Adopt from Colombia
(Last updated 8/08)

The Children
There is a long history of adoption and foster care in Colombia, both through the government and also through privately licensed adoption homes. Pregnant women can go to the adoption homes for counseling, medical and prenatal care, personal attention, as well as work training. The medical and background information on children from Colombia is usually accurate and thorough.

After a child who is to be placed for adoption is born, he is cared for in an agency nursery or foster care until the birthmother's relinquishment is finalized in court. There are more boys than girls available for adoption in Colombia and there are many older children and sibling groups in need of a family.

Parent Requirements
Colombia requires adoptive parents to be between the ages of 25-38 for the adoption of an infant. Couples older than 38 can adopt older children as long as the age difference of the oldest parent and the child is no more than 40 years. Adoptive parents should be married for at least three years. Priority is given to childless couples or those with only one other child; first time parents should be open to gender. There are restrictions for some medical conditions. Singles can adopt children over the age of 7 through the government program and occasionally from private agencies. Some adoptive parent requirements are often waived to facilitate the adoption of older children, sibling groups and children with known medical conditions. Colombia will not allow the adoption of a child by a gay or lesbian person.

The Process
The time it takes to process a Colombian adoption depends on the in-country agency you choose. Currently, the government program offers a shorter waiting period, whereas most of the private agencies now have waiting lists of approximately one year. A Colombian referral typically includes a photo of the child, background information on the child and birthparents as well as a medical report. All adoptions are finalized in Colombia.

Travel and Costs
Both parents are required to travel to initiate the adoption, but one parent may return to the U.S. after one week, if necessary. The other parent must stay for the remainder of the adoption process, which can take from 2 to 8 weeks.

Adoptive parents in Colombia stay in a guesthouse with other adoptive families. Your child will be placed in your care the day after you arrive, and you may travel with your child within Colombia with your agency's permission.

Quick Reference Guide

All fees subject to change without notice.

* Other expenses include: air transportation, US CIS fee, hotel stay, meals, parents' and child's visa, and medical exam.