Adoptions Together is pleased to be a network agency with Spence-Chapin.  Spence-Chapin is a nonprofit agency in New York City that has worked with Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar (ICBF) since 1994. Our agency provides the home study, training, post placement services, and assistance with the adoption process for the placement of a child from . The placement of the child will be done through Spence-Chapin.  This program is available to families residing in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia.

The Children in Need of Adoption

Infants and children of all ages are available for adoption. Both boys and girls are available, but there are fewer girls. The children are cared for in professionally staffed children’s facilities and in foster homes.  Primarily of Afro-Colombian descent, the children may reflect the full range of ethnicity from Latin America. The children are primarily healthy. However families should expect the typical developmental delays and medical issues associated with international adoption and orphanage care. 

Parental Qualifications for Adoption in Colombia

Colombia's requirements permit couples who have lived together for two years between 25 and 50 years of age to adopt a child. Single men and single women are also permitted to adopt older and waiting children. Couples in which one parent is younger than 39 years old can apply to adopt an infant or toddler up to 3 years of age. Prospective adoptive parents between 39 and 41 years of age should expect a referral of a child 36-59 months. Prospective adoptive parents between 42 and 44 years of age should expect a referral of a child 60-83 months. Prospective adoptive parents ages 45 and older qualify for a referral of a child 7 years and older. Prospective adoptive parents must be physically and emotionally healthy, and have a clear criminal record with the FBI. Families of Colombian descent receive priority. 

Colombia Adoption Program and Procedure

Once your home study and dossier documents are complete, the dossier will be sent to Spence-Chapin. Spence-Chapin will send the dossier to ICBF or one of the children’s facilities in Colombia . The current wait for the referral is 2 years for a child under 3 years of age, from the date the dossier is sent to Colombia. The wait is shorter for older and special needs children. The referral information will include a social history, medical information and photos of the child. After accepting the referral, families travel to Colombia immediately and remain in country for about 6 weeks after the initial integration period.  One parent may return home after the adoption is finalized.