[hopeful-okasan]

Hello,

I am deciding if I should do domestic or international adoption. Is there a BIG possibility that Guatemala might close or not allow singles? I plan to adopt in a couple of years...3 for domestic, 5 for Guatemala if it will be open, or allow singles. I was wondering, becuase I have seen alot of info on the Hague, I believe. I would really like to adopt from Guatemala, but maybe I should stick with Domestic adoption. I also notice adoptions are slower in Guatemala..what do you all think?

thanks-Monica

[hopeful-okasan]

HAAHAA...

oooops I accidently put Gustemala, Guatemala..heeehee

[Wonk]

I think the short answer is that no one really knows what things are going to look like in a couple of years. It is clear that things will be different but not clear exactly how, at least not that far out. So folks can give you advice on what to do now but not that far out.

[IHOP]

to help you this information and gives you honest information about Guatemala. Good luck in your future adoptions.

[JustBarbara]

Hi Monica,

I think it's wonderful that you already have adoption plans ... on the other hand your timeline of when you want to start the journey is too far out for anyone to recommend or deter you from Guatemala. As for domestic adoption that is very different than international adoption and you will want to consider things like do you want an open adoption, partially open, closed etc. Your choice of country also depends on if you are set on adoption an infant or if you would be happier adopting a toddler or older child. There are some countries that have opened up in the last few years - Ethiopia, Vietman. There are also a lot of scams out there - and some folks work just with attys and not agencies - a whole different set of risks. Whatever you do and whatever country you chose to adopt from please, please keep in mind it will be a journey unlike any other you have taken. There will be pitfalls, frustrations and sometimes referrals fall through and people lose a lot of money - besides of course a broken heart. So - start saving money and vacation time so when you DO adopt and bring your child home you will be able to spend the time you both need and deserve. Good luck - Barbara


Research, research and yes, more RESEARCH. Any agency you look at - ask them for current references. Some agencies might be great in Guatemala but lousy in China or Russia (but then as a singleton China is no longer an option for you). Rules are constantly changing and agencies have to be accredited in most countries and Russia, like Guatemala, has gone through stops and starts and major slow-downs in the last 4-5 years.

[kerriv]

Unfortunately, I think it's way to soon to have any idea what Guatemala will be like in 5 years. Who knows what'll happen next year. I have my fingers crossed that they stay open and stay open to singles so I can add one more Guat tot to my family in a couple of years.

[Quesita]

Hi Monica-

It is exciting to make plans, but you need to be aware that the dynamics of international adoption are always changing. Political and economic systems change, relationships with the US change, internal policies change, interpretations of international guidelines and treaties change. No one can guess the future of adoptions from a particular country. In the past, there were a lot of adoptions from Colombia and Peru, and I think Ecuador, and practically none from Guatemala. If you are particularly interested in adopting a child from Latin America, you might want to learn about the whole region, and then when you are ready to adopt, learn more about the specific country requirements. I keep hearing rumors that El Salvador's policies may change soon, opening them up to more international adoptions.

But keep learning and asking questions!

[DD Amasa]

I also don't think it's possible to predict the state of adoptions in any country in five years or even three. I think it's imporant to stay open and flexible in pursuing any adoption. When I was saving for my adoption dream, I was certain I would be adopting a girl from China. By the time I was able to afford to actually start the process, China was no longer a viable option for singles. I adopted my son from Guatemala last year. I think you end up with the child you are meant to parent.

I think it's great you are researching ahead of time. My advice is to stay current with the changes in each country, both international and domestic, choose your agency carefully when you're ready to start and discuss your options with them. I think when you are ready to actually start the process is the time to make your final decision based on the best and most current information you have at that time.

Good luck.