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ADOPTION PROGRAMS

  • Guatemala Program
  • Criteria
  • Country Profile
  • Testimonials

On December 31, 2007 Guatemala suspended all inter-country adoptions. Currently, the country is in the process of implementing a new Hague compliant adoption law. Although adoptions are on hold, AGCI continues to support our Hannah’s Hope Homes and is caring for more then 50 children. For further information regarding the current Guatemala adoption law and standards of practice, please visit the U.S State Department’s website.

In 2000, AGCI opened our first Hannah's Hope children's home in Guatemala City to nurture and care for the country's orphaned and abandoned children. This home continues to be a model of the highest standards of care, with a focus on giving each child personalized attention. AGCI provides one 'special mother' for every three children and our Hannah's Hope home has expanded to numerous homes, made complete with our in-house school and medical clinic.


Although the future of adoptions in Guatemala is unknown, AGCI has committed to the children of this beautiful country and it is our hope to continue to keep Hannah's Hope a place for orphaned children through our home sponsorship program.


Below are photos of children who once lived in Hannah's Hope and are now home with their loving families.


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REQUEST OUR FREE ADOPTION INFORMATION PACKET
Get started on your adoption journey: request an adoption information packet. You'll also receive a free copy of The Strength of Mercy, a book about how AGCI began.
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SUBMIT YOUR FREE ADOPTION PRE-APPLICATION TODAY
Ready to find your adoptive country? Each country has different adoption criteria. Fill out an adoption pre-application to help AGCI match you to the right adoption program.

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Children Available
  • Infant boys and girls are available for adoption.
  • Older children and sibling groups are also available.
Applicant(s) Age
  • All applicants must be between the ages of 23 to 55 years.
  • Parents 50 to 55 years can adopt a child 3 years and older.
  • Single women must be between the ages of 25 to 55 years to adopt.
Marriage Status & History
  • Married couples and single women may adopt.
  • Couples must be in a stable marriage for at least 9 months.
Divorce
  • Applicants can have two or fewer divorces per person.
Children in Family
  • Applicants with fewer than seven children in the home are able to adopt.
Income
  • Applicants must have a minimum income of $30,000.
Citizenship
  • At least one of the adoptive parents must be a U.S. citizen.
Travel
  • Guatemala requires two trips.
  • The first trip is approximately three to four days and both parents are required to travel.
  • The second trip is approximately three to five days. One or both parents can travel.
Time Frame
  • Approximate time frame from application through finalization of the adoption is 18 to 21 months.
Waiting Child Program
  • Learn more about AGCI's waiting children.

To request a complete list of AGCI requirements please e-mail info@allgodschildren.org.


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Guatemala is a small country with a varied, often mountainous, landscape. It boasts a rich indigenous culture, colonial history, and significant archaeological ruins. In the heart of the Mayan culture in Central America, visitors will see remarkable Mayan sites scattered throughout the country, including the ancient city of Tikal, buried in the midst of a jungle.

More information about Guatemala

Flag:

Guatemalan Flag

Orphan Statistics:

An estimated 370,000 children are orphaned in Guatemala.

Source: UNICEF, 2005

Adoption Trend:

Immigrant visas issued to US citizens

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
449 427 788 969 1,002 1,518 1,609 2,419 2,328 3,264 3,783 4,135 4,728

Climate:

Guatemala's climate is fairly temperate most of the year, so travel is possible at any time. The rainy season usually lasts from May to November. Depending on the altitude, the country is generally hot.

http://www.wordtravels.com/Travelguide/Countries/Guatemala/Climate/

Land Divisions:

22 departments; including Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, Chimaltenango, Chiquimula, El Progreso, Escuintla, Guatemala, Huehuetenango, Izabal, Jalapa, Jutiapa, Peten, Quetzaltenango, Quiche, Retalhuleu, Sacatepequez, San Marcos, Santa Rosa, Solola, Suchitepequez, Totonicapan and Zacapa.

Government:

Constitutional democratic republic

People

Life Expectancy:
69.99 years

Population:
Source: Wikipedia, 2008

Religion
Roman Catholic, Protestant, indigenous Mayan beliefs

Language:
Spanish 60%, Amerindian languages 40% (23 officially recognized Amerindian languages, including Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi, Mam, Garifuna, and Xinca). English is understood in most hotels and tourist areas.

Currency:

Official Guatemalan currency is the Quetzal (GTQ). The US dollar (USD) and other currencies are accepted in major cities.

Photos of the Country:

http://www.wordtravels.com/Travelguide/Countries/Guatemala/Photos

Cygan Family, Illinois

It was a pleasure to work with All God's Children International. The process sometimes seemed overwhelming, but with the support of the Guatemala team from AGCI, we were able to walk through each step quickly and comfortably. In addition, the waiting period between completing most of the paperwork and receiving our referral went smoothly because AGCI kept us informed regularly on our status. We never felt "alone" out there. And finally, both of our visits were arranged beautifully. We felt welcomed and wanted, and were taken care of very well.

Crawford Family, North Carolina

My husband and I just completed an international adoption from Guatemala. We wanted to take a moment to let you know what a wonderful job AGCI is doing in Guatemala. AGCI not only facilitates adoptions, but also runs a children's home in Guatemala by the name of Hannah's Hope. The staff at AGCI and Hannah's Hope genuinely cares for the children of Guatemala, as well as the children's birthmothers. We have adopted two children from Guatemala through AGCI and I cannot say enough wonderful things about them. They operate ethically, responsibly, and in the best interest of the children.

Nelson Family, Illinois

We can't thank you enough for your help in the process of expanding our family in such a rich and meaningful way. We know that the day-to-day work may seem like phone calls, emails, paperwork, meetings, and -- for those in Guatemala -- changing diapers, bathing, feeding, transporting, cleaning, rocking, massaging, and many more tasks large and small, but the big picture is that you are changing the lives of children and their families for the better, and in God's name. Read More

Bechtel Family, Ohio

When we looked into AGCI, we found all that we were looking for in an agency: a Christ-centered approach, a strong commitment to the care of His children, and a reputation for a high level of service to clients. We signed on, quickly prepared our dossier and home study (so much easier the second time around!), and got on the Guatemala boy waiting list. Read More

 

Surely goodness, mercy and unfailing love, shall follow me all the days of my life. -Psalm 23:6

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