Abandoned in Guatemala: The Failure of International Adoption Policies

"If we shut down international adoptions, that's 5,000 kids a year whose lives we are ruining, whose lives could have been wonderful, and we're dooming them by shutting them into these institutions. So, to me, that's fundamental evil."
--Harvard law professor Elizabeth Bartholet
In 2007, Guatemala's privately run system of adoption attorneys, orphanages and foster care providers helped nearly 5,000 abandoned children find homes with loving families around the world. But then the Guatemalan government shut down international adoptions, created a centrally controlled adoption agency and nationalized the orphanage system. The plan was to promote in-country adoptions, but that plan hasn't worked. Last year, only 35 children were adopted by Guatemalan families.
Why did the Guatemalan government put an end to a system that was giving thousands of abandoned children a chance at a better life? And what did UNICEF have to do with it? Reason.tv producers Paul Feine and Alex Manning went to Guatemala to find out.
"Abandoned in Guatemala: The Failure of International Adoption Policies" is a film about the promise of international adoption and the sad reality that international adoptions around the world are decreasing, largely due to the influence of UNICEF. It's also a film about a privately run system that worked and a state-run system that is failing. Most of all, "Abandoned in Guatemala" is a film intended to raise awareness about international adoption in the hope that in the near future more abandoned children will be placed with loving families, wherever they happen to live.
Approximately 20 minutes.
Produced by Paul Feine and Alex Manning. Additional camera: Anthony Fisher. Graphics: Sharif Matar. Voice-over translations: Rin Palmer. Special thanks to Lissa Hanckel, Ana Isabel Maria-Gadala Centeno and Madre Ines. Music by Jason Shaw (audionautix.com) and Vate (www.vate.com.mx).
Go to reason.tv for downloadable versions and subscribe to Reason.tv's KZbin Channel to receive automatic notifications when new material goes live.

[@lavagnino7]

Even Guatemalans willing to adopt don't have the access to it. I'm Guatemalan and I'm willing so bad to adopt a child but laws are so stupid and the worse part is that these children are abused and mistreated in those houses of horror. but yes, the government knows better than us...

[@joeykerns1472]

i was adopted from Guatemala and now live in the usa and i thank my parents and god everyday

[@emojungkook5114]

Me to, expect the god part but you do you

[@mysteryreadertheoriginal2145]

+Call Me Sehun I can't have children because my body doesn't make the hormones necessary for conception. I simply may never be able to get pregnant and this made me so pissed that I'm blocked from one country in which to adopt a child.

[@mimilove3]

me as well, except the god part:)

[@lavagnino7]

Even Guatemalans willing to adopt don't have the access to it. I'm Guatemalan and I'm willing so bad to adopt a child but laws are so stupid and the worse part is that these children are abused and mistreated in those houses of horror. but yes, the government knows better than us...

[@abbyw1044]

Same here

[@rachelcallaghan415]

My sister and I are from Guatemala and this breaks my heart because all those kids could be having a better chance at life right now and they can't thanks to the government

[@xXMatt55Xx]

I was adopted from Guatemala when I was very early in age back in 1996 just as a baby. I'm so lucky to be with the family I am now, there's not a moment where I am thankful to be here where I am. It is such a shame that the government was put "peer pressure" by another adoption agency, which by now I can describe in my own terms, as the desire for competition; or better yet for a bolder choice of words "legal human trafficking".

[@beverleylumb8048]

Well the government after pressure from unicef

[@isabellathecatlady6516]

Both me and my younger sister were adopted from Guatemala, and there was a little boy named Bruno my parents were trying to get too. The people messed up the paperwork and we couldn’t get him. My sister was born in 2007 and we just barely got her when they were shutting down international adoption. I’m so thankful me and my sister are in a loving home.

[@Mokawoo]

How are you doing? There’s so many families that adopt from Guatemala im Guatemalan and coming back home from Guatemala i see lots of white famlies with Guatemalan chidlren. It honestly surprises me because I always think as white people as racist and ignorant so I didn’t think they would want chidlren from Guatemala

[@isabellathecatlady6516]

@Uzi Yeah, there definitely are people like that, but my parents love me like a biological child. I honestly used to wish I was white because that's how everyone around me looked growing up, but my parents always assured me that my skin tone was beautiful. They have always been open about our adoption. They even keep in touch with my foster parents on Facebook. They have photo albums, baby clothes, worry dolls, and some other stuff all in a chest safely kept away for us. It's honestly so heartwarming how supportive they are of us and our culture. They like trying new Guatemalan recipes and are supportive of us wanting to go visit.

[@PinkLady7752]

@@Mokawoo That's very ignorant of you to assume that of a whole race.

[@captainfoxheart]

this is so weird I'm at adopted child from Guatemala. It kind of makes me understand what my parents went through and brought up questions I never thought about . Interesting

[@eddenoy321]

You hit the jackpot when your parents picked you.Buy you never knew it.

[@kksd2]

If it is true that UNICEF is against International Adoption - ? My frequent contributions to them will stop! The other profound thing I learned from this short documentary is: better that a child has a ''one'' parent than ''no'' parent!

[@regdesousa9763]

This nun is so wonderful.I love her.

[@Bekindtotheplanet]

I agree....what an amazing lady ❤️❤️❤️

[@mightypaws2645]

I agree, this nun is a another Mother Teresa, for her humanitarian works to all the orphans. Is there any way I can contact her email contact?

[@mightypaws2645]

The Children suffer, even though there are so many people willing to adopt and give these poor kids a great life. The adoption agencies are so greedy and don't make money when kids are adopted locally or internationally do they make the rules complicated that it is very difficult to adopt, essentially putting their greed before the suffering of these kids.

[@LeonNotKennedy]

I was adopted from Guatemala at 4months old in 1995. I live in Ireland now.

[@Byenia]

Another reason not to donate to UNICEF.

[@mightypaws2645]

You are absolutely right, stop donating to UNICF, just another scam.

[@judynajar3506]

The biggest scam in the country

[@WendyMG247]

EXACTLY 💯

[@loreleiletslivetogether3767]

For five years I was the director of a Mexican orphanage and at the age of 15 the boys became homeless, at 18, the girls as well, became homeless, turned out on the streets of a third world nation, no family, no food, no shelter,no where to go, no plan for their future.

[@monicavihern185]

Hi I want to adopt in Mexico from the US. How’s the process typically like? Cost?

[@Ozbrithian]

I like the way she pauses for a moment before saying "junk". It is as if UNICEF's BS has her so pissed off that she has to stop herself from swearing despite being a nun.

[@jblaney-bolansouthworth7646]

Ozbrithian this is the most GOLDEN comment out of all!!!! Wish I could like a thousand times!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@rebeccamandelos3164]

Yeah !!! She is fed up with their BS …. Children, are being destroyed….

[@gailbuf]

I am the proud adoptive mom of Edwin, born in 1998, adopted from Guatemala in 2000. He's an incredible addition to our family. Please, let other children from Guatemala who desperately need families, be allowed to be adopted.

[@juliaellman3273]

You cannot BUY a family. If you love the child you d save the true mother. Entitlement will only cause suffering and kharma will be returned! Narcissism will NOT compensate in the longrun!

[@floral-smoke]

Madre Ines is truly a woman doing God's work. Bless her heart. And all those children are in my prayers. Hopefully soon this will be fixed and international adoption will be reinstated

[@DeletHerve]

I'm adopted too, from Guatemala. I'm 27 years and I came in Belgium when I was 3 months. I'm so happy with my parents and family. My dad and my mom are wonderfull. I work with lawers and i have a pretty life in Belgium. I know my story in Guatemala. Give that beautifull lucky to other children.

[@indirasudhakaran7398]

God bless you.

[@ich123binsimmernoch]

Mother Ines is like the coolest person I've seen in my entire life.

[@lisalongoria4134]

All I can say is wow!!!! All of those children missing out on a forever family! What a tragedy.........

[@mssburr]

If they took the price down. there would be more adoption. do the proper background checks, mental checks, financial check... and allow average families to take these children home and love them.

[@vegasgirl3538]

How is it beneficial for a child to grow up in a soulless institution as opposed to a loving family? As far as preserving heritage, hell, half the U.S. population is Latino. I'm sure there's plenty of local clubs and organizations these kids could be a part of to connect with their heritage, especially in the Southwest. These policies are ridiculous.

[@liliantbouscayrol8409]

You are right, the policies are ridiculous because they are just an excuse, the thing about culture is to make their idea sound as lofty ideals. The reality is that the government decided to take over because they thought it was a gold mine. Really, the comments behind the scenes by some government officials were that there was so much money to be made, that those agencies were enriching themselves because foreigners were willing to pay such high prices for adoptions. A baby over there at that time was considered to have a value of no more than $10 ( not me, I heard it said that way) and then it could be sold for $10 to 20 thousands, it was actually said "it is a better export than drugs" and that is why the government decided to control the market for infants. Just because they thought that way they were the ones who would be making the money. By the way I am just repeating what I heard a few years before the policy. In my view any baby is precious and deserves a good life. But the comments I repeated above, from government officials, would comment on them as being merchandise and that just as with inanimate objects, you make sure that you don't saturate the market, so you are better off selling just one at a high price and the others can just age out of the system and even that doesn't matter since they will be killed soon enough (the young street persons have an extremely high mortality rate due to violence. The governing parties change, but all of them have in common a complete disregard for the value of human life. Sorry if this sounds awful, but that's why I left that country, my country of birth. It is a bit of a nightmarish place, covered up by a pretty and touristic place.

[@fredrika27]

Why is it okay for these parents to go to Guatemala and adopt, but children of color in the US have the same issues of interracial/intercultural adoption, but are not adopted by these very same people who claim to have the interest of children at heart?

[@sicast916]

Unicef wants them stay in Guatemala for their roots, which is what? Have babies and abandoning them? Nice job UNICEF and Jaime guy!! it's a never ending cycle bcus they took away so hope for all these kids! So they may now have their own children to abandon ! No progress how sad!

[@cheeseonly]

I’m part Korean and Central American and was born in Guatemala. I was I four different orphanages from the age of 1 to 2 and then the week befor my third birthday I was transferred to the last orphanage I would ever be in. I meet the family that wanted to adopt me at the age of 3 and absolutely hated them at the time. It was only supposed to take 7 months for my adoption, but it took two years to finally complete. I was last child that was able to be adopted internationally for some reason that I’m still unaware of, but when I look back on it I’m truly grateful for my adoptive mother. I was adopted in 2009, so my mother worked for two years to fight for me until finally they gave up and let her adopt me

[@Walde2867]

This is exactly why I dont have anything to do with UNICEF. they say they help when in reality they hurt lives. Never have donated and never will. I am Guatemalan and am a US cit. they r ruining the chances of these darling children having families.

[@Walde2867]

You are right. It just sucks. I think we live in communism under the table.

[@mssburr]

That is the reason some many children are still waiting... and end up ageing out and on the street... Because they care more about making money... rather than really finding them homes. The process cost way to much. And the children suffer for the adults in charge greed. There are many middle class couples that would adopt a child. but the officials can not make enough money per head of child adopted out. It really is a sad thing... God bless all the children left behind...

[@StopProject2025]

Thank you to everyone who adopts!

[@juliaellman3273]

Yeah thank the kidnappers, pedofiles, childabusers and narcissists! The hell for transracial adoptees! You are ignorant!

[@Number1Champion]

I was Adopted on July 27th, 2017. Well that's when I came to the USA. It was super rough but my parents and only one adopted me at 10.5 years old and I had tons of child trauma before the age of 7. Trust me. Life has been a lot of better since adoption. A lady in the orphanage told me in 2005 to pray for a family. God is good and my parents introduce me to God too 🙏

[@lisamartin3734]

The baby girl that was abandoned and being eaten by dogs is one of the saddest heartbreaking stories I have ever heard. International adoption laws need to be reconsidered. For UNICEF being a child charity they are not doing the right thing for them.

[@blancolirio]

If only International organizations such as UNICEF were to have the common sense of Madre Ines... A little more COMMON SENSE. Un poquito de mas de SENTIDO COMUN, por favor. C'mon people!

[@julie.1081]

I second your motion!

[@aussiemumism]

That’s the problem with COMMON SENSE... it’s just not that common!!!

[@annag.8913]

Is there a way to donate to Mother Ines and her boarding school? She is doing such good work. What an outstanding lady.

[@madreep]

My problem with private adoption is that it's essentially a business of selling babies. For both domestic and international adoption the costs are out of reach for the average family. I spent my childhood in and out of foster care until I finally aged out at 18. And while I think that it's important to remember children in our own country, but if I could afford to adopt internationally I would. An orphanage is not a place for a child. Foster care isn't either, but children in orphanages are suffering from a lack of physical contact and nurturing. Their brains don't develop normally. They need nurturing and they need to have their needs met when they cry. Over time any possibility of a normal life is erased. I am a single parent which means domestic adoption would be the route I would need to go, but my income makes me ineligible. But my one biological child does not go without his needs being met. Ever. He may not get all of his wants, but no child should, regardless of their parents financial status. I had a benign brain tumor removed 8 years ago that left me unable to work full time. I work part time and was able to draw early disability from social security. I'm far from wealthy, but I'm a good mom. My son is 14, well adjusted, and amazing. He would be an amazing big brother. But the tumor took away the possibility of me having anymore biological children. It makes me sad to know that so many children are suffering because of money. Money doesn't buy happiness, love does. Being in a loser income bracket does not disqualify a person from having a biological child so it shouldn't be a factor in adoption as long as the person can demonstrate that they can be a good parent and that the child would have their needs met. Same goes for foster care adoptions. Many of those children come from lower income homes and communities, so why is it a problem for them to he taken in by a family that is similar to their own? Because not earning six figures is not child abuse or neglect unless their needs aren't being met or they are unsafe. Having no family is far worse than having a poor family.

[@lakeMI306]

The culture of the countries are not more important than the children. They are sacrificing a good life for the children to keep their cultures.

[@liliantbouscayrol8409]

It is not even for the culture. I am Guatemalan but left the country 30 years ago, mostly because the government policies, regardless of what party is governing at the time, are always intended to enrich and benefit a very small segment of the population and they don't care at all about public well being. The whole thing was politics and posturing and the empty excuse was culture, to make it sound better than if they said, we don't care at all about the well being of children and we want to see if with this policy we are the ones who earn $$ from selling those children. It backfired on them and they didn't make money from monopolizing adoptions, but years earlier there were comments by many bureaucrats about the fact that some adoption agencies were getting rich by selling babies for amounts of money that in the US would be small but over there was seen as a gold mine. Over there it was seen as, the price of a baby could well be close to zero, and the fact that adoptive parents were willing to pay a lot, the officials in their greed couldn't see that as anything but a way to make money and therefore it had to be controlled by them.

[@madreep]

I think culture does matter but should not be a deciding factor. I do think that any parent who adopts a child of a different ethnicity than their own should be required to have cultural training and to maintain some cultural traditions or practices. It is hard for kids to be different from everyone else around them and cultural identity is important for many. I'm biracial and it was difficult as a child to be the odd man out among my peers. Adoption shouldn't mean that they lose their heritage. They should have opportunities to speak their native language so that it's not forgotten and should have books that talk about the people and heritage that they come from because it's still a part of who they are.

[@TeachableK9]

Yesterday, a co-worker was criticizing (in particular) wealthy white folks who adopt children from other countries l, saying it's a fad, they're like purses and why not adopt kids in need here because we should since we are Americans. And furthermore, Americans are not fit to raise these children because you're taking th out of their culture, they're bot going to be eating the same things.. it made me so sad to know people think like that. . And then I did some research and found out why some may opt to adopt from out of the US.. it just is disheartening to see negativity thrown onto real humanitarian efforts. It's like, and what are you doing to help children??? Smh.

[@TeachableK9]

..rant over lol

[@madreep]

@@TeachableK9 there is a problem in some countries where some children are illegally adopted, and there are many parents who after finding out the circumstances that led to their children's adoptions refused to send them back because they paid for them. That has left a bad taste in my mouth regarding international adoptions. I'm not completely against it but I don't care much for it. But that's more because of the cultural issue in my first comment. These kids should not lose their heritage just because they're adopted.

[@blueyesaremine]

I pray that all these beauitful children find homes because if we had the money we would love to adopt a beauitful baby girl

[@rebeccamandelos3164]

That’s horrible…. So many kids are getting ‘ robbed ‘ of having a normal family life , all over the world….

[@vindheimar2631]

What a wonderful woman Madre Inéz is!!!!! I alsway stought UNICEF was good and for the children and have even donated money. That will not happend again. I was craying while waching poor children. As Madre Inéz was saying about the gangs no womder wahy they have problems....

[@lauralily8011]

DONATE to charities like Lumos and other charities who help keep families together. All international adoption has ever done is make a lot of money for the agencies, lawyers, orphanages and hasn't done anything to improve the lives of the children. Like they say, no mother wants to give up her child. All these super rich nations- USA especially, need to be giving money to help these kids. And adoptions were banned because of bad practices- the whole system was corrupt.

[@Charity-vm4bt]

lauralily This is excellent. Work with the parents to care for their children. People in the U.S. are not able to understand a typical situation in Guatemala. Women often leave school at 13 and are considered adult. They begin to have children. It is not unusual for a young couple to soon have 5 or 6 children while in their 20's. They have no means of support. Their own parents are young and also still having children. Some young women come here, to the U.S. But soon are repeating their own lifestyles. This problem is governmental. U.S. and Guatemala could work together to find programs and solutions for the country. Individual adoptions satisfy the needs of a handful adults who want to be parents but it does not address the problems of the Guatemalan extreme poverty, lack of education, illeteracy, joblessness. There are some private missionaries. But the problem is much bigger than anyone living in the U.S.

[@vilsa6576]

I was adopted from Guatemala right during that time when the government shut down the adoption process. My parents were so scared because I might have not been able to come home. The agent told them she would “try her best” and luckily I was able to come home :) I’m so thankful for what happened

[@hageematthew9155]

Beloved, I don't know you in person but God knows you. God ministered to me in a revelation when I was on your profile to see things around you,I saw blessings but spiritual attacks holding onto them,in prayers,i saw a woman in the realm of the spirit monitoring and plotting delay in your life, with an evil mirror, and with a motive to destroy. But as I speak to you now her time is up, Render hand of favour with Anything you can afford or give to these motherless foundation (Godstime MOTHERLESS FOUNDATION) in kebbi state nigeria before 2DAYS with faith, as I Rise my hands towards heaven and pray for you they shall serve as point of contact wherever you are, you will receive double portion of grace to excel and total restoration of breakthrough in your life and in the life of your family. Ask for their acct details and help them call the MD in charge of the orphanage to get their details on (WhatsApp or call them now on ( [phone]) tell him I sent an you. For it is not by might nor by in power but of the spirit saith the lord (zechariah 4:6). You shall testify to the Glory of God in your life. God bless you,,,,,,,

[@thecove4770]

When the child grows up to a mature and thinking adult, no matter where they are from, they will appreciate their roots. We must give them a great start, no matter where it is, so that they can grow up to mature and thinking, healthy, loved people. Orphanages cannot do this for all, no matter their best intentions and the government-run ones far less. Though, it must be said, the Guatamalan orphanages are a heck of a lot better than those in China. I would most definitely never support any private UNICEF, child-murdering fundraising activities.

[@lindarosa7707]

I recommend REASON TV bone up on this issue with the book "The Child Catchers" by Kathryn Joyce. REASON certainly understands the mess that the US created in Guatemala, and this has led directly to poverty and people in that country losing their children. Moreover, adoption by Americans - many of them fundamentalist Christians doing "home missionary work" - has its risks, with so many embracing highly authoritarian parenting methods and abusive pseudo-psychotherapies, such as Attachment (Holding) Therapy.

[@GilMichelini]

Thanks UNICEF, I hope you all sleep well at night. (5,000 orphans X 4 years) - 35 adopted in Guatemala = ~ 19,965 children growing up in government run orphanages that could have been growing up in loving homes. I love a lump of yack dung for your Halloween campaign!

[@baribrad]

Powerful stuff. Another well-done and informative video from Reason. Thank you for bringing these issues to light.

[@jeangoodwin5746]

I was adopted and the government wasnt allowing my mother to keep all my three other siblings together. It was a horrible and long process. I was able to stay with my three sisters but imagine if i never met them! I would be empty. This is discusting. Everyone deserves a chance at a better life especially the children. This made my heart drop to my feet :(

[@ronellmitchell6135]

I always dreamed of adopting from this country but wat am wondering is if it cost so much too adopt wat will you use after adoption is approved there main concern should be too find a loving home for every child

[@joannhopkins1396]

Everything hidden in the Dark..... Now will be exposed in the light !

[@humanhiveanomaly]

"For the government there is no hope" The story of every walk of productive life.

[@mamarylinlove3094]

Mother Ignes is such an amazing woman !

[@melisahaynes5655]

I thought so to!you can tell she cares which seems to be rare I'm those situations!

[@aichakoubaa9648]

UNICEF shame on you !

[@sharonfloyd6288]

Everyone needs to stop giving to UNICEF. Are these babies and children need loving homes ❤️ It breaks my heart.

[@hageematthew9155]

Beloved, I don't know you in person but God knows you. God ministered to me in a revelation when I was on your profile to see things around you,I saw blessings but spiritual attacks holding onto them,in prayers,i saw a woman in the realm of the spirit monitoring and plotting delay in your life, with an evil mirror, and with a motive to destroy. But as I speak to you now her time is up, Render hand of favour with Anything you can afford or give to these motherless foundation (Godstime MOTHERLESS FOUNDATION) in kebbi state nigeria before 2DAYS with faith, as I Rise my hands towards heaven and pray for you they shall serve as point of contact wherever you are, you will receive double portion of grace to excel and total restoration of breakthrough in your life and in the life of your family. Ask for their acct details and help them call the MD in charge of the orphanage to get their details on (WhatsApp or call them now on ( [phone]) tell him I sent an you. For it is not by might nor by in power but of the spirit saith the lord (zechariah 4:6). You shall testify to the Glory of God in your life. God bless you,,,,,,,

[@missycoronado6224]

This truly breaks my heart! I am so happy though that these women and others truly care for the welfare of the children. I sincerely hope that this story makes a difference for these children. A home is better than no home. Children are not merchandise!! If I had more money and could convince my husband that we could do this I would take these children home. I want to hold them so much!

[@mandydavison91]

that Russian offanage owner is an amazing lady.. that last line "for the children, yes yes of course! for the government? there is no hope" lmao love her

[@kibakarina13]

I would love to adopted these children, I'm just sad that most international adoptions won't like a gay couple adopting children.

[@SOMD-THC]

kibakarina13 that is so closed minded. a gay couple is just a capable of taking care of children just as a straight couple. in some cases a gay couple is even more capable then a straight couple. I wish you luck in your adoption process. if you choose to adopt.

[@kibakarina13]

T. Kemp News flash, I'm gay Most adoption institutions are run by nuns or Christians. So there most likely to turn me and my future wife away, for just being gay. Even if we have the home, great jobs to never worry on money, they would rather give children to a couple who has a failing marriage

[@kibakarina13]

Meso Anto Or I could be those indivduals who don't want to become pregnant and would prefer to adopted a child, I can't see myself having a baby in me. I can tell your a Christian, someone who has boring sex once a month, but I was born normal and healthy, but the thought to say its not natural is disgusting, I pray to God and Jesus that your children become bi or at least have a gay experience, to tell you its only normal to feel what you feel. I'm so happy to live in a country where I can marry my future wife and hopefully have a three children, either adopted or made. My kids would live in a better world, they can be who they want to be, and not to worry to growing up ashamed of themselves.

[@livinglife8333]

kibakarina13 I will pray for you.

[@SOMD-THC]

kibakarina13 As long as you know I am on your side and wish you luck. Have no problem with a gay couple adopting. I believe you and your wife deserve to live a happy life just like any straight couple. I myself am not gay but have a sister who is and Love her and her wife.

[@iberogt]

I recommend reading the book "The Baby Business" by Debora L. Spar, Harvard Business School Press which addresses adoption as one of the many forms of selling children, weather we like it or not. Should this industry be regulated ? that is probably the issue at the center of this discussion. The author estimates that in Guatemala the adoption business generated revenues of $50M a year.

[@mollevampie]

13-20 months is nothing compared to other nations like Norway where 3-5 years is not uncommon

[@fioname3495]

Love the strength and tenacity of Madre Ines. 👏🏻👏🏻🙏. I agree: the children's right to a family should be paramount - for all children around the world. It beggers believe that as a World we can't just make this happen. 🙏✌🏼❤️

[@Vendetta_Armada80]

I was born 2001 and adopted in 2004 from Guatemala City adoption was a gift from God

[@tsummerlee]

UNICEF...BOOOOOOOOOO!

[@kiriangsizeliang1470]

Whoever is adopting a baby /child. The heavenly blessing is yours...

[@Chipito2005]

I was one of the few Guatemalans who were lucky to be adopted. I want to go back and visit. I wish they didn't shut down the adoptions I feel bad for my orphans in the orphanage I grew up in.

[@catwilk8213]

It's so heartbreaking to see he's precious babies without a loving family but it is just this heartbreaking to know that the almighty dollar comes before these children's lives the paperwork alone to give these beautiful children are home is more than I make in a year

[@elainesnyder6307]

Good to know this, thanks for the info

[@hageematthew9155]

Beloved, I don't know you in person but God knows you. God ministered to me in a revelation when I was on your profile to see things around you,I saw blessings but spiritual attacks holding onto them,in prayers,i saw a woman in the realm of the spirit monitoring and plotting delay in your life, with an evil mirror, and with a motive to destroy. But as I speak to you now her time is up, Render hand of favour with Anything you can afford or give to these motherless foundation (Godstime MOTHERLESS FOUNDATION) in kebbi state nigeria before 2DAYS with faith, as I Rise my hands towards heaven and pray for you they shall serve as point of contact wherever you are, you will receive double portion of grace to excel and total restoration of breakthrough in your life and in the life of your family. Ask for their acct details and help them call the MD in charge of the orphanage to get their details on (WhatsApp or call them now on ( [phone]) tell him I sent an you. For it is not by might nor by in power but of the spirit saith the lord (zechariah 4:6). You shall testify to the Glory of God in your life. God bless you,,,,,,,

[@MarielleMorris]

my boyfriend and his siblings were adopted from gautamala and he comes from such a loving and supportive family so much so I even considered their home MY safe space!! they are such good, genuine, and honest people!! I've dealt with my own personal trauma with family etc and they've made me feel so comfortable and safe. so unfortunate for those children to not be able to have the opportunity to experience a better life..

[@kendalmiller4131]

This video makes me so angry with those who are for UNICEF and their adoption policies. I was adopted from Guatemala. I love my heritage, and embrace it every day. It did not change my morals or values or whatever else they claimed. Really wish adoption was still continuing privately.

[@holidayhouse03]

for the children there is hope...for the government there is no hope truer words have rarely been spoken

[@TheRealFallenDemon]

What I love about bureaucratic organisations like UNICEF and government agencies is that they complain about bias in videos like this, but refuse interviews. That one bureaucrat did sound silly, but at least he had the guts to be the fall guy

[@stonjes11]

Amazing story. I hope Guatemala re-opens to International adoption. Children are best off in loving families. The process should be careful, but eliminating the private sector is not helping the children with no parents. My perception of Unicef is changed.

[@shabinaasghar7375]

They should make the parents accountable for dumping the child. Adoption wouldn't solve everything. They need to advertisers birth controls. This is so sad and out order to the child

[@LiamNaomiesDaddy]

Heritage rights? I am a US citizen, however, I am Polish, Argentine, Thai, Irish and English... where should I go?

[@danielpeppa-pigpowers9386]

Ugh, my elementary school does this thing every year around Halloween called "Trick or Treat for Unicef" where they get all the kids to raise every penny they can to put in this little box they give us. They told us to go around asking for donations while trick or treating too. I'm sick by this now.

[@ThisisstillMYROOM.]

I’m in constant anguish and pain, as I could only have the one child , ( she’s now thirty ), for many years I tried finding a way to adopt a newborn baby, BUT the costs are unobtainable and as a single woman every door was slammed in my face !! To this very day , the maternal instinct and longing NEVER goes away, I even dream of newborns. To see these kids is truely heartbreaking , when there would be MANY others such as myself that would in an instant care for these precious children and babies ………😢😢😢😢

[@AthenaOfArgos]

It's very very hard to qualify and it has Least to do with money. I am adopted and have adopted children so I see both sides. Nothing but positivity.

[@krisniznik3953]

The Hague Convention shut down adoptions in Romania in the mid 90's, leaving a hundred thousand children(at that time) in orphanages, and more added all the time as the economic conditions creating them hadn't changed. These laws seem to move from country to country leaving blight and ruining lives all over the world. At eight months a baby from an institution couldn't roll over, put her feet down when you stood her on your lap, and only weighed 11 lbs. She wasn't going to appreciate her culture if she had stayed there. She had pneumonia and no antibiotics. Luckily we got out before the Hague Convention.

[@lisamartin3734]

I saw one documentary where there were children dying of cancer and they had no pain medication to give them because of their financial struggles. These children weren't even given Ibuprofen because nobody could afford it. The parents had no money or the institution.

[@ms.whitefolks1223]

Kris Niznik 0

[@gigijohnson3211]

This is a shame. UNICEF should not have any say. These officials need to go to each place and verbally explain to the children why they should not be adopted and live here in poverty. Every culture can be taught anywhere. Buy a clue people. It's not about you it's about the kids.

[@littlemas2]

Some of my best friends have an adopted Guatemalan Child, and he is one of my 6 years old son's best friends. He is a great kids with very loving parents, and his family's influence help my wife and I decide to adopt our daughter.

[@JDoors]

@raffynjenny Are we talking about ripping a child from their current loving family to send them off and force them to learn some other culture? No. Abandoned and starving and homeless children deserve a loving home. To deny them one out of pride is insane. For you religious types, pride is one of the deadly sins. Set your pride aside for the moment and give these children a home!

[@alexsamuel7970]

well done UNICEF lots of adopted children from Guatemala are kidnaped children by police officers payed by private orphanages.. i know what i am saying: i was born in guatemala

[@beckyjo8745]

This is so sad for these poor children!! UNICEF is HORRIBLE!!! I wish I had the money I would soooo adopt several children from there!!! My heart breaks for these children

[@katieh5604]

This is Horrible I have 2 sisters who were adopted internationally and Can’t Imagine they’re lives had they stayed in their countries, Also my life without them..... I will NEVER support UNICEF again, my children come home once a year with little cardboard boxes and the whole school collects money for them Every year and I will not allow or collect for them again! This is so disheartening

[@fernandomarquez9978]

"Exploitation by the corrupt" in Guatemala, I hope you meant to say. Obviously, you have no idea what you are talking about. We support several orphanages in Guatemala, and you cannot even conceive how devastating this so-called law has been. Street children are multiplying and now the government is begging orphanages to take them in---never mind the over-crowding and lack of support by the inept and corrupt government to these entities.

[@dmaxcy90]

There are thousands sitting in foster care just waiting to be adopted!!!!

[@fredrika27]

As a person of color, I understand the need for international adoption. That said, there are PLENTY of children of color in the US who never get adopted! To date there are over 250,000 children who will grow up in institutions or long term foster care. That means the children in the US go from crib to prison or have the same fate as the kids in n Guatemala!

[@Juuxr]

Yes! Honestly I can't understand why not adopting the children of your own country😐

[@dralaskalala]

I'd love an update on the laws in 2018

[@c848]

The nun said that gangs are the result of institutionalized children. UNICEF and UN plans for Guatemala are awful bad. They did that with other countries with high rate of children abandoment. All that can be done is to help the families that do abandon children to reduce the rate of abandonment. Also Guatemala families should take these children as visitors in their home during weekends. The children will get the idea that someone looks after them and care about their well being.

[@freewillfarms2059]

You see all these disturbing images of forgotten children and how people should adopt ,but once you look into it it's nearly impossible . Children are not commodity to be sold . The media sends mixed messages to the public ,you can adopt if your extremely rich and you pass their standards. The kids are who suffer in an institution, while waiting for some to belong to.

[@nanashurieof1176]

These poor children have to suffer because the adults are stupid! THIS MAKES ME SO ANGRY!

[@naconnell1]

prioritizing heritage rights over the right to a family, that is what this debate boils down to. who can seriously tell those children they would prefer their "heritage" (that is, in an orphanage) over a family--wherever in the world it may be?

[@SuperMyrt]

the people in the USA are lucky if the proces of adopting only takes about 20 months or so. In my country it takes about 5 or 6 years before you are able to bring a child home.

[@EuphrasieF]

... adoption agencies are, basically, businesses, not charitable organizations, and in both domestic and international adoption, they engage in lots of dubious practices. From time to time, there are instances of outright kidnapping, but more often than not, it takes the form of pressuring poor families or unmarried women to agree to give up their children. The National Council for Adoption has publications on strategies social workers should use in order to convince women to agree to adoption.

[@Theskybluelake]

Every Halloween, if you have children at your door asking for money to donate for UNICEF, just give them candy instead... Boycott UNICEF !!!

[@AdamSPARTAN76]

God Bless these charities and the people trying to help THE CHILDREN

[@bnpixie1990]

Those poor children! Left in institutions where there is no way that they are getting all the attention they need. I don't care what people say, or whose dignity it hurts, children need families. Families are the first social group and not having one, at all, is one of the worst things that can happen to a child.

[@livinglife8333]

These children are used as a commodity, there are family's who make more than 80 thousand a year, have law enforcement backgrounds and own their own home but can't AFFORD the enormous fees. NO ONE WILL ADOPT A CHILD WITHOUT GETTING TO KNOW ABOUT THAT CHILD. HEALTH BACKGROUND ETC. No way no how.

[@rebeccacrouch6324]

I know I was just a child at the time but I feel extremely ashamed I remember back in the 1980s collecting money for unicef at Halloween along with my trick or treats and it still continues in some areas of the US , so now my question is , where did all the money go that all these children went out collecting while trick or treating 🤔 did we unknowingly fund these laws to stop people from adopting a child that they so want love? and what about the children? don't they deserve parents , siblings , grandparents , aunt's and uncles?

[@annadagmarapl]

DAMN UNICEF!!!!

[@annilita]

It's very rare for Filipinos to adopt children, because they tend to have large families of their own already due to the influence of the Catholic Church. So there are literally thousands & thousands of orphans who can't be adopted overseas to families who want them begging, filtering through landfills for recyclables to support themselves and younger siblings, being taken in by "kindly" ring leaders who organize them into begging/shoplifting/sex rings, because the gov't is "protecting" them.

[@SoCalSand]

Also, I am shocked at the amount of ignorant and negative comments on this video. I can't believe there'd be so many negative comments for people who want to take in kids who need homes.

[@julie.1081]

To think that children 'lose their heritage' by being adopted is frankly stupid! Does that little gov't gnome think a child's skin tone changes? UNICEF should have taken the time to talk to some of those who were adopted & ask them if they would have preferred growing up in an institution. And dignity? Having a family to call your own is dignity!

[@iheartFOHalways]

Also just because my mum isn't my 'real' mum doesn't make her any less of real parent just like step parents are to their step children.

[@marywright6898]

i live in the usa and i know alot of Guatemalans in my state and city in fact i have quite a few that live right next to me and my niece has two Guatemala children that i love dearly little by little im learning about their Coulter and i love it

[@madreep]

UNICEF is garbage. But I am personally on the fence when it comes to international adoptions. When people adopt internationally they should be required to live in a diverse area and provide opportunities for their children to maintain some sort of connection with their native country. Even just maintaining their native language skills would make a huge difference. Yes all children need a family who loves them and can provide for them but at what cost? It does affect their emotional well being in many cases. The children who have chosen to speak out as adults about their feelings often report that they struggle with being different from everyone else around them. And it's hard on them when they're taken to a new country where everything us unfamiliar and the parents don't even speak the language that they do. For kids who are older it is a difficult time learning to assimilate and not being able to communicate with anyone. Is that really better? I don't think so.

[@dianesenior7922]

Why has evil been allowed to take over. These children's lives are ruined. How does UNICEF sleep at night. Starving abandoned abused children, all prevented from having a chance of a good safe secure life.

[@SoCalSand]

They explained in the video how the adoptions went from 5000 down to 35 a year when the country closed international adoption... so obviously not.

[@fgdstfygfr2888]

very sad 💔💔💔 poor kids

[@nouckie2006]

I Like this sister of god, because she understand the needs of the children, here in belgium its the same problem if you want to adopt a child you have to wait 3 till 5 years before the child gets in Belgium, a lot of papers and money involved with adoption, in the mean time ..... the child does not get what it diserve a good life !!! really a shame i would like so much adopte a boy or a girl, i have already a son of my own, and lost my second boy 2 days after birth,

[@giannithestud1]

I was adopted from Gautama when I was 2. My new family here in America saved my life! Now I’m a