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>>> 

Due to the depth of our investigation, it became clear that we could not just write out the problems and recommend changes in general.  We actually needed to write detailed Policies and Standard Operating Procedures, as well as Departmental Forms, all based on the law in Panama, the Hague Treaty, and international best practices standards.  The document went from 30 pages to over 170!  All of which had to be translated by our wonderful co-worker Ari (and reviewed by our amazing volunteer Maruja Langman)!  This process took several months, but the end result is a concise manual for SENNIAF to utilize and will aid in their duties being performed in a thorough yet efficient manner.

The great news is that the Director was thrilled at the proposed changes.  We began a series of meetings with her in order to go over each finding and corresponding recommendation with an attached policy/procedure, in order to plan for prompt implementation.  We are currently finishing up the Adoptions Department Recommendations with her, and hope to begin the PRLF Department Recommendations over the next few weeks.  The new government is committed to helping these children.  They understand the importance of Permanency in a child's life.  We are thankful for the opportunity to assist them, as they make life better for the children of Panama that are in their care.