Guatemalan Adoptions - Americans, Available, Average, Birth

In Guatemala, the majestic ancient Mayan city of Tikal was inhabited for nearly 2,000 years (from 800 B.C. to 900 A.D.). At the height of its glory, Tikal occupied more than 72 square miles and is believed to have had more than 100,000 residents. Included among the many amazing achievements of the ancient Mayans of Tikal is the construction of the largest stone pyramid in Central America - a pyramid that is still standing proudly today. In the twenty-first century, Guatemala is America's third most popular choice for international adoptions. In 2002, Americans adopted 2,219 children from Guatemala. Mayan Indians comprise about 55 percent of the Guatemalan population, with Latinos (mostly of mixed Hispanic and Mayan origin) making up the rest of the population.

International adoption in Guatemala arose after the end of their dreadful 36-year civil war (the civil war in Guatemala officially ended in 1996). After claims arose of babies being kidnapped and sold to adoption agencies, many countries (including the U.S.) began mandating that DNA tests be performed to ensure that the woman relinquishing the baby for adoption was in fact the birthmother. All international adoptions in Guatemala occur through private attorneys or through orphanages, since there are no state-run social service programs.

What's Involved in Adopting a Child From Guatemala?

After you submit your application and dossier and receive your child referral from your adoption agency, here are the steps for adopting a child from Guatemala:

Your adoption agency contacts a Guatemalan adoption attorney, who gathers adoption consent forms from the child's birthparents along with the child's birth certificate and hospital records.
A DNA test is performed to confirm that the woman relinquishing the child for adoption is truly the birthmother of that child.
Once DNA tests confirm that the birthmother has placed her child for adoption, the Guatemalan attorney, working within the Guatemalan courts, prepares the final adoption packet, obtains a Guatemalan passport for the child, and obtains a medical report on the child.

Once all this "preliminary" paperwork is completed, you can either travel to Guatemala to bring your child home or have your child escorted to you in the U.S.

In a Nut Shell: The Low-Down on Adopting From Guatemala

Children Available: Healthy infants, both boys and girls. The age range at time of referral is generally 0 to 12 months. Older and special needs children are also available for adoption.

Parent Requirements: Married couples, single women, and single men may adopt from Guatemala. Adopting parents must be less than 50 years old.

Travel Requirements: Travel is not required. (It is highly recommended that parents pursuing international adoption travel to their child's birth country). Parents who do choose to travel spend an average of two weeks in Guatemala.

Time Frame: Child referral usually happens about three to six months after your dossier is received. The adoption is completed an average of eight months after you accept your child referral.

Number of Children Adopted by Americans in 2002: 2,219

Additional Information: Some sibling groups are available in Guatemala. Some children available for adoption from Guatemala are in foster care, while others are in orphanages. The medical history of the birthmother may be available. Post placement reports and supervision are required for six months.

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Credits: Excerpted from "International Adoption Guidebook," by Mary Strickert