Guatemala: Country and Program Overview
Guatemala is historically one of the most popular places from which United States citizens choose to adopt. In 2006 Americans adopted 4,135 children from Guatemala. It is a country with a short travel time, young infants available, and a foster-care program. Numerous agencies have programs in Guatemala.
Children Available
Most people choose Guatemala for the availability of infants. Almost 80% of adoptions from Guatemala are of children less than one year old. There are, however, orphanages filled with children who are toddlers and school aged. Very few people adopt these older children and they are thus left with few options as they age. If you are open to the adoption of a toddler or older child, please share this with your adoption agency.
Parent Requirements
Couples between 21 and 60 who have been married for at least one year and single women between 25 and 60 years of age may adopt from Guatemala. Families who already have children may adopt. Persons previously divorced are also accepted.
Travel
Travel to Guatemala to complete the adoption is usually 4 days total. Children can also be escorted to the United States.
Timelines
A referral of an infant is normally received within one day to 2 months of submission of a completed dossier. Once the referral is accepted it takes between six and nine months before the adoption may be completed. Prior to approval for adoption, a DNA test done by a facility authorized by U.S. authorities must be done to prove the relinquishing mother-child connection. Effective August 6, 2007, the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala requires a second DNA test to verify that the adopted child for whom an immigrant visa is being requested is the same child matched at the beginning of the adoption process with the birth parent.
Fees
Approximate total cost for an adoption from Guatemala is $25,000-$35,000. These fees include your home study, travel, stay in country, agency fees, Guatemalan attorney fees, foreign program costs and legalization of paperwork.