Overview
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- Overview
- Background
- Factsheet
What’s Involved in Adopting a Child From Colombia?
The Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (ICBF), located in the capital of Bogotá, processes the international adoptions and oversees the licensing of private orphanages. Colombian law allows children to be adopted only through the ICBF and approved adoption agencies. Every adopted child must have a final adoption decree in order to leave Colombia. Colombian law requires that both adopting parents be physically present when the adoption is presented to a Family Judge in Colombia. There are no exceptions to this requirement, and the process usually takes about one to two weeks. After both parents have appeared before the court, one of the parents may return to the United States while the other parent remains in Colombia until the adoption/immigrant visa process is completed. At least one parent should plan to stay in Colombia for two to six weeks.
In a Nut Shell
Children Available: Healthy infants, both girls and boys, from newborn to 18 months old. Older children and special needs children are also available for adoption from Colombia.
Parent Requirements: Married couples may adopt from Colombia. Single women are allowed to adopt special needs children. Parents must be at least 25 years old.
Travel Requirements: Travel is required for adoptions from Colombia. The average stay in country lasts from three to eight weeks.
Time Frame: The time from when you submit your initial application until the time you bring your child home averages 17 months.
Number of Children Adopted by Americans in 2004: 287
Additional Information: Some children are in orphanages, while other children are in foster care. Post placement reports and supervision are required for six months. Childless couples may not specify the gender of the child they wish to adopt.
Credits: The International Adoption Guidebook, © Mary M. Strickert
