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Adoption from Guatamala

ECAS is very excited to offer adoption from Guatemala as one of our programs. Guatemala is a Central American country bordering Mexico and Belize. Guatemala remains as one of the most popular countries for Americans hoping to adopt internationally because of the close proximity to the US, availability of healthy infants, simple and relatively quick adoption process as well as very brief and comparatively inexpensive travel. Since 2003 more than 2300 children are adopted annually from Guatemala.

The adoption from Guatemala is completed by proxy (permission granted to attorneys through Power of Attorney from adoptive parent). Our experienced team works closely with reputable attorneys in Guatemala that have years of adoption experience. Together they successfully helped more that 1000 beautiful infants and children from Guatemala in finding a loving family in USA. After children are relinquished for adoption they are cared for by experienced foster families in Guatemala until the completion of the adoption.

Once an adoptive family’s dossier is complete prospective parents are eligible to receive an official referral of a child. The total process to complete an adoption from Guatemala is estimated from 7-10 months, including time required for the home study completion and BCIS approval.

Children available in Guatemala:
• All children are of Spanish/Mayan Indian descent.
• Most children are infants and relinquished at birth due to extreme poverty.
• Siblings are available.
• All children are located in Guatemala City and live in foster homes until the placement.
• Adoptive families are presented with photos and basic medical information of the child with a referral.
• The DNA testing is performed on both the child and the birth mother.
• Regular updates and photos of the child are provided during the waiting period.
• Most of the children are newborns or young infants at the time of referral to a family.

Travel Requirements:
• Travel to Guatemala is optional.
• Families who choose to travel will spend less than a week in Guatemala.
• English speaking facilitators are provide to assist adoptive families during their stay in Guatemala.

Adoptive Family Requirements:
• Married couples and single women ages 25 - 60 may adopt.
• No restrictions regarding the time of the marriage or number of children in the home.
• Previously divorced persons may also adopt.
• Families from anywhere in the US may apply.

Advantages of the Guatemala Program:
• Simple and relatively quick adoption process.
• Referrals are received very early in the adoption process.
• Most children are ages from 6-10 months old infants.
• All children are cared for by professional foster families
• Short waiting period.
• Regular updates and photos of the child are provided during the waiting period.
• Adopted child can be escorted to the United States.
• Option to visit children prior to adoption is provided.
• The adoptive parents are provided with the temporary custody of the child during their visit with the child in most situations.

For more information about our Guatemala program, please contact our agency.

~~~DISCLAIMER~~~

The Hague Treaty is targeted to be ratified on February 15th, 2008 in the United States. Guatemala is in the process of making required changes to become compliant with the Hague Treaty so that adoptions can continue with the United States. Currently adoptions are proceeding in Guatemala. We are accepting applications for the Guatemala program but are cautioning families of the risks of delay (beyond the typical 6-9 month timeframe) in processing the adoptions due to increased scrutiny by the United States Embassy and changes being made in Guatemala. If for any reason adoptions are suspended in Guatemala clients should be willing to transfer to other adoption programs through ECAS. We encourage you to call Amber at 763-694-6131 for more information on the details regarding the situation with Guatemala and to keep you updated on any changes.

For more information on the current situation in Guatemala surrounding the ratification of the Hague Treaty on International Adoption see the U.S. Department of State’s website for their FAQs:
http://travel.state.gov/family/adoption/convention/convention_3170.html
and details on Guatemala:
http://travel.state.gov/family/adoption/intercountry/intercountry_3147.html

European Children Adoption Services
6050 Cheshire Lane North, Plymouth, MN 55446
Phone: (763) 694-6131 / Fax: (763) 694-6104 / E-mail: info@ecasus.org

Please note: All of the children pictured on this website have already been adopted.