Policy
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Boss said Ohala ’ s list includes 21 pre-approved local and stateside families who have members serving in the military . She said the agency opts for families that have roots in Guam .
Although Ohala offers adoption services , Boss said the agency prioritizes counseling to convince the mother to keep her child . “ If a mom comes to us and says , ‘ I ’ m too poor I can ’ t do this ,’ we advise her about programs that are available . We don ’ t want a mother to give up her child just because she is poor . That ’ s not the goal ,” Boss said . “ Some of them are in college and we tell them that they have support .”
The safe haven law is designed to prevent abandonment and Ohala ’ s goal is to ensure that babies are placed in safe environments , Boss said . “ We don ’ t encourage parents to relinquish their babies , but ( legal adoption ) is a safer way than putting the baby in a garbage can or dropping it in the jungle ,” she said .
Safe placement is paramount and it requires going through the proper channels and legal process , Boss said .
Sablan claimed the hospital coordinates the adoption process with the agency . “ Ohala Adoptions is a big help as they do assist mom on processing the legal documents and they communicate / coordinate well with mom and the adoptive parents ,” Sablan said . “ Counseling is given by Ohala Adoptions . If it ’ s an adoption arranged by mom and within the family , we do not give counseling but we provide information on the hospital policy regarding adoption . We also coordinate with social workers if there ’ s any social issue that needs to be addressed .”
One of the challenges confronting GMH is the processing of legal documents , Sablan said . “ We are unable to release the baby if the court order or papers are not finalized ,” she said . “ It ’ s easier if documents are already settled before mom delivers .