How To Adopt from Guatemala

International adoption, particularly from Guatemala, is a very popular option. Though it can be a long process, it is also very rewarding. Guatemalan adoptions are currently suspended (as of January 1, 2008), and no new applications are being accepted at this time, but the process of adopting from Guatemala is expected to resume shortly. Guatemala is currently working to comply with the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption, so future adoptions will be handled through a much more streamlined process. Here's how to adopt from Guatemala:

1. Determine your eligibility. To adopt a child from Guatemala, you must be 25 or older, in good health, and financially stable. Single women or married couples may adopt. Guatemala does not allow adoptions by gay and lesbian couples or individuals; all singles adopting from Guatemala are required to sign a statement regarding their heterosexuality.
2. Select an adoption agency. Many agencies specialize in overseas adoptions, and they will be accustomed to dealing with international adoption regulations. Be sure to choose a reputable agency that has experience dealing with adoptions from Guatemala.
3. Have a home study done. The adoption agency will arrange a home study by a social worker. This home study usually takes about three months to complete. The completed homestudy will be sent to the Department of Immigration and Naturalization Services.
4. Apply through the government. Once the home study is complete you'll need to become approved as adoptive parents for an international adoption by the U.S. government. Register with the State Department for Adoptions and Protection of Rights of the Child. They will contact you once you are approved to adopt a child.
5. Find an international adoption agency. Now, you'll need assistance finding a child in Guatemala to adopt. One way to do this is by contacting an adoption agency in Guatemala. You can also go to Guatemala in person to find a child, and it is always recommended that you meet a child before adopting him or her, though Guatemala does not require adoptive parents to travel to Guatemala.
6. Assemble your adoption dossier. This is the collection of papers necessary to complete the adoption. Your adoption agency can help you figure out exactly what is needed. Be sure you have everything ready ahead of time; you don't want to be scrambling around at the last minute hunting for a vital piece of information.
7. Travel to Guatemala. Though this is not legally necessary, it is always a good idea to make at least one trip to Guatemala before the adoption is final.
8. Send post-adoption reports. Parents who adopt from Guatemala should register the child with the Guatemalan consulate and submit post-adoption reports to the consulate.

Guatemala is known for well-cared-for children; adoptive parents often receive extensive information and photos of the birth family. It usually takes 7 to 12 months to adopt a Guatemalan child.