Adopt From Colombia

Long-Standing Program, Open to New Families

Children in Colombia

Children’s Home has been advocating for children in Colombia for more than 40 years. Children of all ages need families, especially children over the age of 8, those in sibling groups, and those living with identified needs ranging from moderate to lifelong. They may have been abandoned, relinquished, or have had their parents’ rights terminated due to abuse or neglect. Children are cared for in government-run orphanages, foster homes, or private adoption homes supervised by the country’s central adoption authority, the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (ICBF). ICBF determines the children’s eligibility for adoption. Children are generally between the ages of 6 months and 15 years at the time of referral.

Eligibility Requirements

Like all international adoption programs, Colombia has its own unique eligibility requirements for adoptive parents. Colombia is open to married couples and singles, including gay and lesbian applicants. All applicants must be at least 25 years of age. Applicants must be at least 15 years and no more than 45 years older than the child(ren) they wish to adopt. If married, applicants must be married at least two years (premarital cohabitation is recognized). Applicants cannot have serious physical or mental health concerns. Full requirements for singles, couples, and families with Colombian heritage can be found here.

The Process

The first steps are to apply and begin the home study process. If you live in MD, MN, VA or WI, Children’s Home can complete your home study. If you live elsewhere, you need to find an agency licensed in your state to complete your home study and we will serve as the primary provider/placing agency. We will then guide you to apply for USCIS approval and compile a dossier that is sent to Colombia.

Wait times from dossier submission to referral (match to a child) vary depending on openness but typically range from 6-18 months. Families open to a child with moderate or lifelong conditions, as well as those adopting a waiting child (including children identified through the Kidsave program) can expect a shorter timeframe.

Travel occurs approximately 5-9 weeks after official referral acceptance. One trip of approximately 3-5 weeks is required; for couples, one parent may return to the U.S. after approximately 2 weeks. Post-placement reporting is required at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after the adoption date (as indicated on the adoption decree or Sentencia).