1. What are the ages of the children available for adoption and are they healthy?
The average age of the infants at the time of their adoption is between 6 – 12 months of age. Refer to Qualifications to see the age of infant/child you may qualify for.
The infants and children are generally healthy. They may have physical or developmental delays, colds or respiratory infections, rashes etc. Most adoptive families report that their children flourished in their development shortly after placement.
2. How long will it take to complete the adoption?
The adoption process has several different steps and the length of time it takes to complete those steps is dependent on several factors and therefore the following is an estimate of those steps.
Application/Home study: 2-3months
Dossier and INS approval: 3 months
Wait for Referral: 2-6 months (provided by facilitator/attorney)
Travel to Guatemala: 6 months after accepting referral
Your stay in Guatemala: 3-4 days
Total estimated time from application to adoption and travel is:10-12 months.
Please note that the home study, dossier and BCIS process are completed simultaneously.
3. What exactly is contained in the referral?
Your referral is provided by the facilitator/attorney in Guatemala. The facilitator will notify the agency of a baby that is available for adoption. Information about the baby and birth mother is shared by the agency with the prospective adoptive family. Information provided includes their name, date of birth, health information and photographs.
4.How is my baby cared for during the time we are completing the adoption process and waiting to travel?
Most of the babies are cared for in fosters homes throughout Guatemala. There are some small group homes/orphanages that also care for infants and children. Your baby will have regular medical care during this time and you will be provided with updated medical information and photographs as your child develops.
5. After we accept the referral, how long will it be before we travel and who makes the travel arrangements?
It will take approximately 6-8 months for the facilitator to complete your adoption in Guatemala. Upon completion you travel to Guatemala to receive your child and to complete the Visa process for your child. The agency will assist you in making your travel arrangements.
6. How long will I be in Guatemala?
The trip to Guatemala is short; typically 3-5 days. This is because when you travel to Guatemala to receive your child you will already have a completed adoption. Therefore you only need to complete the US Embassy requirements to obtain your child’s visa to return to the United States.
While the trip to Guatemala is short; this is a wonderful opportunity for you to see your child’s birth country, meet those who have cared for him/her and gives you time to get to know your child while still in an environment that she/he is accustomed to.
7. When does my child become a United States Citizen?
Your child will become an U.S. Citizen upon entering into the United States only if both parents saw their child prior to the final adoption decree being issued. Your child will enter into the United States with an IR3 visa. This would mean you would need to travel to visit your child prior to the final adoption decree being issued. If you travel to Guatemala after the final adoption decree is issued your child will enter the United States on an IR4 visa and you would need to re-adopt in the United States to obtain citizenship.
8. What is the Certificate of Citizenship and why do I need it?
While your child automatically becomes a U.S. citizen upon entering the U.S., you still will need to obtain proof of citizenship. This is accomplished by completing form N600 available through the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS). Having the Certificate of Citizenship will assist you in applying for your child’s social security card and U.S. passport.
For more information or questions please contact : dianna@familytreeadoption.org
