| ~~~~~~~~~~FAQ
p2~~~~~~~~~~~~
How much contact can I have with the foster family / children's
home?
In most cases in Guatemala the foster care is provided in a
private home where, by law, there are only two children at any
one time in a home waiting for their paperwork to be completed
before they can be united with their new family. The identity
of the foster mother is usually not made public for the protection
of the foster mother and the children. Contact, if requested,
will be assessed on a case by case basis.
How about contact with the birth family?
US law says that to classify
a child as an orphan available for adoption there cannot be
a father in the picture and the mother has legally relinquished
he child. Guatemalan law does not allow children with a mother
and father living together to be relinquished. Except in abandonment
cases the child is living with the single mother until she gives
the child over to an attorney. Poverty and personal circumstances
dictate the decision to relinquish a baby or child. Contact
with a “birth family” is unrealistic.
What about contact with the attorney?
Most attornies would prefer that you communicate through your
agency to avoid confusion and let them do their job without
unnecessary interruptions. Remember it is in everyone’s
best interest to see your case go quickly and smoothly.
What remedies do I have if a birthmother changes
her mind or the adoption is disrupted for some other reason?
Intercountry adoptions are risky. Ethical treatment of the birthmother
demands that the agency and attorney treat as normal the possibility
that she will change her mind at any of the four points in the
process where she is legally allowed to do so, it is a voluntary
process. Most agencies will not let you give up and receive
your money back but will allow you to be presented with another
referral through them without additional costs. Thinking that
every birth mother about to relinquish a child will never change
her mind is just not true.
What financial responsibilities will I have if my
adoption in Guatemala is disrupted and the case takes longer
than expected?
Most cases happen within a reasonable time frame of 6 to 9 months.
If an adoption is unusually prolonged the adopting parents may
be asked to pay for additional foster care.
Does your agency have charitable programs in Guatemala?
Are adoptive families expected or required to contribute?
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization a required, fixed contribution
is part of the agency fee. Disclosure of the use of these funds
for charitable programs is published yearly and available to
the public. We are also happy to tell clients about current
programs.
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Does
your staff speak Spanish?
Yes, the designated contact person who communicates with the
attorneys and their staff is fluent in Spanish and is current
with the country adoption laws and processes. We also have staff
in-country regularly to oversee the adoptions, coordinate with
the foreign office and see that the children are getting the
excellent care families expect.
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