Adoption Guatemala

On March 5, 2003, Hague legislation passed in Guatemala. Under this new legislation, PGN (a government office) was designated to oversee foreign adoptions. Within PGN, the CA (Central Authority) was created to regulate adoption Guatemala.

Adoption Guatemala Made Easy

Thus Guatemala, which has seen a high volume of international adoptions, has now suspended adoptions until the legislative changes have been formalized and implemented. It looks as though the new rules will stipulate families to stay in Guatemala prior to adoption for a minimum of 15 days, and private foster care will be eliminated.

For the latest developments in Guatemalan adoption, check out these websites: www.ethicanet.org and www.jcics.org. If you want to adopt a child, you might consider Colombia, which has a long history of successful adoptions to the U.S. There is a very organized central authority in Bogota, the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (ICBF). Children from infants through teens, boys and girls, are available.

Colombian adoption requires a three month wait for referral for older children, and approximately a 24 month wait for infants. Travel to Colombia will require a three week stay for at least one parent. The adoption will go through a court process and then you'll receive the child's visa and passport from the U.S. Consulate in Bogota. You will then be free to travel home with your child.