[adamas]

My wife and I decided to adopt about two years ago. Then we went through the process of getting everything ready, i.e. money, house and work. We completed the homestudy and had intended on going to Guatemala. However, with all the turmoil there we are now considering Panama. We are a bit nervous and apprehensive. Any advice for us?

We have been talking to World Partners and they seem very nice. They have been around a while but are new to Panama. they are also close to where we live.

We would love to hear from anyone. I will write and let you all know how the process goes if we go with Panama.

Roger

[Renn]

My husband and I have been working with WPA to put our dossier together for Kazakhstan. When we found out about their Panama program we became interested. We are in regular contact with them and are waiting to hear whether their program gets "certified" by the Panamanian government. They are hoping to know within the next few weeks. Seems like a good alternative to Guatemala depending on the expected ruling in Guatemala tomorrow. (Who knows if that will really happen.)

It seems like Panama is looking to open its doors to US adoptions. The nerve racking part is being a pioneer in the such a program. Things could go really smoothly because everyone wants it to work, or the ride could be bumpy because they don't have the process worked out. Who knows.

As for WPA, I know they are one of only a few agencies working on setting up a program in Panama. They seem to be going about it the correct way. I've generally been happy with them, however, they are not the quickest to respond to questions & calls. It gets a little frustrating at times to always have to follow up with them.

Good luck with your decision!
Renn

[adamas]

We are also concerned about being a pioneer. WP told us a couple weeks ago the deal should be signed with Panama by last Friday. Monday they told us not yet, in the next week or so.

We are located in the Atlanta area and so is WP. That is one reason we liked them over commonwealth. Our homestudy agency liked them as well.

Are you going to go to Panama? Have you done the homestudy or INS yet?

Let me know what you hear and I will do the same.

Roger

[lsworan]

Our agency (Commonweatlh Adoptions International) has begun the Panama adoption process and the first family has already been to Panama. There were some issues with their visit, but their adoption should be complete in August. They experienced a number of problems with the government and were in country for 2 months without being able to bring their daughter home. They plan to go back in August for their final court date.

We are next in line to go to Panama and are very concerned about the experience; however, we have decided to take a chance and trust that God is leading down the correct path.

Commonwealth has already been approved for Panama adoptions, so I would expect other agency would be given the approval also.

God Bless your journey!

[reb621]

Lauri,
Any idea what the problems were for that family with the Panamanian gov't? ...It could just be that not all of the paperwork was in order to the judge's satisfaction, or it could be that not all judges realize that Commonwealth has certification as an agency in Panama, or it could even be that the child located is not considered an "orphan" by Panamanian (or even U.S.) standards.

i.e., if you call the U.S. immigration/adoption 1-800 number, they'll tell you that if a birthmother "signs over" her child to the adoptive parents, that child is NOT considered an orphan!

Can you enlighten us re: the problems this family faced?

Thanks,
Rebecca

[lsworan]

The problem from what I understand is that the Ministry of Adoption and the Court system have a difficult time communicating. Everything was ready from the Ministry of Adoption point of view, but they were unable to get a court date.

They now have one for August.

[adamas]

These are the things that concern both of us. It would be difficult for us both to take two months off of work. I think that would be true of a lot of people.

Please keep us updated with any information.

Thank you

Roger

[reb621]

I think this is why attorneys/agencies often suggest two short trips (one to meet and commit to the child & begin court proceedings, the other for the final court hearing and to get custody of the child) rather than one long one, especially if you don't really know when the court date will be. I'm not sure how Commonwealth will handle this in the future, though.

Rebecca

[Kirsten]

All,

I am with WPA and my coordinator called last night to say they have received their final approval from the Panamanian government. They received it late yesterday afternoon and consequently we have decided to switch from Guatemala to Panama. Thought those of you using or considering using Panama would be interested.

Kirsten

Our family has also been talking with WPA about Panama. We were considering Kazakhstan, but already have 2 small kids and I couldn't leave them here at home for as long as it takes to adopt there. We're also here in Atlanta area so I'm interested in hearing about other experiences with this process.

[Kirsten]

I'm about 99% sure we are going to go ahead with Panama and WPA. The program sounds really good, and is much more affordable than Guatemala. Plus, if you are interested in younger children, the stay in country is only 10-14 days.

WPA actually has an office in Panama, and their website now has Panama listed. So, we are going to start switching our paperwork over. How far are you in the process, and have you already signed on with WPA?

Kirsten

[adamas]

Sorry, I went out of town for my family reunion.

My wife left a message for the person at World Partners that has the Panama information. Today he left a message for us that they did sign the paperwork with Panama on July 9th.

So now it is time to decide if we want to be one of the guinea pigs for a new program. World Partners seems very nice and they have a good record in other countries. It's decision time.

Where in Atlanta are you located?

[Kirsten]

For us, there's not a whole lot of options, since we have paid WPA our agency fee and had a bad experience in their bulgaria program. (not their fault or ours) So, then we looked at Guat., and all heck broke lose. If we don't do Panama, without a doubt we will move to Kazakhstan and not look back. They are so well respected for their Kaz program that I'm hoping it transfers over to any new programs they start. I also think that if a group of us who go with WPA and Panama keep communicating- it will be a big help. I think part of the problem with a new program, is that there is no precedent set. It would be nice to have people at various stages in the process sharing timelines etc. The Guat. posting boards are a huge resource for those trying to navigate the process right now. After speaking with my coordinator, I anticipate quite a few of WPA's current clients to switch to the Panama program, so there could be many of us in the same boat.

Who else out there is trying to make the Panama decision or has already made the leap? Where are you in the process? Has it been difficult, slow?

Thanks, Kirsten (from Savannah, GA)

[jhscats]

Hello everyone. We are probably going with Panama too. We are having our home study home visit Tuesday morning. I'm guessing it will be at least a few more weeks before we get INS approval. Unless there is some miracle in Guatemala before we get our approval, we will go with Panama. The cost is one-half of Guatemala, and it seems like a safer place to visit as well.

I've been watching this board, and I'm pleased to see more frequent posts about Panama adoption. As suggested in previous threads, let's all keep in touch as we learn things from our agencies and go through the process!

Joan

[JUF]

We are also looking at Panama. We have three agencies we are considering and would love any feedback:
Commonwealth, International Adoption Resources, and Word Partners.
Thanks for your help!
Julie