Guatemala

Important Guatemala Announcements

Carolina Adoption Services has suspended acceptance of Guatemalan applications as of September 30, 2007, until the systems of the new Guatemalan government are in place. These systems should allow new adoption cases to be processed in a timely manner. CAS will continue to keep you updated with information on the Guatemalan program.

Guatemala Congress Passes Adoption Law #3735

On December 11, during a special session, the Guatemala Congress passed law 3735 regarding adoptions. The law is designed to meet Hague requirements and provide better government oversight of adoptions. At the same time, the bill does allow pending cases to go through under the current system by "grand fathering" their cases.

All cases in process (in process has not yet been defined by Guatemala), will need to be registered with the Central Authority by January 30, 2008, in order to continue under the laws in effect at the time they were started. The Central Authority is still in the set up process. Read more about the new Guatemala adoption law.

U.S. Embassy Uses DNA Testing to Protect Children Adopted in Guatemala

Effective August 6, 2007, the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala will require 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. The Embassy is taking this step in response to concerns about the unregulated adoption process in that country. The Embassy already requires one DNA match between a relinquishing parent and prospective adoptive child as part of the immigrant visa process for Guatemalan children adopted by American citizens. This new procedure will apply to adoption cases finalized by Guatemalan authorities and submitted to the Embassy on or after August 6th.

"Everything went really smoothly working with CAS. My whole process went very well. All my interactions here were very good. Timing was actually quicker than had anticipated. That was awesome! The Program Coordinator was great!" -E. S.

Quick Reference

Children:

Age: Newborn and older

Parent Requirements:

Age: 25 and older

Marriage: Married or single

Estimated Process Timeline:

From dossier to referral: 1-3 months

From referral to travel: 7-11 months

Travel: 1 trip ~ 1-3 days

The children are Mestizo, that is, of Spanish and Mayan heritage.

They are beautiful children, usually with olive toned skin, large dark eyes and shiny dark hair.

Eligible Applicants

Married couples and single women at least 25 years of age who are open to adopt. Prior marriages are acceptable. The presence of other children in the home is acceptable.

Program & Process

Carolina Adoption's (CAS) Guatemala program is a private adoption program where birth mothers release newborns to attorneys for adoption and the babies are cared for in private foster homes. The children receive excellent care and regular pediatric visits. Photos, medicals and updates are sent to the families. Parents must be open to possible delays in the process due to governmental changes and delays. DNA testing of birth mothers and children is required by the U.S. Government. CAS has an office and staff in Guatemala City that serves families and contract attorneys.

After submission of the required documents (dossier), there is a short wait of one to three months for a referral. Your referral consists of color photographs, birth information, laboratory results and pediatric assessment. Children are tested for blood type, HIV, Hepatitis B and Syphilis. The adoption is processed in approximately six to nine months after acceptance of referral.

You make one trip to Guatemala City for a minimum of three days to bring your child home. One or both parents may travel. At that time, additional medical and social background information may be available. The entire adoption process takes place in Guatemala City. Accommodations are very adequate and pleasant with local sightseeing available. Your child may be escorted home if you are unable to travel. Escort service requires additional paperwork which typically takes 4-6 weeks longer to complete the adoption and escort fees are applicable. Request for escort service must be made in writing and approved by the International Director. Re-adoption in your state of residence is required.

The Country

Guatemala is located in northern Central America, bordered by Mexico, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador.

It is situated between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

Guatemala achieved its independence from Spain in 1821. A peace accord signed in 1996 ended a 36 year old civil war. Guatemala is often known for its rich and distinctive culture from the mix of elements from Spain and the native Mayan people. Guatemala is the Mayan heartland within Central America offering the beauty and grandeur from many volcanoes, Mayan ruins and the vibrant colors of everyday Mayan dresses.

Why Choose the Guatemala Program?

Carolina Adoption Services has a long-standing, well-established Guatemala Program.

More than 300 children have been placed through our program since 1995.

The health and bonding of the Guatemalan children is excellent. baby in a carrier

Children get lots of one-on-one attention and stimulation. Children are cared for in private foster care.

Traveling to Guatemala to pick up your child is a quick & easy process that involves one 3 to 5 day trip. Guatemala’s proximity to the United States makes both air fare and travel time reasonable.

Escort service available, and is approved on a case-by-case basis.

Guatemala

Why Choose the Guatemala Program?

Further Reading