We are accepting applications,  as we await the re-opening of the Guatemala Program.  While waiting for the program to re-open we will assist you while completing your homestudy and immigration approval.  We are not taking any fees at this time for Guatemala.  Please note that families should be open to other countries if there is a long delay in Guatemala re-opening.  Our other programs are Haiti, Russia, China, Ukraine, and soon to open Peru.

Children of Guatemala are of mixed Spanish and Indian ethnic background. All of the children have either been relinquished for adoption or abandoned. Severe economic and social class difference in Guatemala discourage upper or middle-class families from adopting. Therefore, they rely on American and European adoptive families for the children. Some of the abandoned and relinquished children are in orphanages, while others are in the foster care system.

An approximate stay in Guatemala of less than one week has increased this programs popularity.  Many of the Guatemalan adoptions are private matters handled by attorneys. DeColores works with exceptional Guatemalan adoption attorneys, who process our Guatemala adoptions with care and efficiency.

Below information is subject to change with the implementation of the Hague.

Time Frame:   Referral time ranges from immediate to a few weeks.	Travel:   No travel required.  We do provide escort service. If you choose to travel at completion the stay is generally 3-4 nights.
Requirements:   Married couples and single females who have reached the age of 25 are accepted. There is no upper age limit, however, parents who have reached the age of 52 or above must demonstrate flexibility in the age of the child they request.  There are no restrictions placed on families who already have children in the family, and generally there are few other restrictions.	Age of Children:   Children of all ages are available.  Sibling groups are sometimes available.
Adoption Fees:  $300.00 application fee $5,000 Agency Fee $868.00 DNA cost (includes seals & shipping) $18,500-$22,000 International Fee - This generally includes foster care and/or orphanage donations, professional legal services, foreign coordinator fees, routine medical care and exams, document translation, and legal expenses in the foreign country.	Dossier Costs for Guatemala may include costs of document request, Notary cost, some states require county seals, these costs vary, Secretary of State Certification, these costs vary, and authentication from the Guatemalan Consulate, $10.00 per state certification.  These costs are seperate from the adoption fees. Other costs vary including travel, lodging, U.S. Immigration and Naturalization service fees, passport and visa, and translation fees. For families whose annual combined adjusted gross income is under $150,000, IRS tax credits will repay you $10,000 per child against ANY expenses incurred in your adoption.