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  • Family Services: Adoption Articles
  • 11/28/2010
  • HCCM was invited by SENNIAF to present information to Prospective Adoptive Parents in Panama related to Institutionalization. We were able to provide valuable information to prepare future adoptive parents on identifying the needs of their future children. This presentation was the first of many to come. We also presented a Booklet titled, *Effects of Institutionalization: Goal of Permanency* as a means of further information for these individuals. The Effects booklet was translated into Spanish and handed out to those in attendance, about 40 people in all. You may click on the link above to download the English PDF version of the document. Also, check out photos and other information in our Blog section regarding this training seminar.
  • Rewriting the Law with Panamanian Legal Committee
  • 7/02/2010
  • During the Findings meetings with the Director of SENNIAF, she informed us that they were about to propose a change in the adoptions law, in coordination with a team of attorneys and the Judiciary. She was interested in our opinion on the changes, so she forwarded us the changes that were being recommended by the Committee of attorneys, and Ari translated them. Misty and Ari were then able to review the changes and recommend many more, based on compliance with the Hague Treaty and international best practices standards. The amazing part of this, too, is how perfect the timing was. Had Matt, Misty and Ari not performed the investigation within SENNIAF and written the policies and procedures manual, we would not have been able to write such informed recommendations to change the law. More>>>
  • Presentation of Consultation Findings to SENNIAF
  • 6/27/2010
  • In June 2010, we met with the Director of SENNIAF in order to present our Findings of the Adoptions Department, based on the investigation performed within SENNIAF (who is the governmental entity that performs functions similar to the Social Services departments in the U.S.). During the end of 2009 and beginning of 2010, we spent over 3 months performing an investigation of the processes and procedures within the Adoptions Department, as well as the Protection of the Right to Live with the Family Department (PRLF, similar to Social Services). We performed interviews of staff, reviewed forms, and assisted teams during their performance of biological family investigations. We had previously performed similar functions at several orphanages in Panama. Based on that investigation, we began writing the FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS TO SENNIAF for the Progressive Implementation of Best Practice Standards. More>>>
  • Presentation of Proposal for implementing changes to adoption and orphan care systems
  • 7/09/2009
  • On Monday, July 6th, 2009, we presented our Proposal to the new Director over the adoption and orphan care system in Panama. Titled, Progressive Implementation Proposal benefiting Panamanian Children Deprived of their Rights through Law 61 and the 1993 Hague Intercountry Adoption Convention. It is about a 50 page legal document on the need for change within these systems and how to facilitate change with the help of HCCM. This document was also presented to the office of the President of Panama. This Proposal helped lay out the general need for change, as well as the overall plan for changing the system within Panama so as to comply with international standards. More>>>