early and (…) [instructs her] older son to give the younger one his bottle.” 65 She added that she pays her neighbor Mrs. Ana Delmy Arias to take care of her sons.66 Mrs. Ramírez stated that she was not informed of her sons’ whereabouts.67 The Commission does not have any information on proceedings conducted between January 9 and 27, 1997. 58. On January 27, 1997 the court upheld the placement of the Ramírez boys at the Guatemala Children's Association Residence.68 In addition, it asked the institution to conduct a social study on the boys’ situation.69 59. The social study was forwarded to the court on February 3, 1997.70 According to the report, interviews were conducted with neighbors of Mrs. Ramírez who stated that she mistreated and neglected her children.71 Despite the fact that the personnel from the Office of the Attorney General who visited the boys on January 9, 1997 had indicated that there were no signs of physical abuse, this report stated that upon their arrival at the Residence the boys had cuts and bruises that were the result of beatings.72 The report concluded that “With the interviews conducted, it has been fully established that Flor de María Ramírez Escobar is unable to care for her sons, and therefore it is imperative to find them a foster home where good moral values can be instilled and their physical and mental needs can be met (…). Given the behavior and neglect on the part of their mother, I recommend that the court issue a declaration of abandonment so they can be included in the adoption program sponsored by the Guatemala Children's Association.”73 60. Between March 12 and 17, 1997, the maternal grandmother and two aunts of the Ramírez boys appeared before the court.74 They sought custody of the boys.75 On April 22, 1997, the judge ordered the Association to conduct a social study on the situation of those relatives.76 61. On May 14, 1997, the Office of the Attorney General filed a social study on the mother and maternal grandmother of the Ramírez boys with the court.77 The study concluded that: 65 Annex 4. Record of Appearance dated January 9, 1997, First Juvenile Trial Court, Guatemala, case file 2663-96. 66 Annex 4. Record of Appearance dated January 9, 1997, First Juvenile Trial Court, Guatemala, case file 2663-96. 67 Annex 4. Record of Appearance dated January 9, 1997, First Juvenile Trial Court, Guatemala, case file 2663-96. 68 Annex 4. Official Letter of January 27, 1997 addressed to the director of the Guatemala Children's Association Residence, from the First Juvenile Trial Court, Guatemala, case file 2663-96. Annex 1.1 to the petitioners’ communication dated August 1, 2006. 69 Annex 4. Official Letter of January 27, 1997 addressed to the director of the Guatemala Children's Association Residence, from the First Juvenile Trial Court, Guatemala, case file 2663-96. Annex 1.1 to the petitioners’ communication dated August 1, 2006. 70 Association. 71 Association. 72 Association. 73 Association. Annex 5. Social study by Mrs. Blanca Anabella Burbano E., Social Worker, February 3, 1997 Guatemala Children's Annex 5. Social study by Mrs. Blanca Anabella Burbano E., Social Worker, February 3, 1997, Guatemala Children's Annex 5. Social study by Mrs. Blanca Anabella Burbano E., Social Worker, February 3, 1997, Guatemala Children's Annex 5. Social study by Mrs. Blanca Anabella Burbano E., Social Worker, February 3, 1997, Guatemala Children's 74 Annex 6. Record of Appearance of Flor De Maria Escobar Carrera, March 12, 1997. Annex 11. Record of Appearance of Yesenia Edelmira Escobar Carrera de Bonilla and Maritza Lizbeth Echeverría Carrera de Reyes, March 17, 1997. 75 Annex 6. Record of Appearance of Flor De Maria Escobar Carrera, March 12, 1997. Annex 11. Record of Appearance of Yesenia Edelmira Escobar Carrera de Bonilla and Maritza Lizbeth Echeverría Carrera de Reyes, March 17, 1997. 76 Annex 4. Official Letter of April 22, 1997, addressed to the director of the Guatemala Children’s Association Residence. First Juvenile Trial Court, Guatemala, case file 2663-96. 77 Annex 4. Social Worker’s Report, Office of the Attorney General, Juvenile Legal Assistance Section, May 7, 1997, by Ana Bella Calderón Rubello, case file 2663-96. 11