• After your completed dossier is received by CHI most families receive a referral within approximately one to three months for a boy and four to six months for a girl.
   
• You will make a journey of love to Guatemala of about three (3) days to get your child. This is a wonderful experience. This takes place after the court process, which is on average approximately 6 months after the referral and the final documents are submitted to the courts. Each case is individual and will progress at its own pace. All efforts are made in your behalf to complete the case as professionally, smoothly and swiftly as possible.
   
• As of October 1, 2001 families will be allowed to travel twice to Guatemala. Both trips will be coordinated through CHI. The first trip will be approximately 1-2 months after the referral and can only take place after DNA tests are complete and before the case enters the Procuraduria. This first trip will usually be approximately 3 days and will allow you to spend 1-2 afternoons with your child and the foster mother.
   
• CHI does not have an escort program.
   
• We will assist you in making travel arrangements for you including hotel and plane.
   
• You will be met and assisted by a Guatemalan Representative who is quite caring and knowledgeable about the whole adoption process.
   
• You will have about 3 very special days in Guatemala before returning home with your child. (We strongly recommend that both parents travel).
   
• The adoption is finalized in Guatemala according to Guatemalan law. The adoption is completed by proxy. You will complete immigration paperwork at the American Embassy in Guatemala City.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Parents should be between 25-55.
2. For couples, a stable marriage must be evidenced.
3. Single women are allowed to adopt in the attorney program.
4. A practicing religious faith is very important to Latin America, but it is not required.

PROCEDURE

1. Fill out the application to CHI.
2. You may download the Guatemala Adoption Guide which is online or we will send you a copy airmail which gives step-by-step procedures.
3.  Your personal CHI Adoption Counselor will guide you through every step in preparing your paperwork and you will have 24 hour a day access to the CHI Family Net®
4. When your Dossier is finished (your documented paperwork)
5.  CHI will send it to our representative in Guatemala
6.  They will identify a child for you. (Referral) and a picture with medical and all available information will be sent to you by CHI.
7.  Upon your acceptance of the referral, we will provide a Power of Attorney to you which will allow our Guatemalan representative to submit all documents to the court on your behalf.
8. Upon court approval,
9. We will arrange for your travel and U.S. Embassy appointments.
10. You will be met and accompanied through the 3 day process in Guatemala City.
11. You will fly home!   CHI and all resources will be available to you for any services needed after you return and for as long as you need us.

DURATION OF ADOPTION PROCESS: Approximately 4-6 months for referral and then approximately 6 months for court proceedings (after all documents are submitted to the courts) After that you travel. Referral time will vary depending on availability of children at time of document submission.

COST

Total cost through orphanages, including travel: $15,700
Through private attorneys, including travel: $18,000 to $20,000

This does not include INS Application fee, local home study, fees for certification and authentication in Guatemalan Embassy, or post-placement reports.

Steps 1-2-3  for adopting in Guatemala.

Click here  Adoption Guide and Guatemala Profile