The Adoption Process

After the Pondering state, the Adoption process for Guatemala consists of several steps. This is a very general overview. We are learning as we go along and apologize for any confusion or inadvertant inaccuracies. Please let us know if you have questions. These steps include:

Paperwork and Home Study- this includes the completion of adoption agency, home study, state, federal, and Guatemalan requirements such as verification of employment letters, certification of health letter, police clearance letters, witness statements, exploration of views regarding adoption, and adoption education requirements.
Pre-approval-the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) approves individuals wishing to adopt internationally. Completion of the I-600a form is needed, fingerprints, a completed homestudy, and misc. documents such as bank statements and birth certificates are required for approval. CIS approval comes in the form of a document called the I-171H. Once this is received, an individual needs the approval of the US government to proceed with international adoption. The I- 171H is then wired to Guatemala. This often takes 4-6 months to obtain.
Dossier-this is a file of paperwork required by the Guatemalan Government for the purpose of adoption that is prepared by us with the help of our adoption agency. It includes county and state certified documents such as those listed in the paperwork section above. The Dossier receives authentification through the Guatemalan Consulates in the US before being sent to Guatemala. Once in Guatemala, our picture and requests for a child are posted.
Referral-a child is referred to us based on the date of the dossier submission and availability of our request (ie, infant, female). Waiting time for a referral is usually between 2 weeks to 2 months after dossier submission. When we receive a referral, a photo, medical information (child's blood work), and a video will be given. We will have 48 hours to accept/refuse the child. During this 48 hours we will have the information provided about the child reviewed by a pediatrician specializing in adoption. The birth mother then signs off for the 1st time her choice to relinquish the child to an attorney. If the referral is accepted, a DNA test between the mother and child is arranged.
DNA-The US Embassy in Guatemala oversees DNA sampling. It can take up to 2 months to obtain DNA test authorization. Results for DNA tests can take up to 4 weeks. At the time of DNA testing, the birth mom signs off for the 2nd time her choice to relinquish the child. A photo is taken of the child and birth mom together (emotionally difficult I'm sure). During this time, our file is submitted to Family Court where the Foster Mother is interviewed on behalf of the child. If the Guatemalan Social Worker favors our file, it is sent to PGN. (See below) The birth mother signs off for a 3rd time.
PGN-Public Ministry or Attorney General's office of Guatemala. This office reviews our file and grants us approval of the adoption and authorization to issue the Adoption Decree. The birth mother signs off for the 4th and final time. Guatemala considers the adoption final at this step. PGN takes a minimum of 8 weeks. Right now we are seeing it take as long as 6-8 months. After an Adoption Decree is issued, a birth certificate is prepared and submitted to the American Embassy and a passport is made. The US Embassy then issues a Pink Slip. (See below)
Pink-The pink slip allows parents to complete the adoption process. It includes an appointment (date and time) for us to go to the American Embassy in Guatemala for a Visa Interview and The Pick Up Trip!