Guatemala

Guatemala has a very flexible program. We at Adoptions Forever do not have any further restrictions than those stipulated by the Guatemalan government. In addition to this, Adoptions Forever wants to help all those who want to adopt. We realize adoption is expensive and many people can afford to raise children but do not have the resources for adoption expenses. There are a number of ways to finance an adoption, which I would be more than happy to discuss with you.

Qualifications:

• Single and married couples must be older than 25 years of age
• Single women and couples with children already in the home are permitted to adopt
• There are no religious restrictions
• Prior marriages are permitted
• Families residing anywhere in the U.S can apply

General description of the children:

Most of the children are generally healthy infants, and are of mixed Spanish and Indian background. They have dark brown or black hair, dark brown eyes and beautiful brown skin. Most are relinquished at time of birth and are cared for in foster homes. Toddlers who need homes and those children with special medical needs may be adopted.

Program Description

Once the dossier is completed and in Guatemala, the process takes generally 6-7 months. Once a referral is made and accepted, the adoptive parents are invited and encouraged to send toys, clothes and a camera for the foster mother to take pictures throughout the process. These pictures will be given to you at the end. This was done for the adoption of our daughter over ten years ago and it really is a very positive way to take a 'look back' at the experience, as your child grows. The family is invited to visit the baby during the process. We did this when our daughter was 3 months old. I could not wait any longer to see this little Latin beauty. We (my husband and older daughter who was 3 1/2 years at the time) all stayed at the Camino Real in Guatemala City for 10 days and visited with the little one in foster care. This experience was so memorable. Not only did we see our new baby but also we were able to see some of Guatemala's spectacular sights, such as Lake Atitlan, Chichicastenango (the Indian market), and Antigua.

Updates are given to parents every step of the way. We will inform you when to travel to Guatemala in advance, probably 2-3 weeks.

Help with travel plans and every other possible concern you have will be addressed prior to your leaving. You will have an English-speaking guide throughout your stay to address all your concerns. You will receive a list of things which might be helpful to bring and make your trip that much easier. I personally am available to assist you as your concerns arise 24/7.

Estimated Expenses

Parents Adopting Internationally are Eligible for a Tax Credit of up to 10,000.00

FEES PAID TO PROVIDER

Homestudy (If not completed by Adoptions Forever) conducted by a licensed state agency	500.00-1500.00
INS approval	525.00
Fingerprint fees	70.00/Per adult
Secretary of State	10.00-15.00/document
Authentications	10.00-15.00/document.
Child visa	335.00
Visa medical exam	35.00
DNA testing for mother and child	450.00
Post-Placement fees	500.00 (estimate)

Travel expenses

Guatemala is an inexpensive country to visit and the stay is short.