Guatemala

	This program places babies and sometimes toddlers. This program is unique in that the children are not in orphanages. We work with pregnant women who have decided to place their unborn or recently born child for adoption. All children that we have placed have been healthy. A brief background and medical history is available in most cases. Usually, photos and videos are available of the birthmother, the foster families and the babies once they are born.
Guatemala children come from varying racial and ethnic backgrounds, usually Hispanic and/or Indian ancestry.
As of yet, we have not had any siblings available for adoption. We have had several cases however, where the birthparents will place a second child at a later date.

Once your homestudy is near to completion, you will be matched with the next available child. From the time all your documents are in Guatemala City, it should take approximately 6 months to finalize the adoption.

The U.S. Consulate requires that birthmothers give their consent to the adoption. After the adoption is complete and the U.S. consulate has given the attorney the birthmother's written consent, the adoption is then registered at the Public Ministry. Here, a new birth certificate is issued and the decree is entered. The documents, including the passport are given the U.S. Consulate so that an exit visa can be created. The child must be seen by a U.S. Consulate-approved physician before the interview date.

If the family is travelling, they will be expected to be in Guatemala the evening before the interview. The interview are always conducted in the morning and the visa will be ready by afternoon.

Once you have received the visa, you are free to return to the U.S. with your child.

We usually have available children at all times, or within a short time thereafter. The entire process after that usually takes about 6 months from the time your documents are in Guatemala.

No. You may request an escort service. If you choose to have the child escorted to the U.S., you must process the visa in the U.S. at your local Immigration office. This process takes about 1-4 weeks.

Travel time will be 3 days. This includes one day travel going and returning, and one day in Guatemala.

Couples and single men and women. There are no restrictions on age, religion, race, income, other children, etc..

Total adoption fees range from approximately $19,000 to $20,000, depending on travel arrangements.

Yes. Please e-mail us and we will send you a list of families who will be happy to talk with you about their experience.

Our son Matthew is now 13 month old and he is smart as well as beautiful. He has brought us so much happiness that it is hard to remember life without him. It feels like only yesterday that we started with Children's Adoption Network and traveled to Guatemala to pick him up. Thanks so much for making this couple into a family!

Who are the children?	Who is eligible?
How does the process work?	How much does it cost?
How long is the wait?	Can I talk with other families?
Do I have to travel?	What are families saying about us?