Guatemala, the "land of eternal spring", is nestled between Mexico and the Central American countries of Belize, Honduras and El Salvador. It has a mountainous, forested landscape running through the center of the country boasting jungles and active volcanoes. It is the most populated country in Central America with a population of approximately 14 million people. About half of its people are descendants of the Mayan Indians. The 2,000 year-old Mayan culture had one of the most advanced civilizations of the ancient world. Their cities flourished across the region, leaving behind amazing temples and pyramids, as well as literature, philosophy and art. The vibrant colors of everyday dress pay tribute to the Mayan heritage. The Children While Guatemala is a beautiful country, it suffers from poor economic conditions. Three quarters of its population live below the poverty level. As a result, birthmothers often choose to relinquish their child to adoption, rather than suffer the economic hardship of another mouth to feed. The birthmother usually makes the decision to relinquish her child during pregnancy. As a result, newborn infants are readily available for adoption. While not as common, toddlers are also available for adoption. The children from Guatemala are generally healthier and better adjusted than children from other countries. Because relinquishment usually occurs during pregnancy, the children are normally born in hospitals. After birth they are placed in private foster care. By Guatemalan law there are only 2 babies allowed per home, guaranteeing the individual, nurturing care that babies need. While in foster care, the children receive regular well-baby care as well as their inoculations. Because of the loving care received from birth, these children have fewer attachment and developmental issues than children from other countries. The birthmother and child are also both tested for HIV, Hepatitis B and venereal diseases. In order to eliminate fraud, Guatemalan law also requires the child and birthmother be DNA tested to ensure parenthood. This requirement guarantees that you can be confident in the known medical and social history of the child. Eligibility Adoption requirements are very flexible in Guatemala. Couples or singles should be between the ages of 25 and 55 to adopt an infant. There is no length of marriage requirement, and prior marriages are acceptable. There may be other children already living in your home, and infertility is not a requirement. Referral When the adoptive family is "paper ready", that is has completed a Home Study and has received immigration approval, Niños del Mundo will begin the referral process. Referrals can occur within days of submitting your paperwork to Niños del Mundo. You will be offered referrals based upon your requested age and gender criteria. Referrals consist of photographs of the child and all available medical information. This may also include a social report prepared by the birthmother in conjunction with a social worker. There is no requirement that you accept any given referral. Adoptions are forever and we at Niños del Mundo know that the match has to be good. Once you have accepted a referral, the adoption process begins. Also, from this point forward you have virtually unlimited access to your child. You may visit and keep your child with you at any time during the adoption process. Process Adoptions in Guatemala are handled privately through our reputable, licensed and experienced attorneys. Our Executive Director works directly with the Guatemalan law firms and keeps the adoptive parents informed as to all developments in their case. Most adoptions average 3 to 6 months after referral. Guatemalan law allows the adoption process to go forward under a Power of Attorney that you will execute when you accept a referral. This allows the law firm to move the adoption along through all of the required legal steps without the necessity of the adoptive parent being present. This process includes the following steps: Niños del Mundo submits your Dossier to the Guatemalan authorities. It will take from 2 to 4 weeks for the Power of Attorney to be registered. The case is "opened" with the US Embassy and submitted to the Guatemalan Family Court. Family Court approves the birthmother's relinquishment. Social workers meet with the birthmother and approve foster care. Social workers submit their reports to Family Court for approval. Case is sent to the PGN, the Guatemalan Attorney General. PGN approves case and issues final adoption decree. Adoptive parents make travel arrangements Niños del Mundo obtains child's new birth certificate and passport and submits them to the US Embassy US Embassy issues a final clearance Adoptive parents travel to Guatemala to receive your child and obtain your child's IR-3 Visa from the US Embassy. This Visa qualifies your new child for automatic citizenship upon entry into the United States. Travel Travel plans are made when the adoption is finalized and the Embassy issues a Visa appointment. Although travel is not required and escort services are available through Niños del Mundo, we recommend that you travel to Guatemala to pick up your child. The length of stay is only 2 to 3 days because the long adoption process is already complete. Guatemala can be reached by plane from most US cities. You will be met at the airport by Niños del Mundo representatives that will assist you is locating your accommodations and walk you through the final steps in your adoption. All of your questions will be answered. You will never feel stranded in a foreign country.