Dominican Republic Adoption

In the Dominican Republic, children ages 2 years to 14 years are waiting for their forever families. Many of these children have special medical needs, are older, or are part of sibling groups. They reside in public or private orphanages throughout the country and face challenges such as poverty and abandonment. The children come from a diverse culture and are of Hispanic, African, or mixed-race heritage. The children receive excellent medical care but need a forever family to give them the individual love and attention they deserve.
Their need for a loving, permanent family is urgent.

Adopting from the Dominican Republic

Hopeful adoptive parents looking to adopt a child from the Dominican Republic are needed, especially those open to adopting children with special needs, older children, or sibling groups. All adoptive parents must meet the Dominican Republic’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 Dominican Republic 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

Adoption Criteria

Dominican Republic 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 five years) are eligible. Single applicants are not permitted to adopt through this program.
• Age: Applicants must be at least 30 years old and may be approved up to age 60. Applicants must be at least 15 years older than the child at the time of the application. Applicants over 45 years old are eligible for referrals of children ages six and up (with exceptions for waiting children with special 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. If you take prescription medication or have a health condition, please contact an adoption specialist prior to application to determine if you are eligible. Certain medical conditions may not be approved, including:
  • Psychiatric disorders
  • Mental handicap/intellectual disability
  • Crime against a person or family committed with intention
  • Crime involving human trafficking or illegal consumption of drugs
  • Any family or adoptive parent(s) that has lost their parental rights or has a child under the care of child protective services

• 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 the Dominican Republic are required to complete pre-adoptive training.

ADOPTION PROCESS

1. INITIAL CONTACT AND APPLICATION

Before submitting your official application, contact a Gladney adoption specialist to discuss whether the Dominican Republic 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. Prepare Your Dossier

To be matched with a child, you must prepare a comprehensive 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.

6. Travel

Adoptive parents must travel to Dominican Republic to complete the legal adoption process. Cultural competence is highly valued in the Dominican Republic, and therefore families are required to stay in country for 6 months, sometimes longer. During this time, you will be bonding with your new child, and immersing yourselves in your child’s culture. 

Post-Adoption Reports

Post-adoption reports are crucial for demonstrating compliance with agency and country requirements, ensuring the child’s well-being, and maintaining transparency in the adoption process.

What Are Post-Adoption Reports?

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

• 10 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 the Dominican Republic, reports should be submitted at the following intervals:

• 1 month
• 6 months
• 12 months (1 year)
• 24 months (2 years)
• 36 months (3 years)
• 48 months (4 years)
• 60 months (5 years)

Submission Guidelines

The 30-day report is due two weeks of returning home. Post-adoption reports must be detailed and specific to the child, providing reassurance to the Dominican Republic’s adoption authority about the child’s progress.

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

Common Questions

1. Who are the children awaiting adoption in Dominican Republic?

Children waiting for adoption in the Dominican Republic are typically between 2 and 14 years old and live in public or private orphanages across the country. They come from diverse backgrounds, including Hispanic, African, or mixed-race heritage, and often face challenges related to poverty and abandonment. Many of these children have special needs, such as medical conditions, being part of sibling groups, or being older. While there are medically healthy children eligible for adoption—especially for families of Dominican heritage—there is a particular need for families willing to adopt children with special needs or siblings. These children have experienced trauma and loss and are in urgent need of the love, care, and stability that a permanent family can provide.

2. What is the process to adopt a child from the Dominican Republic?

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 the Dominican Republic to complete the adoption. Families could be in the Dominican Republic up to 6 months for the adoption process to be completed.

3. How long does the adoption process take?

The adoption process timeline can vary, but it generally includes several months for home study and dossier preparation followed by a possible waiting period for a match and travel to the Dominican Republic.

4. Who is eligible to adopt from the Dominican Republic?

Married couples (legally married for at least five years) are eligible. Single applicants are not permitted to adopt through this program. Applicants must be at least 30 years old and may be approved up to age 60. Applicants must be at least 15 years older than the child at the time of the application. Applicants over 45 years old are eligible for referrals of children ages six and up (with exceptions for waiting children with special needs). Learn more about adoption criteria in the Dominican Republic.

5. Are there specific health requirements for adoptive parents?

Yes, adoptive parents must be mentally and physically fit to parent. Certain medical conditions, such as psychiatric disorders, mental handicap/intellectual disability, and certain criminal backgrounds, may not be approved. Please contact an adoption specialist to determine if you are eligible.

6. What training is required to adopt from the Dominican Republic?

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.

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.