From Colombia with Love:  Steps to Adopting in Colombia with International Adoption Net

From Colombia with Love:  Steps to Adopting in Colombia with International Adoption Net

Adopting a child is one of the most meaningful journeys a family can undertake, and Colombia is home to many children in need of permanent loving families. As a Hague-accredited adoption agency with nearly 25 years of experience, International Adoption Net (IAN) is well versed in providing expert guidance to families throughout the Colombia adoption process. IAN’s Colombia Program Manager has worked in Colombian adoptions for many years and twice hosted and adopted from Colombia.

Below, we outline the key steps to adopting from Colombia and how IAN supports and guides you every step of the way along the journey to your child.

Understanding the Needs of the Children

Age: Children in need of families range from 1-15yearsold. Many sibling groups are available and waiting.  

Gender: While gender preference can be indicated, parents are strongly encouraged to be open to a child of either gender because IAN cannot guarantee the ICBF will be able to honor a gender specific request.

Health: Many children available for adoption from Colombia are often considered to have some level of special needs, even if mild and correctable. These needs may be medical, physical, behavioral, and/or developmental. They vary from minor/correctable to more severe. Parents may indicate the type and level of special need they are open to considering. Younger children (0-5) will generally have some level and type of special need, although healthier young children may be adopted by Colombian citizens living in the US.

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Colombia’s adoption process is governed by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (ICBF), which sets specific eligibility requirements for prospective adoptive parents. These criteria include:

Age: There may not be more than 45 years age difference between adoptive parents and child.

Marital Status: Both single and married individuals can adopt, but specific guidelines apply to each. A married couple should be married for a one year to be found eligible to adopt, and a longer dating or cohabitation time prior to marriage is preferred.  Single men and single women may adopt in Colombia, as long as they are older than 25 years old.

Income: Families must meet minimum income requirements as outlined by USCIS.  The home study of the family must show the financial stability of the family and resources available to provide care for a child, as well as demonstrate funds for adoption.

Health: Adoptive parents should have good health and should not have any mental or physical condition which may prevent them from taking care of the child or any condition that may not allow for a normal life expectancy. Applicants with bi-polar or schizophrenia are not allowed to adopt from Colombia. Applicants with a history of depression or anxiety may apply under certain circumstances. Be sure to run any diagnoses by us before applying to adopt.

Privilege of Colombian Heritage: Adoptive parents of Colombian heritage who can prove Colombian citizenship may apply for the adoption of a child who is considered "healthy" and are younger (0-5). Children who are considered healthy may still have minor correctable needs, such as low birth weight, malnourishment, developmental delays, anemia, past medical issues which have been corrected, etc. The waiting time for children considered healthy may vary based on age and other factors.

How IAN Helps: From the beginning of our engagement, our team ensures that prospective parents meet ICBF’s requirements. Although requirements can and do change, you will be given the most current information available from ICBF at the time you inquire and apply with IAN. If you do not qualify we will not accept your application.

Step 2: Complete a Home Study

A home study is an essential part of the adoption process .It evaluates your readiness and ability to provide a safe, stable environment for a child. This involves interviews, background checks, medical and financial forms, and home safety visits conducted by a licensed social worker.  IAN will ensure the completed home study meets USCIS and ICBF requirements.

When the home study is approved IAN will assist you with filing I800A to USCIS. While awaiting the approval of the I800A IAN will assist you with your dossier.

How IAN Helps: IAN offers home study services for Colorado residents and coordinates with trusted partners across the U.S. for families residing in other states.  The dossier contains detailed personal, financial, and background information and must comply with ICBF’s requirements.

Step 3: Register with ICBF

Once your home study, immigration approval, and dossier are complete, the dossier is sent to translation and registration at ICBF. ICBF begins the evaluation process to determine your suitability to adopt in Colombia.

How IAN Helps: We assist you with the registration process, ensuring your documentation meets ICBF’s requirements.

Step 4: Wait for a Referral

After ICBF approves you to adopt, ICBF will match you with a child based on your preferences and suitability as outlined in your home study. You will receive a referral with information about the child, including their medical and social history, photographs, proof of legal approval for adoption, and other details.  Information contained within the children’s referral documents will meet Hague requirements. All child referrals received from ICBF are also evaluated and approved by IAN’s child placement supervisor.

How IAN Helps: IAN provides education and training specific to the child/ren you are referred so you will be prepared to meet the needs of your future child. During these meetings we guide you through reviewing the referral, answering questions, and provide resources for medical and therapeutic professionals to further evaluate the child’s records.

Step 5: Accept the Referral and File for, and Receive, USCIS Approvals

If you decide to proceed with the referral, you will submit your acceptance to ICBF and complete the I800 form and filing to USCIS so the child may be pre-approved for immigration to the US after the adoption in Colombia is complete.  The dossier contains detailed personal, financial, and background information and must comply with ICBF’s requirements.

How IAN Helps: Our experienced team helps you compile, organize, and submit your referral filing of the I800 to USCIS to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Step 6: Meet the Child & Obtain Court Approval in Colombia

Once USCIS approves the I800, it is sent to the US Embassy in Bogota which also reviews the case. If it is approvable, then the US Embassy issues Article 5. This is confirmation to Colombian authorities that the US has determined that the prospective adoptive parents are eligible and suited to adopt,  have ensured that the prospective adoptive parents have been counselled as may be necessary, and have determined that the child is or will be authorized to enter and reside permanently in that State.

At that point the adoption process ICBF issues the Encuentro date, which is the date the prospective adoptive parents and child will meet in Colombia to begin a week-long bonding process. A No Objection Certificate is issued by ICBF and the case moves to the Colombian court. IAN’s attorney will complete all necessary steps of the court process for clients.

How IAN Helps: We collaborate closely with trusted professionals, known as foreign supervised providers (FSP’s) in Colombia to coordinate your case in Colombia with ICBF, doctors, passport offices, US Embassy and the court.  While you are in Colombia they will keep you informed of progress and assist as needed with your case. IAN provides professional facilitation, transportation and translation services for adoption-related appointments.

Step 7: Complete Visa and Travel Home

After the court grants approval, its time to secure the child’s Colombian passport and U.S. visa with the help of our FSP, then it’s time to return home with your child!

How IAN Helps: From visa applications to travel recommendations, we provide step-by-step support by highly experienced English-speaking facilitators to ensure your journey to Colombia is smooth and you are supported while in country.

Step 8: Post-Adoption Services

Adopting from Colombia requires post-placement reports given to ICBF, typically for two years following the adoption if it is for one child under the age of 7. Sibling groups or individual children over the age of 7will have a few additional post adoption requirements. These reports ensure that the child is adjusting well to their new home.

How IAN Helps: We help with coordinating post-adoption services between the adoptive family, agency conducting the visits and writing the reports, and ICBF, to ensure you meet reporting requirements and providing resources to support your family’s transition.

Why Choose International Adoption Net?

Stability: With nearly 25 years as a licensed agency specializing in intercountry adoption, and a highly experienced Colombian Program Manager we know a thing or two about how to help clients successfully adopt in Colombia.

Expertise in Colombia: IAN’s Colombia Program Manager has 15 years’ experience working in Colombia, delivering hosting programs for Colombia and adopted twice from Colombia. IAN has trusted, experienced and committed team members in the US and in Colombia.

Reputation & Stability: IAN has been doing international adoptions for 25 years, accredited by ICBF  to work in Colombia, and was Hague-accredited for another four years and by IAAME for another four years. Both reaccreditations attest to our reputation, stability, and excellence.

Personalized Support: We love to meet families in person or virtually when possible, and are always in touch by phone or email. During our time together we will guide you through every step of the process, providing tailored advice, accurate guidance on US and Colombia processes, and compassionate support.

Commitment to Ethics: As a Hague-accredited agency, we adhere to the highest standards of ethical adoption practices.

Comprehensive Services: From home studies to post-adoption support, IAN is your partner throughout the entire journey to your child, and beyond.

Adopting a child is a profound act of love and commitment. With International Adoption Net by your side, you can navigate the process with confidence and clarity, trusting in our knowledge, experience and care. If you’re ready to start your adoption journey, contact us today to learn more about how we can help you build your family.

*Disclaimer: The information provided is general and broad in nature, and may change based on your unique situation as well as due to forces outside our control. Speak to IAN’s Program Manager about your situation and dreams of adoption to receive the most current information applicable to you.

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