[jackson2009]

I am trying to determine if Guatemala will allow a felony conviction on the adoptive parents record? My husband was convicted in 2003 and served time in a federal minimum security facility. His crime was non-violent and and did not involve children. He has no other offenses, and I have no criminal history.

I read online that Guatemala either does, or did, allow for adoption with a felony conviction. Can anyone tell me if this is true, or are we completely out of luck with adopting?

Thank you.

[jennandsteve]

Guatemalan adoptions are closed right now and I think most people believe they will not reopen for years if ever.

Sorry.

[Devora]

As Jenn said, Guatemalan adoptions are closed right now. Additionally, any information people would have to share would be from the old system. Because the system is being entirely overhauled there is no way to know at this time (with any reliability, at least) how they will view a felony conviction in the future.

(Assuming you live in the US) I don't know what USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) regulations are about felonies. To adopt internationally from any country they will have to approve your application for a visa for the child. On that point, people here may be able to shed light on whether a felony conviction automatically bans a person from receiving USCIS approval. If it does then you would not be able to adopt internationally. If it does not, then it would be a matter of whether or not the "sending country" would allow for one of their children to be adopted by a person with that particular type of conviction.

[mayaprincess]

Since Guatemalan adoptions are closed right now, I pray that you will be able to find your baby through another means.

[djhuebner]

This is a question that can only really be answered by working with an adoption agency or at least a home study agency. The conviction will have to be disclosed in the home study. USCIS will have to have proof of disposition, as well as proof of rehabilitation. This evidence is required to be discussed in the home study as well as you providing additional documentation.
Second, every country has different views on criminal history, some may accept a conviction and others, like China want no history no matter how minor the offense may seem.
Further, some agencies do not take adoptive parents with criminal history.

[cborsa7]

I read online that Guatemala either does, or did, allow for adoption with a felony conviction. Can anyone tell me if this is true, or are we completely out of luck with adopting?

As was already stated Guatemala is currently closed for adoptions. In the old system you could not adopt with a felony conviction from Guatemala. Should they open again, the new system has not been put in place, however, I would not expect a felony conviction to be approved under the new system either.

I believe most International adoptions are now very strict concerning felonies. I believe at best they accept a misdemeaner that has been resolved. Check with some agencies for clarity on this.

Good luck on your journey!