Guatemala

Kim, My husband and I are in the process of adopting from Guatemala. (I'm Jewish; he's Catholic.) There are Jewish adoptive parents on the Guatemala discussion board. A couple occasionally post here as well, but not many. If you want to connect with more Jewish adoptive parents adopting from Guatemala I would suggest going to the Guatemala board and posting a thread there. I think you'll get a lot more responses there. Are you in the process or just thinking about it? Devora

Kim and Devora-----I have been doing some research and was also wondering about Guatemala as it is a predominantly Catholic state. I am also single and feel like I will be scrutinized even more. How is your Homestudy(has it been written?) written regarding religious aspects? Also have you considered joining Stars of David,? it is an adoption support group for Jewish adoptive families. I haven't joined yet and need to be a member to be on their list serve.

Bertaotr Shoshana (Elizabeth) is a member who is a single Jewish mother who adopted from Guatemala about a year ago -- you could PM her and ask her about her process.

Here I am! (Hi Spay!) I was a little concerned too when I began the homestudy process. I'd say in retrospect that my religion was a non-issue. I flew through the process in Guatemala (family court and PGN - their equivalent of an attorney general's office who approves, requests more info, or disapproves the adoption) and brought my baby girl home at just over 3 months. That said, I do believe that the single biggest issue to having a smooth process is not necessarily any characteristics of the pre-adoptive parent(s) but having an excellent, ethical, and well-respected attorney in Guatemala. Best wishes and let me know if you have more questions.

Hi I actually haven't started process yet but I am hoping that they will not discriminate because we are jewish. I think it is very different then a domestic open adoption since the birth mothers actually choose who they want their child to be raised by. In this instance they may specify they want an adoptive parent with a certain religious background. Kim

Shoshana, was your homestudy done by an agency or a private social worker? How was religion addressed???? thanks! Roberta

Hi Roberta: The social worker who conducted the homestudy was affiliated with the agency I used. In the homestudy, it was written that I had converted to Judaism from Catholicism and that I was active in my synagogue. I also remember it stating that I thought a religious upbringing was important for children. Also, one of my letters of reference was from the Rabbi of my synagogue. So, using my situation as a solitary case, I know it had no effect on the outcome. Like I stated above, the reputation of the Guatemalan attorney is key. Oh, shortly after I landed in Guatemala City, I saw a synagogue - before I saw a church! I read the Guatemalan Family Court social worker's report. This social worker has all of the info available to him/her that is contained in the US homestudy (as well as all fo the other documents). I don't believe that this social worker mentioned my religion but he did mention that I was adopted as his opening statement. I wonder if that helped ;-) Let me know if you have more questions!

Yes, we are starting the process and know of another older Jewish couple who adopted two boys from Guat. about ten years ago. Right now we are still checking out agencies. My husband is from NY, I'm from Canada and now we live in Israel. All the best to you, Chana

Hi Chana, I tried sending you a private message in response to your private message but it is saying that you are not receiving private messages. Best wishes on your research into starting the adoption process. Kim

Kim, Just wanted you to know that I am a Springer Mom to Mac and my best friend who lives with me is a Springer mom to Roux...I am in the homestudy process (second visit last weekend) and I am in the process of getting my docs notarized. :)