[zoec]

We are considering adopting from Guatemala despite all of the recent warnings. We already have a homestudy and INS approval but are considering the risks, and wondered what others already involved in the process would suggest. Thank you.

[Shoshana]

After seeing what happened during the first Hauge shutdown, around January to September 03, and reading all of the available information regarding the current situation, personally, I would not make the decision to start an adoption from Guatemala at this point in time. Before, it was primarily the Guatemalan government who caused the shutdown. This time, it appears the Guatemalan government has the support and encouragement of our own. I wouldn't be able to afford the risk, either emotionally or financially.

[lncmrc]

bumping.....

[zoec]

Thank you for your reply. This international adoption process is so emotionally draining. We are already waiting to adopt from China... and looking at a wait that has gone from about a year when we started to maybe more than two years. But, getting information from others who have been there is so helpful.

[kerriv]

I hate to say that I agree with Shoshona. If I were just starting out, I wouldn't start in Guatemala. It makes me really sad to say that but that's the way I see it right now. I think in a few months to a year we'll know more but you may not want to wait that long if you already have your homestudy and I-171H.

Best of luck in your decision.

[polinski]

we are just behind you in the process, waiting for INS approval. We still are planning to continue the process to adopt from Guatemala. Both agencies, adoption and homestudy agency, are still ok with moving forward. I personally believe what risks there may currently be with all the changesare far outweighed by the rewards. You may find similar delays and risks with other countries and still not adopt from where you really believe you should. just my thoughts for what they are worth.

Good Luck in whatever path you choose,

Chris

[beachdreams]

We accepted a referral on March 20th fully knowing the risks involved. A friend of mine accepted a referral this past week. You have to look in your heart and see how strong you feel about this. For me, it was an easy choice because we have a daughter already from there.

[Jeremiahsmommy]

Knowing what you know about each country you are considering adopting from, do what's in your heart. No one, regardless of each country's risks, can tell you to adopt or not to adopt from a specific country. If my adoption journey takes a month or a year, that child is still mine in my heart and will wait for them. Just because I'm not considering a country where my baby is more likely to come home faster, doesn't make me change my mind. We were blessed with a referral from Above and that's exactly Who's going to get this beautiful baby home. Good luck with your decision and hopefully your dream of motherhood comes to you.

[mcmom]

If we felt the Lord was leading us to adopt from Guatemala a third time, we would do it in a heartbeat! There are so many unknowns and so many risks, I know. But I would go with my heart!

[arthymom]

We are having a really hard process; see our timeline. This process was really hard for us because it is not only an emotional but a real financial strain for our family. You need to figure out what you are comfortable with and what you are prepared to lose financially in case.

Even great agencies and attorneys hit snags, so be prepared for delays too. I wouldn't assume a fast process. Most everyone on this board is bringing home a 7 month old AND UP if you are seeking a young child.

I think you need to also consider your cultural leanings. We considered adopting from China, but my heart led us to Guatemala, for a number of reasons related to my own birth in a Spanish speaking country.

Best on your decision.

[tybeemuffin]

My agency stopped taking applications for Guatemala in January. I really trust them and I think they were right to do this.

I guess you have to go with your heart, but go into it with your eyes wide open. It would be a shame to get blindsided and end up heart broken.

BTW- If you want to switch countries, it isn't that hard to have a I171H changed to a different country. I switched from Russia to Guatemala in Spring of 2005 after I sent in my I600A. I hadn't gotten my I171H back yet, but all I had to do was send in a fax to my USCIS office to have them change it. It might be a little more involved since you have your I171H already, but I don't think it's that hard from what I have read from other people's posts who have done it.


Good Luck with your decision!!!!!

[mamaskoby]

I wouldn't start in Guatemala either. Have you thought of FLorida? They only have 48 hours for birthmom to change their minds and then you can leave the state with your forever baby!
Wish I knew that before I paid $$$$$
Anna

[knarfmo]

Right now, I think the greatest risk is not know what the Guatemalan adoption process will be like a year from now. There are many factions wanting to reform the Guatemalan adoption system, and I certainly agree that it does need reform. However, the US implementation of The Hague Convention on adoptions is essentially forcing something to happen with the structure of the process in Guatemala, otherwise adoptions to the US will stop. As a result, there are many interests and agendas trying to influence the outcome of the process.

I think the next 6-9 months will be critical for Guatemala adoptions, and I think you have to be willing to take a substantial risk and a bigger roller coaster than adoption usually is if you want to pursue a Guatemala adoption. Personally, if it were us, I think we would just wait and see what happens another year or try a different country.

[KevinK]

What everyone should realize who is considering starting an adoption is that the DOS FAQ warnings are VERY real! If you are set on bringing home an infant then I would not recommend Guatemala. If you are okay with a child being 18 months or two years old then go for it. Those numbers are not anything I have verified, I'm just making a point that I don't believe kids will be coming home a 4,6,8, 10 months.

Also make sure you understand your finanical obligations. If yor contract says that after 6 months you have to pay $500/month of foster care, then make sure you can handle that for an extended amount of time.

The info I have (which I am not at liberty to reveal so please don't ask) is that cases will take much longer and that things the DOS/CIS used to overlook no longer will.

Kevin
Guatadopt.com

[guatemommy]

With the delays and warnings that have been put out, I have advised friends against Guatemala adoptions at this time (Vietnam seems to be growing in popularity, but I don't know much about the adoptions there). We thought we'd have our son home at around 6 months, but now it's looking more like 8-9 months, which isn't bad. But it does make you wonder about how long it'll take people starting this process now.