Results from our meeting!

Well, our meeting is over and WOW did we cover a lot of ground. The meeting was 2 hours long and many, many issues were brought forth. Here is a brief summary of my take on the meeting...

*At this time, the Province will not budge on its view that it is illegal, under Hague, to allow agencies to match children with families. Our adoption coalition disagrees with this and we are in the process of working with our lawyer to fight this.

*The Province told us that they did not have to inform families when child proposals arrived in PEI, earmarked for specific families. We said this was not acceptable and stressed that families need the opportunity to review a child proposal, especially if the Province has concerns with the file (ie. age is different than approved homestudy, issues with health, etc...). We feel very strongly that the family and Province should work together in determining if a child proposal should be accepted or rejected. At the very least, our Social Workers should be contacted by the Province to review our child files.

*The Ethiopian and Ukrainian adoption processes are being reviewed by the Province to confirm if families in PEI can adopt from these countries. We also want confirmation on Russia and Tawain. Keep in mind, that all other provinces in Canada allow families to adopt from Ethiopia and Russia. Most provinces (perhaps all - I haven't verified all yet) allow families to adopt from Tawian and Ukraine. We are very hopeful that PEI will also find that these are countries Island families can adopt from.

*Families in PEI who are expecting child referrals in the next few months are strongly urged to get amendments done to the homestudies to increase the age of the child they are requesting. To do this, call your Social Worker and tell them you would like an amendment done. If you have requested a child up to 10 months or 12 months you may want to write in your amendment that you are requesting a child up to 18 months or 24 months, depending on what you are comfortable with. This is still a major issue between our Coalition and the Province. We feel strongly that even without an amendment, families should be given the opportunity to decide if they will accept a child proposal if it's different from their homestudy.

*The PEI Gov't site will have more information posted - especially about any changes that are occuring in regards to international adoption. A link will also be posted for adoptive families to join our Coalition group to be kept up to date on the process of adoption and any information about international adoption.

*An overall review of all adoption procedures is being done by PEI and we are partnering with the Province to allow open communication between the province and adopting families. We will be involved in the policies and overview of the international adoption process.

There was lots more said and discussed but it's hard to put it all into words. PLEASE feel free to email me if you have concerns or issues you would like discussed on PEI. We are meeting again in 2 weeks with the same people (Director of Child Welfare, Director of Child & Family Services, Deputy Minister and a represetative from Premier Ghiz's office). I would be more than happy to bring forward any concerns or issues you have with international adoption!!!

Thank you to the many people who sent letters or email on behalf of the adoption community of PEI. Premier Ghiz received many responses and even received a call from Stephane Dion (Opposition Leader).