The adoption laws and process in Guatemala are currently in transition. The process listed below is as it was prior to October 2007 and most likely will not be the process once adoptions begin again. Hands Across The Water is staying apprised of the changing situation in Guatemala and will keep our families as up-to-date as possible with information. Families are welcome to begin their international home study with the intent to adopt from Guatemala, but until we know what changes will be implemented, no family will receive a referral. Please contact our office for further, more up-to-date information.
Why Choose to Adopt in Guatemala?
The Guatemalan adoption process takes place while you are at home. The adoption dossier (your legal documents required by Guatemala) is simple to prepare compared to many other countries. The children available for adoption in Guatemala are beautiful! They receive loving care in either private foster care or a private orphanage in beautiful Guatemala with excellent medical attention. Families can visit their baby during the adoption process and stay as long as they choose.
Often an immediate assignment of a child is made once your adoption home study is complete. Guatemala is very flexible on eligibility for adopting parents. Individuals as well as couples are eligible and there is no age minimum or maximum. Other children in the family are also acceptable.
Travel time to Guatemala is only 3 to 4 days unless you would like to stay longer. The adoption will take about 4 to 6 months after acceptance of referral. One short trip to Guatemala is needed when the adoption is complete although you may travel more than once if you choose.
Guatemala - The Country
Guatemala is the northernmost nation of Central America, with its southern border being on the Pacific Ocean and its eastern border on the Caribbean Sea. Most of the southern half of the country consists of mountains and plateaus, while the northern half is a lowland tropical area. This nation was part of the great Maya civilization, of which impressive ruins remain throughout the country today.
Children Available
Children available for adoption are infants, toddlers and sibling groups. Most families receive a newborn as a referral who will be 4 to 6 months of age when you travle to bring the child home. The children are of Mayan Indian descent or mixed Indian and European descent.
To Begin The Process:
- Apply to Hands Across The Water for services.
- File your I-600A with the U.S. BCIS (INS)
- Complete your Home Study with Hands Across The Water (if a Michigan family). Hands Across The Water will work closely with the Guatemalan contact throughout the process.
- Hands Across The Water will forward your completed dossier to Guatemala.
- After a referral is received, the court process will begin. The adoption process can take up to 4 to 6 months and is dependent on the court system of Guatemala.
- After your child has received a final adoption decree from Guatemala and a new birth certificate and passport, you will travel to Guatemala for about 3 to 4 days to secure a visa for your child and bring your child home. This is a very valuable time to learn about the country, people, and culture of your child's birth.
The photos on these pages are of children already placed and are not available for adoption. HATW does not photolist children waiting for adoption via the internet.
Home
