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In FY 2003 and 2002, Guatemala was the third most popular adoptive country in the US. Guatemala was the 19th most popular
adoptive country in Canada in 2002.
2,219 Guatemalan children were adopted into the US in 2002. 14 Guatemalan children were adopted into Canada in 2002.
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Guatemalan Children
Infants, toddlers, twins, sibling groups, older children and special needs children are all available. Parents can choose
the age of the child and gender. However, it takes longer to adopt a girl since most parents want girls. Most children reside
in foster homes, but orphanage children are available as well. Due to new laws, both the birthmother and child are tested
for AIDS, syphilis, and Hepatitis B.
Note: The requirements and process below is combined with US laws, but it should be a basis
for citizens of other countries.
Requirements
Parents should be between 25 and 55. Married couples and single (both genders) may adopt. For couples, both govts. must observe
a stable marriage. All parents must have stable finances. For couples, at least one parent must be a US citizen and over 25.
There is no limit to how many years couples should be married for. There is no limit on the number of children in your home.
Divorce and remarriages are accepted.
Process
The trip to Guatemala takes about 3 - 5 days. It takes longer to adopt a girl. Parents can choose to travel to Guatemala twice,
but the first trip is optional. The process will go faster if you don't have a criminal record. Travel usually happens six
months after your referral is accepted.
Weather / Climate
The climate varies according to altitude. the coast and northeast are hot and humid year-round. The temperature is usually
cooler at night. Central Guatemala's rainy season (May to September) has clear skies, with plenty of rain later in the day.
Hurricanes threaten Guatemala during the summer months.
Other Information / Guatemala
The capital is Guatemala City. Guatemala is a small country bordered by Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. It is buffered
by the Pacific Ocean. The primary language is Spanish.
Major Reasons Guatemalan Children are being put up for Adoption
Most children are given up by their unwed mothers before their births. Poverty is also a major reason. High birth rate and
small land mass contribute to the placement of children through adoption.
Advantages
The Guatemala adoption program is one of the most popular international adoption programs. This is mainly because the young
age of the children and short amount of time spent in Guatemala. There are many online resources and community activities
for Guatemala. The children receive blood tests for AIDS, Hepatitis B, and venereal diseases. Guatemala is relatively close
to the US and Canada, so travel expenses aren't too costly. No post adoption reports to the government are required, but your
agency will probably check back on you and your child.
Disadvantages
Like in nearly all international adoption countries, there is a risk of not having a perfectly healthy child. Conditions may
be orphanage delays (which many children recover from after they have more attention in a home), speech delays (most likely
in older children), emotional problems (also mostly in older children), and being below the average US weight level for that
age.
1.)The US State Dep's Page on Adoptions from Guatemala.
2.)Tips and Information about Traveling to Guatemala from the State Dep.
3.)A Public Announcement from the State Dep. Regarding Travel to Guatemala.
4.)The US Embassy in Guatemala.
5.)Guatemalan adoption and news.
6.)Our Lady of Mercy Children's Home.
7.)Semillas de Amor (Seeds of Love); A Guatemalan Children's Village.
8.)
Casa Alianza; Helping the street children, Guatemala Page
9.)Issues Guatemalan children face, including illegal adoption.
10.)Guatemala Adoptive Families Network; Guatemala Support Group.
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