Requirements
Processing Time
Once approved, families have access to more information about Colombian waiting children, including important details about the child, what is known about their personal story, photos, and videos (when available). Casa de la Madre and our in-country coordinator have personally met and assessed many of the waiting children and are available to answer your questions. Families should expect to wait 1-12 months for the referral of older children, siblings, and children with special needs. All matches are approved by Casa de la Madre, in conjunction with ICBF.
Children Available
Children who are available for adoption range from 7 to 15 years old. Sibling groups (with at least one older child) and younger children with special needs also are available for adoption. Though not all children will have identified special needs, the majority of children will have at least some developmental, psychological, or emotional challenges. Families who already have children may identify a gender preference. Families seeking younger children must be open to more significant medical and developmental needs.
Families of Colombian heritage may be matched to a healthy child of any age.
Parents' Ages
Both parents must be at least 15 years older than the child to be adopted. Applicants over the age of 50 are accepted on a case by case basis.
Marriage Status
Couples must be married for at least two years. Single women are accepted. Single women must be a minimum of 25 years of age.
Divorce
Previous marriages and divorces are allowed.
Children in Family
Accepted with documentation of sufficient resources to care for additional children. Current children must support the adoption plans.
Income
Must meet USCIS Poverty Guidelines and demonstrate sufficient income for household size. A family’s income and full financial status will be evaluated as part of the adoption process.
Criminal History
Criminal history generally not accepted. Mild offenses as minor or dropped charges may be considered. Any criminal history will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Medical & Psychological History
Medical conditions that do not affect lifespan or parenting ability may be accepted. No mental health history.
Travel
One trip of 4-6 weeks. Both parents must travel and be present to meet the child and for court approval of the adoption. If needed, one parent may return to the U.S. after the adoption is complete and while the family is waiting for issuance of the child’s immigrant visa. The wait between referral acceptance/official match approval and travel to Colombia is approximately 8-12 weeks.
Post-Adoption
Post-Adoption Reports completed by the home study agency.
Be sure to visit our Financing Adoption page to learn how to reduced or eliminate your adoption expenses!
** Please refer to America World's Agency Adoption Requirements for a complete list of requirements.