Guatemala Adoption - this program is not accepting new applications at this time.

Guatemala has a long history with The Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoptions.  Guatemala became a "Hague" country in a sudden decision by the Guatemalan government in 2003.  However, approximately seven months later the Constitutional Courts in Guatemala overturned their accession to the Hague Treaty after much debate as to the legality of the manner in which the government tried to implement The Hague.  To this day, Guatemala is considered a party to the Hague Convention, but they are not in compliance with Hague regulations. 

The United States has expressed its intention to ratify The Hague Treaty at some point in 2008.  (See Dillon Prepares for The Hague)  If Guatemala has not complied with The Hague by the time the U.S. ratifies the treaty, then it will be extremely difficult for U.S. citizens to adopt from Guatemala.  For more info, read "The Hague Convention: In Treaty We Trust." 

The Guatemala 5000 Initiative
Guatemalan President Oscar Berger has announced plans to suspend all intercountry adoption with American families on January 1, 2008.  The Joint Council on International Children's Services (JCICS) strongly opposes such a suspension and has asked for adoptive families' support in their efforts to ensure that all children retain the right to permanency through Intercountry Adoption.  As a Joint Council member, Dillon supports this effort and encourages families to participate in the Guatemala 5000 Initiative. Read more on Joint Council's recommendation for a comprehensive response to the proposed changes in Guatemala intercountry adoption and how to get involved.

For further information regarding current Guatemala adoption law and standards of practice,  please visit the U.S State Department's website.