Open to relative adoptions only
THE HONDURAS PROGRAM
Honduras is not a signatory to the Hague Convention at this time. Through the Children’s Home Honduras program we may be able to assist with the adoption of relatives. Families are discouraged from actively seeking out children to adopt.
CHILDREN IN HONDURAS
Children may have been relinquished, abandoned or have had a termination of parental rights due to abuse or neglect. Children may be up to 15 years at time of official referral.
THE CARE IN HONDURAS
Children in Honduras are cared for in private and public orphanages, as well as foster homes. Children are provided with nutrition, medical care and access to education. The quality of care can vary widely. As numerous studies have demonstrated, institutional care is not conducive to optimal development, therefore children may experience orphanage-related delays.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Like most international adoption programs, Honduras has its own unique eligibility requirements for adoptive parents. Heterosexual married couples and single women are eligible to adopt. Couples need to be married for at least three years. Applicants must be between the ages of 25 and 51 and there can be no less than 15 years between the youngest parent and the child. Parents must utilize an adoption home study agency that has been licensed for a minimum of five years. There cannot be physical or mental health concerns and applicants cannot have a criminal history.
Please contact us to discuss your individual eligibility.
THE PROCESS
To begin the process to adopt a relative, we require an investigation and verification be completed by our in-country representative. This service is offered through our program and the in-country verification process determines a child’s orphan status and eligibility for international adoption. There is a $250 fee for the investigation that is submitted with Application Part 1.
When it is confirmed that the child is eligible for adoption, the next step in the process is to apply and begin the home study. If you live in MN, Western WI, MD or VA, Children’s Home and LSS can complete your home study. We will then guide you to apply for approval from USCIS and compile a dossier that is sent to Honduras. The time for processing the adoption in country varies. Families are required to make 2 trips to complete the in-country process. The duration of the first trip is approximately one week and both parents must travel. The second trip is 5-6 weeks and one parent can travel.
Post placement reports are required for all children adopted from Honduras. If the child is 0-4 years old at time of placement, reports written by a social worker are required 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months after placement and then self-reports are required annually until the child turns 14. For children who are four and older at time of placement, reports written by a social worker are required 3 and 12 months after placement and then self-reports are required annually until the child turns 14.
View Honduras Fees and ExpensesCompare International Programs Side-by-Side
