Procedures for Adoption from Guatemala

 

The adoption process begins when the completed application and application fee are returned to ABC. The application is reviewed and applicants are notified as outlined below:

Application

1. Applications are accepted and reviewed throughout the year. Applicants will be notified in writing of their acceptance into the program within thirty days.

2. Those accepted will be invited to an orientation meeting.

Orientation Meeting

1. The orientation meeting is designed to give each of our applicants an opportunity to meet the staff and begin their adoption journey. At this meeting we will explain our philosophies, procedures and the adoption process in general. Agency, state, and international requirements are reviewed. Questions and concerns are addressed. If the applicant lives outside the Greater Kansas City Area, a phone orientation will be arranged.

2. The application and required documentation for the home study process are reviewed and additional documents and forms to be completed are discussed. Couples will be invited to attend support meetings or may attend support meetings through other sources.

Group/Support Meetings and Education

1. Group meetings are designed to encourage and allow couples to share experiences, hear from other adoptive couples, share resources and support each other through the adoptive process. Each adoptive parent will complete a mandotory educational program designed to prepare you for international adoption.

2. Applicants may schedule meetings with staff members as needed throughout the process and post-placement. Applicants will be invited to attend adoption seminars and meetings offered throughout the year by ABC and other organizations. Additional adoption and parenting education is encouraged, and we are happy to offer referrals to other community resources and organizations.

Adoption Home Study

1. The Adoption Home Study is the next step in the process. The home study will be scheduled upon completion of the application and applicable documentation. The home study is a cooperative effort between ABC and the applicants to assess the applicants ability to successfully parent an adopted child.

2. Once all documentation has been received and requirements met, the home study process will be complete. Applicants will be notified regarding final approval. The home study is valid for one year.

3. For those who have completed their home study through a source other than ABC there will be a home study review meeting to allow us the opportunity to discuss the findings of your study with you. There is a one-time fee of $25.00 for this review.

Placement

1. After you have completed the home study and have USCIS (formerly INS) approval, adoptive families will be presented with a referral by the Guatemalan attorney through ABC. You will receive medical information and see pictures of the child.

2. Once you have formally accepted the child, you will be invited to Guatemala within 6-10 months to bring your child home. You will need to stay in Guatemala for approximately four days. The adoption will be finalized in Guatemala before you even arrive. Once you travel to Guatemala and receive the child, you will apply for the child's VISA at the American Embassy before being allowed to return.

3. After returning to the United States we will assist you in filing a delayed registration of birth with your county. The enables the child to have a United States Birth Certificate.

4. Please refer to the schedule of fees.

PRE AND POST-FINALIZATION SERVICES

Pre-Finalization Adoption Services

1. ABC will provide Pre-Finalization services to the adoptive parents and the child from the date of formal acceptance of the child until the issuance of a United States Birth Certificate.

2. ABC has an agreement with several attorneys experienced in obtaining final decrees of adoption through the appropriate Kansas or Missouri Probate Courts. ABC will provide all necessary documents and reports required for re-adoption or delayed registration of birth.

Post-Finalization Adoption Services

1. ABC remains available to adoptive families to provide counseling, education and consultation on adoption issues throughout your adoption journey. It situations where ABC is unable to provide appropriate services, the agency will make referrals to agencies or individuals specializing in adoption issues.

2. Adoptive families will be invited to attend annual events such as ABC's Family Reunion Picnic.

 

Not sure where to start? ABC is committed to sharing adoption information to interested couples and individuals as they explore their options. Consultations are offered free-of-charge without obligation. Let us know if we can be of assistance.