best contacts emphasized that I deliver the "don't panic" message.

Two other important things:

1.) We have learned that the CNA has been developing procedures for enacting the new system. We hope for those be offiicial and released soon so that children can once again find homes with permanent families. I have no info on the details of this, just that they are very close to being done!

2.) We have learned that there are a large number (100+) cases that were not registered with the CNA. Some of them may have been registered with the "original" CNA but not with Colom's. EVERYONE: make sure you got a registration number from the CNA. DEMAND IT from your agency and attorney. The "original" CNA did not issue numbers, just a stamp. So having a number should mean you are okay. If you find out your case was not registered, the adoption is legally invalid and could be in jeopardy. I would recommend you contact adoption supervisors and/or have your attorney officially petition the CNA for resolution.