CCAI is excited to work with your family to determine the best option for your family related to travel. Several weeks after you accept your Child Match, you will travel to Colombia to meet your child(ren)! CCAI’s bilingual Colombia Representative will arrange/confirm your local adoption plan, travel, and if necessary, accommodations. They will support you in completion of any required paperwork and assist with all necessary appointments. CCAI will provide you with the needed travel training.
Both parents must travel to the region where your child(ren) reside and at least one parent must stay through the completion of the court adoption process. (Both parents are encouraged to stay if possible, however one parent may return home after the integration period (approx. 1-2 weeks) if necessary.) The timeline for this part of the adoption process are controlled by various Colombian government offices and as such, this timeline does vary with a total stay within a 4-8 week range.
Once you have received the adoption decree (called the “Setencia” in Spanish) a new birth certificate, passport and US visa for your child, you may return home as a family and your child(ren) will automatically be granted US Citizenship. Congratulations!
Should you express any difficulties during the travel process related to the integration of the child(ren) into your family, CCAI will provide unwavering support and get you the resources you need. We will provide you with an emergency phone number which can be used to contact CCAI support services at any time of the day or night, and clinical staff on hand to ensure you receive whatever support you need.