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Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud earlier today announced the government will resume international adoptions within a week. Government had promised to commence the process since June 2023. According to the minister the government has taken steps to ensure the process is handled smoothly and judiciously, and in compliance with the Hague Convention.
In June 2019 the United States had announced it would no longer process intercountry adoptions from Guyana, initiated on or after 1st June 2019, because the country did not have implementing legislation giving authority to the designated central authority to carry out its responsibilities under the Hague Convention.
On 1st June 2019, when the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption went into effect Guyana became a party. According to the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) the “convention aims to protect children and their families against the risks of illegal, irregular, premature or ill-prepared adoptions abroad.”
Government has established the Guyana Central Authority in alignment with recent passage of the Adoption of Children (Amendment) Act 2021. This body will administer the process of international adoptions and strengthen cooperation with countries that are a part of the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption. Government said its establishment also aims to prevent improper financial gain associated with adoptions.
Minister Persaud will chair the six-man adoption committee which will include an attorney-at-law, representatives from the Childcare Protection Agency, officers from the Ministries of Home Affairs, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Government has committed to ensuring Guyana operates within strict guidelines of the adoption process, among which include rigorous investigations, home studies, and background checks to assess the suitability of adopting parties, ensuring that the child’s well-being remains paramount.
