Colombia adoption

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.

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 severe 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). Download your Colombia post-adoption report here and review a sample here.

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

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.