Frequently Asked Questions

How old are the Guatemalan children when they are placed with their adoptive families?

Of the children adopted internationally by American families, Guatemalan children are among the youngest when they join their adoptive homes. It is not uncommon for these children to be as young as six to nine months of age at the time of adoption finalization.

How long should I expect the Guatemalan adoption process to take?

It is the agency's hope and expectation to finalize our client families' adoptions within nine to twelve months of signing our partnership agreements.

Have the adoption staff of Families United Network visited foster homes in Guatemala?

Yes! We have had the opportunity to tour foster homes and speak with foster parents and observe the children in their care. It was evident to us that these foster mothers were well trained and that the children were being cared for in loving nurturing homes.

This personal experience reinforces the agency’s opinion that Guatemalan children that are free for adoption are among the healthiest and well-adjusted children available for adoption in the world.

If I decide to adopt from Guatemala with the assistance of the Families United Network, when will I receive a referral?

It is our hope and expectation that referrals will be made within two months of a families’ dossier arriving in Guatemala. However, referrals can be received before a family’s dossier arrives in Guatemala.

What variables exist that can shorten or lengthen a family's adoption timeline?

Families may contact us for assistance with their adoption plan when they are at different stages in the adoption process. For example, some families may decide to partner with us at the early stages of their adoption planning while others may request our assistance when they have already completed the home study process.

Prospective adoptive parents must also realize that having a gender preference can lengthen their wait time to receive a referral. In addition, this agency and our network of adoption attorneys abide by United States, Guatemalan and international adoption laws and regulations. Changes or modifications to these laws and regulations can create adoption delays that are out of the control of all adoption professionals here and abroad.