Waiting Children in Colombia

In Colombia, children ages 2 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 urgently needed, especially those open to adopting children with special needs, older children, or sibling groups. All adoptive parents must meet Colombia’s criteria | New Window 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.

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Step 1: Check your program eligibility by submitting the Prospective Adoptive Parent Form | New Window
Step 2: Ready to move forward? Complete the Placement Application to officially begin | New Window

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 orphanages. Gladney also works with private orphanages (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.