[mommamarci]

I am popping in from my usual visits to domestic for some help!

Okay, I have a job interview on Friday with an international adoption agency as a coordinator for the Guatemala team. I was hoping some of you could give me a dummy version of the Guate process. I have lurked around here enough when we were deciding domestic or international to know there is something about PGN, DNA testing, and pink. What does all this mean and what are the steps? Thanks so much!!

[DPline]

I think the most "user friendly" explanation of the adoption process is on the Guatadopt site. Here is the link.

Guatadopt - Guatemala Adoption Resource Center (Click on The Process")

They also have explanations of terms and visa classifications.

In a nutshell:

Homestudy
I600A submitted with Homestudy//Dossier prepared
171H issued
Referral/POA signed and sent with dossier to Guatemala (Some agencys will give you a referral before having your dossier complete and 171H in hand.)
Dossier registered and translated
DNA testing done and Preapproval issued
Family Court (often done concurrently with DNA)
PGN
Birth mother signs off for the fourth and final time (other times are at relinquishment, Family Court, and DNA)
New birth certificate issued
Guat passport for child
Submitted to the Embassy
Pink slip issued with date of Visa appointment (it is on Pink paper)
Travel
Visa appointment (visa will be ready the next day)
Home!




Someone here made a great flowchart recently that I think really helps visualize it. I can't find it so hopefully she will see this and post it.

Good luck!!

[Clare'sMom]

Hey read our families web site... go to time line... I can write a "Dummies Guide" like a real dummie!!! Ann

[adoptnky]

Here's my timeline that I created. This is very high level and was written to help my family.

Good luck on your interview!

Kim

[Saya]

Kim - great chart!

[alreadylove2005]

Good luck to you......I hope you get the right job for your skills. It sounds like you have a kind heart and will work hard on behalf of adopting parents. Just knowing about this forum, is a huge start.

That said, when I sign on with an agency, I hope that their Guatemala coordinator knows more than I do about the process. If you get the job, please, please do all you can to learn as much as you can quickly, so the people that are entrusting you with bringing their child home will not be disappointed.

[mommamarci]

Thanks everyone for the reponses. It gave me a lot to think about.

alreadylove- I know what you mean. I would have been upset if when we started our domestic adoption, I knew more than the agency workers. I am sure they will have whomever they hire observing until everything has been learned. I know I would not feel comfortbale picking up a caseload of families until I was very sure of the process.

Thanks again!