COLOMBIA ADOPTION

Julie@ChildrensHopeint.org English or Spanish

Colombia is a fascinating country where adoptive families come and go without difficulty. Colombia has a long history of adoption. They have had a very organized central authority in Bogot� for many years, known as the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (ICBF) which processes the government adoptions and oversees the licensing of private orphanages. Children aged 1 through early teens are available for adoption. There are many sibling groups available, as well as special needs children. Many children are abandoned by single parents who simply cannot afford to feed them, or who must work to survive and cannot afford child care while they work.

Stories About Colombian Adoptions
	Read the great adoption story of the Miller family here: Click below: http://www.childrenshope.com/E-letter/Feb/MillersColombia.htm And get in touch with the Millers at: RTEEM@juno.com
	Family of Four When we first explored the idea of adopting from Colombia in February of 2002, we had no idea what a wonderful journey it would be. One year later we received a referral for one year old Jesus and traveled to Bogota for a three week trip to adopt him. He was a happy boy from the start, and taught his parents many things including patience and unconditional love. We are so grateful to his birthmom and the wonderful foster moms who took care of him during his first year of life. After Jesus had been home six months, we started paperwork for a second adoption. Fifteen months later we received referral for Ruben Dario, who was only three months younger than Jesus! We traveled to the mountainous city of Neiva for his adoption and began the challenging and rewarding job of parenting two very different boys who were very close in age. Today, six months later, they are definitely brothers. Their energy and joy are boundless. As I write this they are playing chase, one of their favorite games. This is the family we never imagined, but simply the perfect match for us. Many thanks to Julie and the staff in Oregon and Colombia! We are always happy to talk with anyone considering Colombia adoption. You may contact us at dmicheel@ticon.net.
	Mike Sulhoff shares about their memorable meeting with their children. Click to read: http://www.childrenshope.com/Colombia_Sulhoff.htm You may contact the Sulhoffs at staci@sulhoff.net

Anjayla Baker, arrived home June 2004.
Colombia Adoptions are facilitated by Children's Hope through:

The Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (ICBF) � the government orphanages

A private orphanage in Bogot� (for the placement of older children only)

Children are either abandoned or relinquished directly to the court or parental rights are terminated based on neglect or abuse. This process can take as little as three months from the time the child comes into care.

The Oregon office of Children's Hope will:

1. Assist you in preparing your dossier that is then forwarded to Colombia, where our contact will arrange for a translation and its submission to ICBF or the private orphanage.

2. When a child becomes available with the characteristics you have requested (e.g. "siblings ages 4-8, healthy"), you will receive a child offer from Children's Hope, including a photo and written information.

3. Upon acceptance of the child, you will travel to the city where the child lives to be a part of the court process, to be met and cared for by our representative in Colombia.

4. Then you will be assisted to get the child�s passport, and later a visa for him or her at the U.S. Consulate in Bogot�

5. After you have returned home with your child, the program director will notify social work staff to provide post-placement services. Post-placement reports are translated and sent to the placing agency in Colombia.

7. Upon the social worker�s approval to re-adopt in the U.S. court, you will be instructed to engage legal assistance to finalize the adoption. You are then required to provide proof of U.S. citizenship for your child.

Colombia Adoption Tips

Both boys and girls are available for adoption

There are always more families wanting to adopt girls than boys (about 80% to 20%)

Sibling groups, toddlers, preschoolers, special needs and school-age children are available

Couples who already have 3 or more small children in their family will not be accepted for an additional small child, since so many childless couples wait to adopt in Colombia.

Children may live in small orphanages, large orphanages or foster homes

Most children are available through abandonment procedures or termination of parental rights

After your completed dossier is received in Colombia, you may receive a referral within about 3-24 months (see chart below for breakdown)

You will travel within about 3-4 weeks of accepting the assignment of your child

We will advise you in making travel arrangements including hotel and plane

You will journey to Colombia for about three (3) to four (4) weeks to get your child; one parent may return to the US after 10 days, if necessary

Our representative will take you through the remaining adoption steps in the country

Readopting in the U.S. may not be required in your state, but the Colombian government does require proof of re-adoption in the U.S.

Requirements

Parents' Ages

Age of Child Referred

Waiting time

25-37

0-2 years

15 - 18 months

38-45

3-6 years

18 - 24 months

45+ couples or
All Single Women

7 and older or
Sibling Groups
Special Needs

6-12 months

Priority is given to couples who are childless or have one child, those who request a sibling group, request to adopt children over seven years of age, or request a child with special needs. Families adopting older and special needs children will most likely be assigned within just a few months.
The age of the child will "match" the age of the adoptive parents in each age bracket. For example, couples 25 to 30 may request infants, couples 31 - 37 may request toddlers 1-2, couples 38-45 may request children 3-6, and so on. These are the younger limits; adoptive couples may always request children that are older.
The Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (ICBF) prefers that couples be married a minimum of three years before applying to adopt.

Each adoptive parent must be at least 25 years of age at the time the child is assigned, although they may get on the waiting list at about 24 1/2.

Private orphanages have their own standards and families will be considered on an individual basis

Colombia Adoption Costs

1.

For Agency Fee

$ 5,050

a) Upon application

$ 100

b) Upon approval for review /counsel

$ 300

c) Upon submission of dossier

$4,650

2.

In-Country Fees

$ 3,300

a) Attorney/Agency/Contact Fee

     1. When documents are sent

$ 750

     2. Upon Arrival in Colombia

$2,550

Approximate Cost of Adoption: (Not travel)



$8,350

3.

Costs in Colombia (Approximate):

$ 4,500

a) Hotel

$ 4,000

b) Child's documentation (visa, passport) per child

$500

4.

Travel Costs: (Approximate)

$ 2,700

a) Airfare (2 parents)

$ 2,000

b) Airfare for child will vary depending on age

$100 - $700

Approx. Cost of Adoption: (Incl. travel for 2)

$ 15,550

Application and letter of introduction

Certified copy of marriage license

Certified copy divorce decree(s),if applicable

Certified copy of birth certificate(s) of adoptive parents and children living in home

2 medical letters (notarized)

2 proofs of economic capacity (notarized):

a)     letter from employer, or a CPA statement if self-employed

b)     1040 form

Home study (notarized)

Psychological report (notarized)

Letters of FBI clearance (notarized)

Certification of the nationality of previously adopted children (notarized)

Affidavit of Names (notarized)

Copy of I-171H (notarized tail)

Follow-up commitment from Cascade/Children's Hope (notarized)

Home study approval from Cascade/Children's Hope (notarized)

Copy of Cascade/Children's Hope license (notarized)

3 letters of recommendation (notarized)

Photocopy of passport photo pages

Passport size photos for ICBF application

Photos of family and home

Photo pages for child

Download the Adoption Guide for all Programs
Travel Info: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/south_america/colombia/

Lots of Good Information about Colombia and Families who have adopted there: http://www.acsu.buffalo.edu/~dgthomas/Colombia.htm

Click here to download a free adoption guide online - or order it by email.