[hbrown24]

There are a couple reasons why we're considering Columbia for our next adoption.

1. The cost - Columbia would be about half the cost of Guatemala and I just don't think we could afford Guatemala again.

2. Concerned about the Hague

I know that everything may be ok with the Hague even by the time the adoption's complete but we won't start until early next year.

So, has anyone looked at Columbia or have any agency recommendations? I know the wait is longer. Thanks guys! The Columbia board isn't too active.

[DeeVee]

Yes, we looked into Colombia, but we are too old to meet their requirements (at least for the programs our agency works with). They wanted both parents to be under the age of 38 in order to adopt a young child or infant.

[CEB]

We also looked at Colombia but are too old for our agency's program there - although we were told average age of the parents had to be below 40 (so a 54 year old married to a 24 year old would be fine, but us two 40 year olds were out of the running).

[Mommy2Paul]

Hi Heidi! We DID adopt from Colombia (spelled with o's...that is the first thing the agency will inform you of!) Colombia is a wonderful program. You may wait longer for a referral, however, you travel immediately after. The stay in Colombia is, I believe, 4-6 weeks. That is the only reason we chose Guatemala this time. I did not want to leave my six year old for that long. Also, we are now too old to qualify for an infant. Unfortunately, the only thing you hear on the news about Colombia is the negative. Our time in Colombia was wonderful. I never met such nice people who were so loving and caring. Being there 4 weeks and not having to do ANYTHING other than bond with our baby was the best. My sister ("Aunt Donna" on this forum is currently in the process of adopting from Colombia. She may even respond to your thread!!!

Good luck with your decision! I'll be thinking of you!

[chriscinger]

I know a couple who adopted from Colombia. It took three years to bring their daughter home. I think a very large portion of that time was spent waiting for a referral.

[devildogwife]

We considered Colombia but are too young. No parents under 25, so we're going with Vietnam. We also cannot in any way consider a country where both parents must travel, due to my DH being in the military.

[Zuke]

We are very seriously looking at Colombia for our next adoption, for the exact same reasons as you. I have already done quite a bit of research on agencies and have chosen who we will hopefully work with if we go that route. PM me if you want...I would be happy to share what I have.
You are right...the Colombia board is too quiet, especially compared to this one!!

[Pipercub]

Colombia wasn't for us, but I can tell you the information our agency told us about adopting from there...

An adoption committee in Colombia reviews the homestudy and dossier before accepting applications for adoption. Singles and couples are eligible to adopt. The committee gives priority to childless couples and second priority to couples with only one child. The marriage requirement is four years. One prior divorce per spouse is acceptable. Those 25-35 are eligible to adopt a child 6 months old or older and those age 36-44 are eligible to adopt children 3 years old and older. Those 45-50 may adopt children 7 years old and older. Sibling groups are frequently available. The wait for a referral is usually 6-15 months after they accept your dossier. (wait for referral of infants can take 24-36 months with our agency; I have no idea what "normal" is) You both have to travel to Colombia and the adoption is finalized anywhere from 2 weeks - 2 months after you first visit, depending on what city you adopt from and how their court system is. One spouse can go home while waiting for the adoption to be finalized.

At least with my agency, while the cost is slightly less, the uncertainty of how long we would have to be in country could possibly make it as expensive or more expensive than Guatemala. (And perhaps how our agency does this is very different than other agencies? I'm not sure.)

Good luck with your adoption. No matter where our children come from, they are all a blessing! <3

[chrismwj]

We actually were in a Colombia program with a HORRIBLE agency. We stayed 2 years and fianlly bailed. Colombia takes a very long time plus, you can request what age child you want but you have to be approved by ICBF. WE requested an infant but they only approved us for a 12-24 month old. You have to choose a good agency, I don't care what country you are with but if you want my opinion on an agency NOT to go with, PM me! Be prepared for a long wait too. Years.
Chris

[emi]

We are currently in the process of adopting from Colombia. Actaully we started the process not knowing we would adopt our son from Guatemala DURING the wait for Colombia! (long story)

If you don't already know, there are two main ways to adopt in Colombia:
1. through a private orphange
2. through the ICBF, the government sponsered welfare program

We are going through ICBF, which is all our agency does, so the cost is much cheaper, but the wait is longer. I have heard rumors that the wait is getting longer and/or more restrictive for private orphanges.

We are hopefully just a few months away from receiving our referral!

Good luck with your decision!

[annaguat]

We can't qualify because of family size, age, etc. Also travel time is too long because of work and our children at home. Anna

[jpeel99]

I too believe that the wait can be quite long. My social worker said that another family she was finishing up with (from our agency) waited 3 years from start to finish.

[AuntDonna]

Hello,

As my sister mommy2paul said, I am in the process of adopting siblings from Colombia. The wait for siblings in much less. I have a great agency. PM me if you need any specific advise.

Donna

[maramal]

My mother is from Colombia so it was definately something we researched. Unfortunately we would not be able to stay in the country for the amount of time required with our jobs.

Good luck with your decision

[Tinkrbel]

We are adopting from Colombia!

We went the pre-identified sibling route... and should travel in just four weeks. Check out my blog, or PM me with questions.

I traveled to Colombia last year with a friend when she was bringing home her newly adopted son. I knew then a sib group was in our future... I guess I didn't realize it was going to soooooo soon!

Good Luck,

Stacey