Adoption
The future of adoptions in Guatemala is uncertain and tenuous. As of January 1, 2008, the Central Authority (CNA) is responsible for initiating and conducting all Guatemalan adoptions, both domestic and international.
While adoptions initiated before December 31, 2007 were ensured to be “grandfathered in” under the old notary-run adoption laws, many complications and delays have occurred during the transition. Many adoptions and children’s homes like Semillas de Amor have fallen under great scrutiny and even legal and political persecution. While the government continues its due process to ensure all adoptions are legal and legitimate, the children remain in institutionalized care while their families abroad await them.
Over 300 children’s homes in Guatemala have closed due to lack of funding and problems during the government transition. The 40 that remain are in crisis due to over-crowding and having to rely on private donations for survival. While over 7,000 children await their destiny in institutionalized care, thousands more live and work on the streets in dire conditions.
While Guatemalan adoptions are currently closed, we are working closely with the CNA to build the infrastructure and funding necessary to begin to find permanent homes for children in need.
An Uncertain Future
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