Getting (More) Restless

Since we hadn't heard from Tree of Life concerning our documents or a court date since September 16th, we sent an email to Daniel yesterday to see if he had received copies of the corrected documents (the ones with our name misspelled) and to get an update. We got an email back with one corrected document from Bulgaria attached, the "Certificate 17 Ministry". Our name IS correct. Daniel also said he was going to contact the attorney in Bulgaria (Milena) and that he would let us know when he hears something. It would be great to hear good news tomorrow for Mark's Birthday. Yes, I'm praying for birthday news...Daddy would like that, too.

We also got news from Kay at TOL today explaining several changes in procedure. The Bulgarian Ministry of Justice has begun allowing the documents of waiting children to be sent to multiple agencies at the same time. Although this sounds like good news for the children, it really changes the adoption process in negative ways. Now, more than one family from different agencies could request the same child and the Ministry of Justice would then have to make a determination. It also means that parents will be under time pressure to make a decision and may not feel free to research the child's medical needs. Can you imagine deciding to adopt a child, completing all of the documentation, mailing it to Bulgaria, and having the MOJ tell you that someone else chose the same child. It also means that many prospective adoptive parents are starting to "shop" for children through multiple Bulgarian agencies without having their dossiers completed and without actually checking on the integrity of the agency who would handle their adoption. Sometimes agencies are presenting a less than honest profile of the special needs of the children to encourage "business" which could result in children being placed with families who are unprepared for their physical and emotional needs.

I am really proud of Tree of Life for deciding not to participate in these questionable practices. They have decided to restrict the information that they will release from the children's files only to their own clients who they know have researched their agency, spoken with previous clients, and understand the adoption requirements and timelines. Tree of Life is one of the most respected agencies in Bulgaria because they continued working in the country during the 5 year slowdown (and the others stopped doing charitable work and adoptions), so they are hoping that their response to this policy will encourage the Ministry of Justice to change it. In addition, the Tree of Life attorney has been invited to attend the next meeting of the International Adoption Council, where I am sure this controversial policy will be discussed.

I am so glad that we don't have to worry about these changes...Our paperwork has already completed these initial stages and the MOJ has already approved our adoption proposal. Whew!