Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs) who are new to the adoption world can find our terminology overwhelming and confusing. In an effort to alleviate some of those feelings, I’m posting different glossaries that define terms commonly used in Viet Nam adoptions. If there are any terms of acronyms that you just can’t figure out, please let me know and I’ll do my best to find out for you. You can always comment below or email me at rebeccah@adoptionblogs.com
DOJ – the Department of Justice in your child’s province will examine your dossier and work with the baby center and the Department of International Adoption to review your paperwork. Once your case is approved, they will hold your Giving and Receiving Ceremony.
ASP – Adoption Service Providers; or adoption agencies that have been licensed by the country of Viet Nam to conduct adoptions
US-Viet Nam Adoption Agreement – in 2005 the U.S. Vietnam Bilateral Agreement on Intercountry Adoption was signed to re-open Viet Nam to Americans wishing to adopt Vietnamese children. You can read the full text of the agreement here. http://travel.state.gov/pdf/vn_final_agreement.pdf
The People’s Committee – after the provincial police in your child’s province have completed their investigation, the provincial People’s Committee will issue the Decision of Adoption and the adoption process may proceed. The People’s Committee is essentially an offshoot of the People’s Council acting at the provincial level. The People’s Committee has the power to formulate and implement policy.
MOJ – the Ministry of Justice is the Vietnamese party that issues licenses to American adoption agencies. The MOJ also has the responsibility to monitor all international adoption cases in Viet Nam.
Baby Center – another name for an orphanage; this term is becoming more widely used in adoption circles
DTV – Dossier to Viet Nam! I realize that it’s pretty straightforward, but this is when your completed dossier is finally sent to Viet Nam where it will be translated and your adoption process will begin in Viet Nam.
More Reading:
Viet Nam Adoption Glossary
Viet Nam Adoption Glossary – Immigration Documents
Viet Nam Adoption Dossier Glossary
