Yesterday the JCICS released this statement on Kazakhstan:
“Joint Council confirms the suspension of dossier processing by the Kazakhstan Embassy and Consulates pending the finalization of a review of adoption cases by the Kazakhstan government. The following represents our understanding of the suspension.
*The suspension of dossier processing by the Kazakhstan Embassy/Consulate is effective immediately.
*Dossiers which have been processed and forwarded to Almaty will be permitted to continue through to finalization.
*Dossiers which have not yet been processed by the Embassy/Consulate will not be forwarded to Almaty and will remain at the Kazakhstan Embassy/Consulate pending the completion of the review noted above.
*The Kazakhstan Embassy/Consulate will not accept new dossiers pending the completion of the review noted above.
Joint Council hopes to meet with Kazakhstan officials soon and will continue to provide updates and information.”
http://www.jcics.org/Kazakhstan.htm
Quite a few agencies put out letters to families yesterday denying the JCICS statement. However, this morning, in response to an inquiry from PEAR, the DOS Intercountry Adoption Unit confirmed the JCICS statement. DOS will be issuing a formal statement on their website later today or tomorrow. Hopefully this statement will give further information and guidance for families in process.
PEAR will continue to monitor the situation and status of adoption from Kazakhstan.
Gina Pollock
www.pear-now.org