[vickid]

My husband and I are Puerto Rican/African American and we would love to adopt a PR infant. Does anyone know of agencies/attornies that could help us? We will be sending our homestudy to the Dept of Families in San Juan but have been told by them that the wait is almost 5 yrs (if you are lucky). Any alternatives or suggestions that you guys have will be appreciated. THANKS!

[teranga]

I don't know if this is an option, but could you work with an agency in an area with a large Puerto Rican population (like NYC) and ask specifically to be matched with a PR birthmom? I imagine it would increase your wait to narrow it down, but it might be a possibility?

[vickid]

I thought of that immediately but CA and NY don't have an interstate compact so that idea won't work. My next guess is either FL or IL.

[sak9645]

An adoption from Puerto Rico is actually considered a domestic adoption. As an example, I believe that you don't need USCIS approval for a child to come into the U.S. However, as with most other states, the wait for a child -- especially a healthy infant -- will be quite long.

You may want to consider another Spanish-speaking country. Guatemala is currently the most popular of them, because the babies are young and generally put into private foster care at birth, and because the travel is minimal. There are lots of children in need of homes, and the eligibility rules are very liberal. The only concern right now is that Guatemala could close to Americans when the U.S. ratifies the Hague Convention, which may occur this year or next, but this is by no means a certainty.

At this point, adoption from other Spanish-speaking countries is more difficult. Colombia works for very young, healthy parents. Most other countries in Latin America have ratified the Hague and are reluctant to work with Americans until the U.S. ratifies. They may also have travel restrictions.

While it is not Spanish-speaking, Brazil may also be an option. Many of the available children are biracial/multiracial, often with African heritage. Technically, it is Hague compliant and isn't supposed to work with people from non-Hague countries. However, some adoptions by Americans have been approved.

Sharon

[mannyvigi1985]

Does anyone have any new information about Puerto Rico adoptions ?

[sak9645]

Check the domestic adoption boards. There may be someone there adopting from Puerto Rico.

Sharon

[riverview]

Went to PR myself, met with social workers, met with foster care agents, 2 very long weeks. They do not allow adoptions easily or readily. Rare as a matter of fact. They like to keep kids in country. We are also part PR and they did not care. Please save yourself time andheartache, it will not happen there. The system is not favorable for adoption at ALL< sorry to say.