Latest revision as of 16:36, 8 July 2021

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

The official coat of arms.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Panamanian children.
Source: flickr.com.

Santo Domingo Church.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

The Old Quarter of City.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Mitre type lock gates at Gatun Lock, Canal.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Chiriquí.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Embera-Wounaan women dressed for a dance.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating international adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry Universal Accreditation Act.

The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.

About Panama

Explored and settled by the Spanish in the 16th century, Panama broke with Spain in 1821 and joined a union of Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela - named the Republic of Gran Colombia. When the latter dissolved in 1830, Panama remained part of Colombia. With US backing, Panama seceded from Colombia in 1903 and promptly signed a treaty with the US allowing for the construction of a canal and US sovereignty over a strip of land on either side of the structure (the Panama Canal Zone). To learn more please read About Panama.

Hague Convention Information

Panama is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Therefore, all intercountry adoptions between Panama and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention. To learn more please read about Panama and the Hague Convention.

Who Can Adopt

Adoption between the United States and Panama is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention. Therefore to adopt from Panama, you must first be found eligible to adopt by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Learn more. To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Panama.

Who Can Be Adopted

Because Panama is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, children from Panama must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption. In accordance with the Convention, the Central Authority of Panama determines whether possibilities for placement of the child in Panama have been given due consideration. In addition to Panama's requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention adoptee for you to bring him or her back to the United States. To learn more please read about Who Can Be Adopted from Panama.

How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Panama's Adoption Authority

Panama's central adoption authority under the Hague Adoption Convention is the Secretaría Nacional de Niñez, Adolescencia y Familia (SENNIAF).

The Process

Because Panama is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, adopting from Panama must follow a specific process designed to meet the Convention's requirements. A brief summary of the Convention adoption process is given below. You must complete these steps in the following order so that your adoption meets all necessary legal requirements.

NOTE: If you filed your I-600A with Panama before April 1, 2008, the Hague Adoption Convention may not apply to your adoption. Your adoption could continue to be processed in accordance with the immigration regulations for non-Convention adoptions. [1].

Choose an Accredited Adoption Service Provider
Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt
Be Matched with a Child
Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Immigration to the United States
Adopt the Child in Panama
Bring your Child Home

To learn more about this process please read How to Adopt from Panama.

Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Panama. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. Getting or renewing a passport is easy. To learn more please read about Traveling Abroad in Panama.

After Adoption

What resources are available to assist families after the adoption?

Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.

Here are some good places to start your support group search:

Child Welfare Information Gateway

North American Council on Adoptable Children

Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons

Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in Panama

Clayton Building #783 Ave. Demetrio B. Lakas Panama City, Republic of Panama Panama-Visas@state.gov

Panama's Adoption Authority

Secretaria Nacional de la Niñez, Adolescencia y Familia (SENNIAF) Plaza Edison Avenida Ricardo J. Alfaro Segundo Piso Panama City, Panama Tel: 500-6079 Fax: 500-6075 Internet: Panama's Adoption Authority

Embassy of Panama

Embassy of the Republic of Panama 2862 McGill Terr., NW Washington , DC 20008 Tel: 202-511-3800 Fax: 202-483-8413

Panama also has consulates in: Mobile, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Atlanta, Honolulu, Chicago, New Orleans, New York, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Houston, and San Juan.

Office of Children's Issues

U.S. Department of State CA/OCS/CI SA-17, 9th Floor Washington, DC 20522-1709 Tel: 1-888-407-4747 E-mail: AskCI@state.gov Internet: U.S. Department of State

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)

1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)

SOURCE

Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=panama

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/pm-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Panama.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
+{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/pm-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
-{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/pm-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Panama.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
+{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/pm-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
-{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/cam/pm_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Panama.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
+{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/cam/pm_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
-{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/89/Coat_of_Arms_of_Panama.svg/543px-Coat_of_Arms_of_Panama.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms of Panama.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/89/Coat_of_Arms_of_Panama.svg/543px-Coat_of_Arms_of_Panama.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 {{#eimage:https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8001/7409385142_92fb91a798.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Panamanian children.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
-{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ef/Arco_chato.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Santo Domingo Church in Panama.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ef/Arco_chato.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Santo Domingo Church.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
-{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b2/Architecture_in_Panama_City.jpg/600px-Architecture_in_Panama_City.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Old Quarter of Panama City.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b2/Architecture_in_Panama_City.jpg/600px-Architecture_in_Panama_City.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The Old Quarter of [[Panama]] City.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
-{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b8/Gatun_lock_gate.JPG/450px-Gatun_lock_gate.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Mitre type lock gates at Gatun Lock, Panama Canal, Panama.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b8/Gatun_lock_gate.JPG/450px-Gatun_lock_gate.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Mitre type lock gates at Gatun Lock, [[Panama]] Canal.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bb/VistaBoquete.jpg/800px-VistaBoquete.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Chiriquí.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
-{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bb/VistaBoquete.jpg/800px-VistaBoquete.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Chiriquí, Panamá.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d8/Panama_Embera_0617.jpg/800px-Panama_Embera_0617.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Embera-Wounaan women dressed for a dance.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+'''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating [[international]] adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].'''
-=Hague Convention Information=
+The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.
-Panama is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption ( Hague Adoption Convention  ). Therefore, all intercountry adoptions between Panama and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention.
+=About Panama=
-In order for an adoption application to meet the requirements of the Hague, a U.S. consular officer must review the case file and issue an "Article 5 Letter" to the Panamanian Central Authority before an adoption or grant of [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] takes place. Therefore, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are cautioned to carefully follow in order the steps outlined in the "How to [[Adopt]]" Section below.
+Explored and settled by the Spanish in the 16th century, [[Panama]] broke with [[Spain]] in 1821 and joined a union of [[Colombia]], [[Ecuador]], and [[Venezuela]] - named the Republic of Gran [[Colombia]]. When the latter dissolved in 1830, [[Panama]] remained part of [[Colombia]]. With US backing, [[Panama]] seceded from [[Colombia]] in 1903 and promptly signed a treaty with the US allowing for the construction of a canal and US sovereignty over a strip of land on either side of the structure (the [[Panama]] Canal Zone). To learn more please read [[About Panama]].
-Currently, Panamanian laws also allow U.S. citizens who meet required eligibility requirements under Panamanian law to [[adopt]] under a "National" adoption process, which is a different process from the Hague intercountry process. Please note that any child [[adopted]] locally (i.e. outside the Hague Adoption Convention process described below) is not immediately eligible for an immigrant visa. Instead, the child must qualify for an immigrant visa as the child of the U.S. Citizen (IR-2). This visa category requires that the U.S. citizen [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] fulfill a two year period of legal and physical [[custody]] in Panama prior to filing the petition for the visa to the United States. Additional information is available from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ).
+=Hague Convention Information=
+[[Panama]] is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] ([http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/overview.php Hague Adoption Convention]). Therefore, all intercountry adoptions between [[Panama]] and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention. To learn more please read about [[Panama and the Hague Convention]].
-'''NOTE:''' Special transition provisions apply to adoptions initiated before April 1, 2008.  Learn more  .
 =Who Can Adopt=
-Adoption between the United States and Panama is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention. Therefore to [[adopt]] from Panama, you must first be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Learn more.
+[[Adoption]] between the United States and [[Panama]] is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Therefore to [[adopt]] from [[Panama]], you must first be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/Judicial-Assistance-Country-Information/Panama.html Learn more]. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Panama]].
+=Who Can Be Adopted=
-In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], Panama also has the following requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
+Because [[Panama]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from [[Panama]] must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. In accordance with the Convention, the Central Authority of [[Panama]] determines whether possibilities for placement of the child in [[Panama]] have been given due consideration. In addition to [[Panama]]'s requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention adoptee for you to bring him or her back to the United States. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Panama]].
-==Residency==
-Panamanian courts allow U.S. citizens to [[adopt]], however Panamanian citizens are given preference. There are no official residency requirements for adoption in Panama.
+=How to Adopt=
-==Age of Adopting Parents==
+==Adoption Authority==
-There must be an age difference of at least 18 years and no more than 45 years between the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] and the child.
+'''[[Panama]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
-==Marriage==
+[[Panama]]'s central [[adoption]] authority under the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention is the Secretaría Nacional de Niñez, Adolescencia y Familia (SENNIAF).
-Prospective adoptive couples must have been married for at least two years.
-==Income==
+===The Process===
-There is no minimum income requirement for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] in Panama.
+Because [[Panama]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, adopting from [[Panama]] must follow a specific process designed to meet the Convention's requirements. A brief summary of the Convention [[adoption]] process is given below. You must complete these steps in the following order so that your [[adoption]] meets all necessary legal requirements.
-==Other==
-No family line adoptions are allowed, meaning grandparents may not [[adopt]] their grandchildren and siblings may not [[adopt]] their minor siblings.  Same sex couples are not permitted to [[adopt]] children.
+'''NOTE:''' If you filed your [[I-600A]] with [[Panama]] before April 1, 2008, the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention may not apply to your [[adoption]]. Your [[adoption]] could continue to be processed in accordance with the immigration regulations for non-Convention adoptions.  [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/Intercountry-Adoption/Adoption-Process/how-to-adopt/hague-transition-cases.html].
-Most adoptions of Panamanian children by U.S. parents take place in Panama. Less frequently, Panamanian courts may grant the U.S. citizens guardianship, allowing for adoption following the family's return to the United States. There are no legal impediments to granting guardianship, but the Panamanian court [[system]] generally discourages this practice.
-=Who Can Be Adopted=
+# Choose an Accredited [[Adoption Service Provider]]
+# Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]
+# Be Matched with a Child
+# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Immigration to the United States
+# [[Adopt]] the Child in [[Panama]]
+# Bring your Child Home
+To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Panama]].
-=How to Adopt=
+=Traveling Abroad=
-==    Adoption Authority==
+'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
-==The Process==
+A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Panama]]. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.  Getting or renewing a passport is easy. To learn more please read about [[Traveling Abroad in Panama]].
-=Traveling Abroad=
-'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
+=After Adoption=
-A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Panama. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.  Getting or renewing a passport is easy. The [https://pptform.state.gov/ Passport Application Wizard] will help you determine which passport form you need, help you to complete the form online, estimate your payment, and generate the form for you to print-all in one place.
+'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
+Many [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] find it important to find support after the [[adoption]]. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
-'''Obtaining Your Visa'''
-In addition to a U.S. passport, you also need to obtain a visa. A visa is an official document issued by a foreign country that formally allows you to visit. Where required, visas are attached to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation.  To find information about obtaining a visa for Panama, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
+Here are some good places to start your support group search:
-'''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
+[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
-Before you travel, it's always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country. The State Department is a good place to start.  The Department of State provides [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information] for every country of the world about various issues, including the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, and any areas of instability.
+[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
+[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons]
-'''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
-When traveling during the [[adoption]] process, we encourage you to register your trip with the Department of State. Travel registration makes it possible to contact you if necessary. Whether there's a family emergency in the United States, or a crisis in Panama, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.
+=Contact Information=
-=After Adoption=
+'''U.S. Embassy in [[Panama]]'''
-'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
+Clayton Building #783
+Ave. Demetrio B. Lakas
+[[Panama]] City, Republic of [[Panama]]
+Panama-Visas@state.gov
-Many [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] find it important to find support after the [[adoption]]. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
+'''[[Panama]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
-Here are some good places to start your support group search:
+Secretaria Nacional de la Niñez, Adolescencia y Familia (SENNIAF)
+Plaza Edison
+Avenida Ricardo J. Alfaro
+Segundo Piso
+[[Panama]] City, [[Panama]]
+Tel: 500-6079
+Fax: 500-6075
+Internet: [http://senniaf.100freemb.com/ Panama's Adoption Authority]
+'''Embassy of [[Panama]]'''
+Embassy of the Republic of [[Panama]]
+McGill Terr., NW
+[[Washington]] , DC 20008
+Tel: 202-511-3800
+Fax: 202-483-8413
-[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
-[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
+[[Panama]] also has consulates in: Mobile, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Atlanta, Honolulu, Chicago, New Orleans, [[New York]], Cleveland, Philadelphia, Houston, and San Juan.
-[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons]
+'''Office of Children's Issues'''
+U.S. Department of State
+CA/OCS/CI
+SA-17, 9th Floor
+[[Washington]], DC 20522-1709
+Tel: 1-888-407-4747
+E-mail: AskCI@state.gov
+Internet: [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
+'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
+For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
+-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
 ==SOURCE==
-'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information'''
+'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information''' [[adoption]].state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=[[panama]]
 [[Category: International Adoption]]

Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Panama"