Colombia's adoption program is for families seeking to impact the life of an older child, siblings, or a child with special needs. With over 50 million inhabitants, Colombia is one of the world's most ethnically and linguistically diverse countries in the world. Colombia has the second highest biodiversity in the world. IAN maintains a positive relationship with the ICBF (Colombian Institute of Family Welfare/Instituto Colombiano de Bienstar Familar), a branch of the Colombian Central Authority.
Want to host before you adopt? Learn about the benefits of the Colombia host-to-adopt program!
The U.S. Department of State requires Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs) to be U.S. citizens in order to immigrate a chlid to the United States through the intercounty adoption process.
For married PAPs, only one parent must be a U.S. citizen.
Single adoptive parents must be U.S. citizens.
Age Requirements
PAPs must be between the age of 25-60.
The oldest parent cannot be more than 45 years older than the adopted child.
Marital Status
Married heterosexual and same-sex couples who have been married for at least 2 years.
Single women and single men can adopt.
Single men can adopt male children 10 and older.
Income
PAPs must demonstrate the means to support the physical and educational needs of the child.
Health
PAPs must not have a diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
Other
Each Colombian state may have their own requirements so be sure to check with the state from which you receive your referral.
Children In Need
Sibling groups can be adopted with one child being 10 years or older and the other child being younger, and sibling groups of 3 or more.
Age
Children in need of families range from 1-15 years old.
Gender
While gender preference can be indicated by PAPs, parents are strongly encouraged to be open to a child of either gender.
Health
Children available for adoption in Colombia will have minor to severe special needs, or may be healthy older children. It is important to note that if the child is older, the child may still have minor medical and developmental delays due to institutionalized living.
Adoption Process and Timeline
Timeframes will vary per adoption. The average can be from 18-27 months from starting your adoption journey to when you complete your adoption and bring your child home. If the family has hosted the child(ren) they are adopting, the adoption process will be shorter.
1
Choose an Adoption Agency
Choose an accredited Adoption Service Provider (ASP) who is licensed in Colombia such as IAN.
2
Apply to be found eligible to adopt
First complete an approved home study. You will have to hire an external agency if you do not reside in Colorado. IAN will be able to provide you recommendations. If you reside in Colorado, IAN will be your home study agency as well. (2-3 months)
After home study approval, apply for U.S. Immigration approval. (3-4 months)
Once U.S. Immigration approval is received, submit dossier to ICBF. (3-4 months)
3
Accept Child Referral
The wait to receive a child referral from the ICBF is 9-15 months.
You can accept or decline the referral after you receive one.
4
Obtain Necessary Approvals to Immigrate the Child into the U.S.
5
Travel to Colombia and bring the child home
6
Post Adoption Visits and Reports
There is a requirement from Colombia to submit Post Adoption reports at regular intervals. Visit "Post Adoption" to learn more.
Travel Requirements
Adoptive parents are expected to take 1 trip to Colombia that lasts around 4-6 weeks. Your trip could be longer due to in-country delays.
During your time in Colombia, you will have a facilitator to help you through each in-country step.
You will be required to spend 7-10 business days of bonding with your potential adoptive child.
A married couple will be required to both be present for the first two weeks in-country, once the court is over, one parent can go back to the U.S. while the other parent stays for the rest of the process.
Cost Estimates
It can vary from $40,000 to $60,000. Not all the costs will necessarily apply and all fees can change at any time. To receive IAN's Colombia fee agreement and schedule, click on "Contact a Coordinator" and fill out the contact form.
Ready to start or have questions? Our coordinators are here to help!
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