The United States and the Guatemala Central Authorities are working on a pilot program should the United States be chosen as one of the countries licensed to complete adoptions from Guatemala.  Once the Hague compliant rules are established, the USA could become part of the limited Guatemala pilot program which lasts until the end of 2011.  

The Central Authority in Guatemala is in the process of expanding the domestic Guatemalan adoption system.  For children whom it is not possible to be raised by the family of origin, the next choice is for children to be adopted within the domestic adoption system within Guatemala.  If no family is found, then the international adoption is the choice for this child. Only after due consideration is given to national solutions, is international adoption established. The principals of the Hague Convention will be strictly adhered to in this process, in order to ensure real protection and respect for the rights of the children in both the domestic and international adoptions.   

Only a very limited number of children will be available for international adoption with this pilot program. The children who will be available in this pilot program are mostly older children, siblings, or children with special needs or showing levels of physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. 

 The regulations for adoptions in Guatemala are not yet published.

Due to the limitations of this program, many of the families that were interested in Guatemala have chosen other EAC programs. In particular, our Russia and China Waiting Children programs have been excellent alternatives. Please contact us for additional information on these programs. 

EAC will keep you posted as additional updates become available.