Guatemala Adoption Process

Registration
The registration form begins your adoption process. Upon receiving the completed form, we will send an Adoption Application Packet to you.

Application
The application asks you to provide information such as health reports, criminal background checks, reference letters and responses to autobiographical questions. Your adoption file is officially opened at the agency once the completed application materials are received.

Education
Families are asked to attend a two-day Adoption Education workshop and a half day Cross Cultural workshop. The workshops are held on alternating months at our Minneapolis location. The workshops are designed to prepare families for international adoption and to parent adopted children.

Adoption Study
You must complete an Adoption Study prior to a child being placed into your home. The Adoption Study process at LSS complies with all state, federal and Guatemalan regulatory requirements. The Study builds on the information generated in the application. The Study consists primarily of two or more interviews with your social worker and is conducted in the adoption office, as well as in your home. The goals of the interviews are to both to assess your readiness to parent a child through adoption and to offer you more information that may be helpful to you as an adoptive parent.

Dossier Preparation
The dossier is a group of documents required to complete your adoption in Guatemala. While you may be anxious to begin gathering this paperwork ahead of time, the documents will expire according to the laws and practices of Guatemala. To reduce the chances of having to redo these documents prior to completing your adoption, your LSS adoption worker will work with you to time the submission of these documents. Detailed instructions will be provided to assist you through this process.

Referral Acceptance
A referral will contain photos and basic medical information about a child. You will be able to review the information, ask questions, and have time to consult with medical and other experts (should you desire to do so) before making your final commitment to a child. Once you have accepted a referral, you will sign a power of attorney form authorizing your lawyer in Guatemala to enter your adoption paperwork into the Guatemala court system on your behalf. It is possible to visit your child during the court process in Guatemala should you choose to do so.

Travel Meeting
Prior to travel, you will be invited to a travel meeting to learn more about the customs of the country, expectations during travel and packing suggestions. In many cases, families who have recently traveled are also on hand to share their experiences. We encourage families to learn as much as they can about their child’s birth country and heritage.

Travel to Country
You will travel to Guatemala City and stay in a nearby 5-star hotel. Most families take an airport shuttle from the airport to the hotel but arrangements can be made for you to be met at the airport as well. The following morning, our in-country facilitator will meet with you to make sure all your paperwork is in order and your questions are answered. The foster mother will then bring your child to your hotel and spend time with you covering your child’s schedule and answering questions. Our facilitator will accompany you to all your appointments, act as your translator and make sure your documentation is in order to ensure a smooth stay in country.

Post Placement Support
Upon your return from Guatemala with your child, we will work with you to provide post placement reports as required. LSS also provides many wonderful ongoing educational opportunities for adoptive parents as well as counseling/support services as needed.