[Kathy]

Hello All. As my husband and I are trying to determine which Latin American country to adopt from (probably Costa Rica or Panama at this point), I am wondering what led others to choose Panama. Also, as you are in the process, how does it seem to be going?? Thanks so much! Kathy

[jhscats]

Kathy, we chose Panama because it seemed like the best program existing in Central or South America right now. The cost is reasonable as adoptions go, the travel time is about two weeks total, which is less than or equal to the other countries, and the fact that the children are in well-run orphanages was reassuring. The processing time is fairly short as well.

As far as how it's going, I think I can speak for all of us here when I say we are just getting started. I think everyone is working on getting dossiers together. I don't know of anyone on this board who has a referral yet, but we have a positive attitude that everything is going to go well! Please join us if you decide to go with Panama.

Joan

[adamas]

We were going to Guatemala when all the trouble began. We had decided on South America because we both are from Italian decent and the kids look the closest to us. I know that may sound a little bad but if we were going to adopt anyway why not.

We deided on Panama because the kids look well taken care of and the costs were very reasonable as adoption costs go. We deided on World Partners because they have a great reputation in other parts of the world. Since Panama is new to all we hope that there program will be as good as there others.

As far as the progress it is to new to say. I write our updates here on this forum as we get them so you will know as much as I do. We are thinking positive.

Roger

[Kathy]

Thanks for your responses. I am also interested in the conditions of the orphanages there. Have you been told any specifics on that? Is there a difference between baby orphanages and those for toddlers? My husband and I are looking to adopt a baby and I'm still not clear what the conditions are in Panama- number of babies per caretaker, bottle propping, general health of the babies, etc. Has anyone heard anything on this? Thanks!

[jhscats]

Kathy, I was told that the orphanages are run by nuns and the ratio is never higher than 1:10. I was told that they provide excellent medical care also.

I also read on the Yahoo Panama Adoption Group that there are state-run orphanages and nun-run ones. The ratio quoted on that post for caregivers to children was 1:8 and that there are children up to age 14 who help with the little ones. Sort of a family environment.

Hope that helps some.

Joan