Guatemala is one of the most beautiful regions of Central America.  Bay Area Adoption Services (BAAS) has been conducting international adoptions from this country since 1984.  BAAS works with both orphanages and private attorneys in country and is proud of the strong relations it has developed with both Guatemalan attorneys and adoption representatives there.  BAAS staff members are very familiar with the adoption process and requirements necessary to complete an adoption from this country.

Breaking News

Program currently on hold:

no new applications at present

 

Guatemala To Keep Adoptions Open Through Reform
March 16, 2007- Alexandria, Virginia – Legislation intended to reform the current international adoption system will be introduced in Guatemala early next week.  The legislation puts into place much needed oversight and is in line with the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, an international convention signed or ratified by over 60 countries.  “This legislation gives children the legal protections they need and also the continued opportunity to find love and safety through adoption” said Thomas DiFilipo, President of the Joint Council on International Children’s Services (Joint Council). 

International adoption in Guatemala has been criticized by numerous groups for unethical practices and a lack of governmental oversight.  Such criticism has called into question whether intercountry adoption will continue in Guatemala.  “Legislative reform is the key to continuing intercountry adoption in Guatemala” said DiFilipo.  DiFilipo’s statement seems to echo that of many members of the Guatemalan Congress who met in early December and throughout the winter to address a range of issues related to international adoption and are now prepared to present their recommendations to Congress.

The Hague Convention on International Adoption will be ratified by the United States later this year.  Since more Guatemalan orphans find loving families in the United States than in any other country, passage of this legislation in Guatemala appears vital to the protection of children’s right.  The United States Department of State has clearly stated that adoptions with Guatemalawill not be permissible under law unless such legislation is passed.  According to DiFilipo “It is clear the Guatemalan Congress intends on passing the respective legislation this Spring. The best interest of each child is at the center of their efforts.” 

TYPES OF CHILDREN

The children of Guatemala are very beautiful.  Many of them are of Mayan descent.  Both infants and older children are available for adoption.  Two types of adoptions are conducted in Guatemala:  abandonment and private relinquishment.  Children available through abandonment procedures are most likely to be slightly older, ranging from two years and above.  These children must be declared legally abandoned by the courts in order to be available for adoption.  In the case of legal abandonment, children have been either physically abandoned or brought to orphanages because of neglect or abuse.

 Most children who are available via private relinquishment are usually infants and are legally relinquished for adoption by the birthmothers, with the assistance of a private attorney.  Although many of these children are assigned to families when they are very young (less than one month old), the legal processing time usually takes 6 to 7 months.

All adoption cases must conform to the strict procedures of the courts of Guatemala.  In the case of private relinquishment adoptions, a DNA test is mandatory for all birthmothers and their children. 

All children who are available for adoption are tested for Hepatitis B, HIV and VDRL.  In the case of very small children, often the birthmother is tested.  Upon acceptance of referral, adoptive parents are given a copy of the birth certificate, lab work and a photo.

REQUIREMENTS

• Couples and singles can adopt
• Couples must be between 25 and 50 for an infant
• If single, must be under 50 years old to adopt an infant
• If married, couple must be married for at least one year

BAY AREA ADOPTION SERVICES

BAAS will assist families in all the necessary steps for completing a Guatemalan adoption.  This includes:  assisting with the procedures and conducting the homestudy which is mandatory both for CIS/UCIS and the Guatemalan government.  BAAS works with experienced attorneys and reputable orphanages in country and will conduct post placement visits when you return home with your child.

IN GUATEMALA

Adoptive parents can make one or two trips to Guatemala.  Families usually stay in Guatemala City during their visits.  Two hotels are conveniently located next to the US Embassy which is extremely useful during the process of visa finalization when parents must appear at the embassy, a mandatory appearance at the end of the adoption process.

If the adoptive parents make two trips, the adoption will be considered an adopt-abroad adoption and the child will immigrate on an IR3 visa.   If adoptive parents see their child for the first time upon completion of the adoption (making one trip only), the child will travel to the US with an IR4 visa and the adoption will be considered an inter-country adoption.  Stay in country especially for second trip, must be for 48 hours.

TIME INVOLVED

Upon completion of the dossier for Guatemala, the adoptive family can apply to the Guatemala program.  Once their paperwork has arrived in Guatemala, their name will be put on a waiting list.  Wait for referral can vary from 1 to 6 months.  Wait for a girl referral is always longer.  Family must have CIS approval before acceptance of referral.

Time from acceptance of referral to finalization is approximately 6 to 7 months.   Processing time will vary from case to case.

FEES Involved

Fees will vary according to whether the adoption is an adopt-abroad adoption or inter-country adoption.

• BAAS FEE   $3,900-$4,500
  Includes registration, pre-adopt class, homestudy, paperwork assistance, CIS support, overseas program consultation, 2 post placement visits, assistance in obtaining a California birth certificate for the child and all post-adoption paperwork.  The higher fee applies if only one parent of the two parent couple travels.
• GUATEMALAN ADOPTION FEE  $10,500-$25,000
  If a family is adopting from an orphanage, fees are considerably less.  The average orphanage fee is $7,000 plus hotel, travel and dossier preparation expenses.  Children who are 2 years and older are available to adopt from the orphanages.

Most of the adoptions being conducted in Guatemala are private, relinquishment adoptions that are conducted by an attorney who works closely with a birthmother during the adoption proceedings.  Many infants are available for adoption through relinquishment procedures and are placed in private foster care until the adoption can be finalized.  Attorney fees vary from $16,000 to $23,000.  A mandatory DNA test must be taken by the birthmother and child during the adoption process for all private relinquishment adoptions.  The lab fee can vary from $335 to $450, depending on the lab.

AIRFARE TO GUATEMALA

This varies depending on dates, airlines, and departing location.

• Please note that this information is subject to change without notice as changes occur in government/country regulations and/or adoption procedures. For the latest information, please call BAAS directly.