In Colombia, children ages 6 months to 16 years are waiting for their forever families. These children, who come from public or private facilities called iapas throughout the country, need loving homes.
Waiting children are of Hispanic, African, Indian, or mixed-race heritage. Families must be open to all ethnicities. Many have special medical needs, are older, or are part of sibling groups. Colombia’s children face challenges such as Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, and developmental delays. Younger children with minor needs are waiting for a family, but priority for these children is given to families in the Colombia Heritage program. Many older, healthy sibling groups are also eligible. These children have endured trauma and loss, making their need for a loving, permanent family urgent.

Adopting from Colombia

Hopeful adoptive parents looking to adopt a child from Colombia are needed, especially those open to adopting children with special needs, older children, or sibling groups. All adoptive parents must meet Colombia’s criteria for adoption to be considered. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, contact an adoption specialist who can help determine the right fit for your family and answer your questions. Gladney’s Colombia Team is here to guide you through every step of the process.

Step 1: Check your program eligibility by submitting the Prospective Adoptive Parent Form

Step 2: Ready to move forward? Complete the Placement Application to officially begin

Colombia Adoption Program

Families may apply to adopt a waiting child or submit a dossier to be matched with a child meeting certain criteria. Generally, the children receive excellent medical care but need a forever family to give them the individual love and attention they deserve.

Colombian Heritage Program

Throughout the adoption process, we work closely with the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (ICBF). The ICBF, located in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, processes international adoptions and oversees the licensing of private institutions. Gladney also works with private institutions (IAPA).

In order for a family to be eligible, a hopeful adoptive parent must have Colombian citizenship with proof of a Colombian Birth Certificate, Cedula, and Colombian Passport. Adult adoptees from Colombia are also eligible.

Colombia Birth Parent Search Training

Colombia places a strong emphasis on the lifelong well-being of its children. Our Colombia Birth Family Search training provides an overview of the process established by Colombia’s Central Authority for adoptees who wish to seek information about their birth family, as well as the procedure for requesting an adoptee’s official file. Participants will gain an understanding of the steps involved, the guiding principles behind the process, and the rationale for how these requests are managed.

Adoption Criteria

Adoption criteria are based on the requirements of the country and may change over time. To ensure you meet the criteria, it’s best to contact an adoption specialist to discuss your specific situation and start making an adoption plan.

• Marital Status: Married couples (legally married for at least two years, together for three years) and single parents are eligible. Same-sex married couples of any gender may adopt children with special needs. Past divorces will also be considered.
• Age: Applicants must be at least 25 years old and at least 15 years older than the child at the time of application. The oldest parent must be no more than 45 years older than the child (with exception for more severed needs).
• Background: A stable family environment and strong relationship history are considered. Families must be financially stable and able to provide for the needs of a child.
• Health: Families must be mentally and physically fit to parent. Applicants who have had cancer must be at least 5 years in remission. Certain medical conditions may not be approved, including:
  • Heart disease
  • Certain types of cancer
  • Neoplasias
  • Degenerative disease
  • Chronic infectious disease
  • Kidney insufficiency
  • Metabolic disease
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Vascular cerebral disease

• Cultural Sensitivity: Parents should be open to and respectful of the child’s cultural background and heritage.
• Training: All hopeful adoptive parents pursuing adoption in Colombia are required to complete pre-adoptive training assigned by Gladney.

Adoption Process

1. INITIAL CONTACT AND APPLICATION

Before submitting your official application, contact a Gladney adoption specialist to discuss whether the Colombia adoption program is a good fit for your family. Gladney is currently seeking families who are willing to be flexible and patient as they navigate the adoption process together.

2. CASEWORKER ASSIGNMENT AND NEW CLIENT PACKET

Once your application documents and fee are submitted, you will be assigned a caseworker. This person will serve as your primary contact throughout the adoption process, answering questions and providing support. You’ll also receive a New Client packet that includes step-by-step instructions for the adoption process, information on the home study, pre-adoption training requirements, guidance on the US immigration application, and instructions for preparing your dossier.

3. COMPLETE PRE-ADOPTIVE TRAINING

Training and preparation are absolutely essential for a successful adoption, and at Gladney, we’re proud to offer some of the most comprehensive and meaningful training opportunities available. As part of your adoption process, you’ll complete both pre-adoptive training, child specific training, and participate in Gladney’s exclusive Pathways training held at our Fort Worth campus.

These trainings are a true benefit—an investment in your family’s long-term success. They deepen your understanding of the adoption journey and the unique needs of children, while equipping you with the skills and confidence to provide a safe, nurturing, and stable home. Our approach is trauma-informed and child-centered, ensuring you receive the very best preparation possible. We take great pride in empowering our prospective adoptive parents with the tools they need to thrive as they welcome a child into their lives.

4. Complete a Home Study

If you live in a Gladney-licensed state, your adoption specialist will assign a home study worker to your case. The home study department will then contact you directly to schedule appointments. Gladney home studies service hopeful adoptive parents in Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Texas. If you live in one of these listed states and are ready to start your home study, fill out our home study form here.

If you do not live in a Gladney-licensed state, you will need to choose a home study provider who meets Gladney’s criteria. Check with your adoption specialist to ensure your home study will be eligible for the adoption process.

5. Pursue a Waiting Child

Prior to being considered for a specific waiting child, the prospective adoptive parents must research the child’s medical needs and discuss with a qualified medical professional.

6. Gather Required Documents

Prepare to submit your agency application, current home study, and a Letter of Intent. Your Letter of Intent should detail your knowledge and experience with the child’s medical condition, your commitment to providing necessary care, and your plans to support the child’s adjustment. You must also include a Waiting Child Referral Agreement and passport-style photos for each parent.

7. Prepare Your Dossier

Your adoption specialist and a Gladney Adoption Specialist will guide you through the dossier process. A dossier is a collection of essential documents for adoption. It could include an application letter, home study report, notarized references, certified birth and marriage certificates, medical reports, FBI fingerprints, USCIS approval, and various agreements and photos. These documents give adoption authorities a complete overview of your family.

8. Travel to Colombia

Adoptive parents must travel to Colombia to receive custody of their child and complete the adoption process. During the trip, the family will meet their child and begin the bonding period, followed by completion of required court hearings. The trip can last anywhere from 4-6 weeks, in some cases longer. Gladney and our Colombian partners will coordinate all travel appointments.

Post-Adoption Reports

Post-adoption reports are essential to demonstrate compliance with agency and country requirements. Reports reassure the placing country that the child is well cared for and help maintain transparency and accountability in the adoption process.

What Are Post-Adoption Reports?

Post-adoption reports are updates completed by your home study social worker to ensure that the adopted child is thriving. These reports may include:

• 8 photos with captions
• Details about the child’s health and well-being
• Information on how the family is adjusting

When Are Post-Adoption Reports Due?

For adoptions from Colombia, reports should be submitted to Gladney at these intervals:

• 1 month
• 6 months
• 12 months (1 year)
• 18 months
• 24 months (2 years)

If the child is 8 years or older or part of a sibling group, additional reports are needed at:

• 30 months
• 36 months (3 years)

Submission Guidelines

The 30-day report is due within 2 weeks of returning home. All other reports are due the week of their deadline. Each report must include individualized and specific information about the child along with the required documents (Certificate of Citizenship, Final Adoption Decree, New Colombian Birth Certificate, and Hague Adoption Decree for the 6-month report).

For any questions or additional guidance, fill out the form below.

Common Questions

1. Who are the children awaiting adoption in Colombia?

Children waiting for adoption in Colombia range in age from 2 months to 16 years old and reside in public or private care facilities known as IAPAS throughout the country. They come from diverse backgrounds, including Hispanic, African, Indian, or mixed-race heritage. Many of these children face challenges such as special medical needs—commonly including Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, and developmental delays—or are part of older or sibling groups. While some younger children with minor medical needs are also eligible for adoption, priority for these cases is typically given to families in the Colombia Heritage program. There are also older, healthy sibling groups available for adoption. Due to experiences of trauma and loss, these children are in urgent need of a stable, loving, and permanent family to provide the care and support they deserve.

2. Why is there a need to adopt children with special needs or from sibling groups?

These children have endured trauma and loss, making their need for a loving, permanent family urgent. Adopting these children provides them with the care and support they desperately need.

3. What is the process to adopt a child from Colombia?

The process involves contacting an adoption specialist, completing a home study, submitting required documents, and paying application and agency fees. Once matched, you will travel to Colombia to complete the adoption.

4. How long does the adoption process take?

The adoption process timeline varies. The initial home study and Dossier phase typically takes 6-12 months. There is then a waiting period to be matched with a child, which can span from months to years, depending on the type of child that you hope to match with. The final step is travel, which is typically 4-6 weeks in duration, but can be longer.

5. Who is eligible to adopt from Colombia?

Married couples (legally married for at least two years, together for three years), single parents, and same-sex married couples of any gender (for children with special needs) are eligible. Applicants must be at least 25 years old and no more than 45 years older than the child. Learn more about adoption criteria.

6. Are there specific health requirements for adoptive parents?

Yes, adoptive parents must be mentally and physically fit to parent. Applicants who have had cancer must be at least 5 years in remission. Certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, certain types of cancer, and HIV/AIDS, may not be approved.

7. What if a hopeful parent has had past divorces?

Past divorces will be considered as part of the eligibility criteria. Applicants with more than 3 divorces will not be considered. The stability of the current family environment and relationship is considered.

8. Are there cultural sensitivity requirements for adoptive parents?

Yes, adoptive parents should be open to and respectful of the child’s cultural background and heritage. This is crucial for the child’s adjustment and integration into the family.

9. Is there any training required for adopting from Colombia?

All hopeful adoptive parents pursuing adoption in Colombia are required to complete pre-adoptive training assigned by Gladney.

10. What are post-adoption reports, and why are they important?

Post-adoption reports are updates completed by your home study social worker to ensure the child is thriving. These reports include photos, details about the child’s health and well-being, and information on how the family is adjusting. They are essential for maintaining compliance with agency and country requirements.

11. What training is required to adopt from Colombia?

At Gladney, training is a key part of preparing families for a successful adoption. All prospective parents complete pre-adoptive training that covers the adoption process, common needs of children, and practical parenting tools. You’ll also participate in Gladney’s Pathways training — our in-person, trauma-informed program held at the Fort Worth campus — which offers deeper guidance and preparation.

These trainings, as well as child specific training, ensure you are well-equipped, supported, and ready to provide a safe, nurturing home for the child you will welcome.

12. When are post-adoption reports due?

For adoptions from Colombia, reports should be submitted to Gladney at 1 month, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months after adoption. Additional reports are needed at 30 months and 36 months for children 8 years or older or part of a sibling group.

13. What is the travel process for adopting from Colombia?

Adoptive parents travel to Colombia after completing the Hague process and receiving Article 5 and permission from ICBF. The stay in Colombia typically lasts between 4-6 weeks and can be extended up to 8 weeks depending on the administrative process. Both parents must travel to Colombia, though one parent may leave after the court date (approximately 3 weeks into the process), if necessary.

14. Where do families stay during their time in Colombia?

Families can stay in hotels or apartments arranged with the help of the agency and the support team in Colombia. Gladney works with an experienced legal representative in Colombia to arrange travel and support for families.

15. Can I host a child from Colombia?

Yes, Colombia often offers a hosting program; however, availability can vary from year to year. We work closely with our partners in-country to determine whether hosting opportunities are in the best interest of the children in their care at that time.  Please visit our Hosting page for the most up-to-date information on upcoming sessions and to learn more about the process.

16. Who can I contact for more information about adopting from Colombia?

For personalized guidance, fill out the form below.

Post-Adoption Services

Gladney’s post-adoption support is built on a “family for life” philosophy, recognizing that adoption is a lifelong journey and providing ongoing care well beyond placement. Their services include education and training for adoptive parents, access to nationwide support groups, and clinical counseling (in-person, virtual, and in-home) to address adoption-related challenges. They also offer specialized support for birth parents and adoptees, including lifelong counseling resources, support groups, and assistance with records, registries, and maintaining connections when desired. Many of these comprehensive services are provided at little or no cost, ensuring that every member of the adoption triad has access to resources, guidance, and community throughout all stages of life.