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CCAI’s Colombia adoption program is a fast-growing, robust program that offers both traditional and host-to-adopt adoption options for children of all ages and sibling groups!
Complete a Medical Conditions Checklist together with your Application to help CCAI know more about your adoption expectations!
In light of the many children in need of a permanent and loving family, CCAI launched its Colombia adoption program in 2020. Children eligible for adoption from Colombia tend to be older with varying degrees of medical needs. These resilient and hopeful children bring with them their rich and unique culture and history!
Many families who ultimately adopt from Colombia first host their child(ren) through one of several hosting organizations, allowing them to spend quality time with the child(ren) they hope to adopt before beginning the adoption process.
Child Age Range: Usually 7-17 years (rarely children aged 1-6)
Sibling Groups: Yes
Marriage Length: 2+ years preferred, with no more than 2 divorces per applicant
Singles: Yes, men or women. Single applicants must be open to adopting children 10+ years or with special needs
Expat Accepted: Yes, but on a case-by-case basis. The ICBF (Colombia’s Central Authority), wants to make sure the Expat’s adoptive child(ren) will not be delayed from becoming a US citizen and the Expat family will comply with all of their post-adoption requirements/reports
In-Country travel: One trip, approximately 3-5 weeks in length
Parents should be between 25 to 50 years of age, although exceptions can be made to the upper age range for those wishing to adopt children 10+ years or with special needs. In general, parents should be at least 15 – 50 years older than the child to be adopted.
Couples should be married at least 2 years (may include time residing together before marriage) and have no more than 2 divorces per applicant.
Single applicants may apply, however must be open to adopting children 10+ yrs old and/or with special needs.
Colombia prefers at least one year between adding a child to your family (by birth or adoption) and submitting your family’s dossier.
Application
5 working days
Approved Home Study
Approx. 8 -12 weeks (this timeline may vary on your individual home study provider)
Child Match
Approx. 6 – 15 months
Dossier
Approx. 4 – 7 months
Travel to Colombia
Approx. 9 – 14 weeks after child match with a 4-8 week stay in country
Post Adoption Services and Adoption Validation
Colombia requires 4 or 6 reports, every 6 months for two to three years, depending on the age of the child adopted and/or sibling status. All reports must be completed by the home study agency.
At least 10 hours of Hague-compliant Parent Training is required by the US State Department for any family adopting a child internationally. Colombia requires 15 hours total of training, 10 of which must be face-to-face (or virtual).
CCAI provides Colombia and Hague-required parent training.
One trip is required at the end of the process, lasting approximately 4-8 weeks.
Both parents in a married couple are required to be in Colombia for the first 1-2 weeks for bonding. After the bonding period, one parent can return to the U.S., while the other remains in country with the your child(ren) to complete the remaining adoption steps.
Absolutely no hidden charges, no last minute surprises!
CCAI is proud to be a 501(c)(3) non-profit, charitable adoption agency. We strive to keep adoption affordable so more children will have the blessing of a loving and permanent family.
We are financially accountable to you as the American public and as an adoptive family. Our solemn promise is absolute integrity with no hidden charges or last-minute surprises.
Please select your state below for a clear and comprehensive list of the fees and expenses necessary to complete your Colombia adoption.
Colorado
Florida, Georgia, Texas, Wyoming
All Other States
Meet JAZ, a resilient 13-year-old with an incredible spirit that shines despite a challenging start in life. JAZ’s journey has been marked by adversity, but her remarkable resilience has set her on a path of growth and determination.
CCAI has not only partnered with host agencies, but we have also run our own host program through Colombia.
Currently, we are partnering with Project One-Forty-Three, a hosting organization. CCAI will be your adoption facilitator.
Together, we are seeking adoption-minded host families to host tweens and teens. Often, this may be the last chance for a child to find their forever family.
Hosting is an excellent opportunity to get to know a child prior to adoption and many forever families have been created through our programs.
Families adopting from Colombia must work with a licensed home study agency in their state to complete their home study report. If you are living in CO, FL, GA, TX, or WY, CCAI will be your home study provider. For all other states, please visit the link below to find a home study provider in your area.
Colombia requires 15 hours of face-to-face (live) parent training for all families. Parent training is included in CCAI’s program fees. Visit our parent training website to view our Hague-compliant, program-compliant, in-person course offerings.
Information from the Centers for Disease Control for those traveling to Colombia.
Information on known health risks via the World Health Organization’s Country Profile for Colombia.
CCAI is proud to offer a robust and fast-growing adoption program in Colombia. This program provides both traditional and host-to-adopt options for children of all ages and sibling groups. Launched in 2020, our Colombia adoption program was created to address the urgent need for permanent and loving families for children in Colombia. These children often come from complex backgrounds and have varying degrees of medical needs. Despite their challenging histories, these resilient and hopeful children bring a rich and unique culture and history.
Children eligible for adoption from Colombia tend to be older and may have significant medical, social, behavioral, and emotional needs. Many of these children enter the adoption system due to their birth family's inability to meet their needs, often stemming from situations of physical and emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and trauma. Younger children under seven are occasionally available, but there are fewer. They often have more significant medical needs or are part of a sibling group that includes older children. Sibling groups are a common feature in Colombian adoptions, offering the opportunity for siblings to stay together and be adopted into the same family. This can be a critical factor in the well-being and stability of the children, allowing them to maintain their familial bonds.
Children eligible for adoption from Colombia tend to be older and may have mild to significant medical, social, behavioral, and emotional needs. Many of these children enter the adoption system due to their birth family's inability to meet their needs, often stemming from situations of physical and emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and trauma. Younger children under seven are occasionally available, but there are fewer. They often have more significant medical needs or are part of a sibling group that includes older children. Sibling groups are common in Colombian adoptions. We are committed to keeping siblings together because they can be a critical factor in the well-being and stability of children, allowing them to maintain their familial bonds.
One of the unique aspects of CCAI's Colombia adoption program is the host-to-adopt option. This approach allows families to host a child or sibling group before formally beginning the adoption process. Hosting provides an excellent opportunity for families to get to know the children and for the children to experience life in a potential adoptive home. Many successful adoptions have resulted from these hosting programs.
CCAI partners with several hosting organizations, including Project One-Forty-Three, to facilitate this process. We also run our own host program through Colombia, seeking adoption-minded host families to host tweens and teens. This often represents the last chance for these older children to find their forever families. Hosting can be a transformative experience for both the children and the families, creating lifelong bonds and paving the way for successful adoptions.
One of the unique aspects of CCAI's Colombia adoption program is the host-to-adopt option. This approach allows families to host a child or sibling group before formally beginning the adoption process. Hosting provides an excellent opportunity for families to get to know the children and for the children to experience life in a potential adoptive home.
CCAI partners with several hosting organizations, including Project One-Forty-Three, to facilitate this process. Often, hosting an orphan can represent the last chance for older children to find their forever families. In addition, hosting can be a transformative experience for both the children and the families, creating lifelong bonds and paving the way for successful adoptions.
Families adopting from Colombia must work with a licensed home study agency in their state to complete their home study report. CCAI is licensed to provide home study services in Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Texas, and Wyoming. For families residing in other states, we can recommend local home study providers to assist in this crucial step of the adoption process. Completing a thorough and compliant home study is essential to ensure families are prepared and capable of meeting their adoptive children's needs.
Families adopting from Colombia must work with a licensed home study agency in their state to complete their home study report. CCAI is licensed to provide home study services in Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Texas, and Wyoming. For families residing in other states, we recommend local home study providers to assist in this crucial adoption process step. Completing a thorough and compliant home study is essential to ensure families are prepared and capable of meeting their adoptive children's needs.
Parent training is a critical component of the adoption process, particularly when adopting children with complex needs from Colombia. Colombian adoption regulations require 15 hours of face-to-face (live) parent training for all adoptive families. CCAI includes this training in our program fees and offers a variety of Hague-compliant, program-compliant, in-person courses to meet this requirement. Our parent training program is designed to prepare families for the unique challenges and rewards of adopting from Colombia, providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to support their children effectively.
Applicants of Colombian heritage with current documentation are eligible to adopt children aged 0-15 years with no known medical conditions. These families may also be given priority on waitlists for children with their preferred characteristics, depending on their openness. This provision recognizes the cultural and historical connections that Colombian heritage families can provide, which can be especially beneficial for the adopted children.
Applicants of Colombian heritage with current documentation are eligible to adopt children aged 0-15 with no known medical conditions. Depending on their openness, these families may also be given priority on waitlists for children with their preferred characteristics. This provision recognizes the cultural and historical connections that Colombian heritage families can provide, which can be especially beneficial for the adopted children.
The adoption process for Colombia is thorough and detailed, ensuring that every child finds a suitable and loving home. Here is an overview of the steps involved:
Initial Inquiry and Application: Prospective adoptive families begin by submitting an inquiry and completing an application. This helps CCAI understand the family's background, preferences, and suitability for adoption from Colombia.
Home Study: The home study is a comprehensive assessment of the family's readiness for adoption. It includes home visits, interviews, and background checks. For families in CO, FL, GA, TX, and WY, CCAI provides home study services. Families in other states must work with a licensed home study agency in their area.
Parent Training: Families must complete 15 hours of live parent training, which is included in CCAI's program fees. This training prepares families for the challenges and joys of adopting from Colombia.
Dossier Preparation: The family prepares a dossier, which is a collection of documents required by the Colombian government. CCAI guides families through this process, ensuring all documents are correctly completed and authenticated.
Referral: Once the dossier is approved, the family receives a referral for a child or sibling group. The referral includes detailed information about the child’s medical history, background, and current needs.
Acceptance and Travel: Upon accepting the referral, families travel to Colombia to meet their child(ren). This is a critical step in the bonding process and allows the family to spend time together before the adoption is finalized.
Finalization and Post-Adoption: After meeting the child(ren) and completing the required steps in Colombia, the adoption is finalized. CCAI continues to support families through post-adoption services, ensuring they have the resources and assistance needed as they integrate their new family member.
CCAI is recognized as one of the best international adoption agencies due to our commitment to ethical practices, comprehensive support, and successful outcomes. Our Colombia adoption program is designed to meet the needs of both the children and the adoptive families, ensuring a smooth and supportive process.
Experienced Team: Our team has extensive experience in international adoption, particularly in Colombia. We understand the unique challenges and requirements of adopting from Colombia and provide expert guidance every step of the way.
Comprehensive Support: From home study to post-adoption services, CCAI offers comprehensive support to families throughout the adoption journey. Our parent training programs and post-adoption services ensure families are well-prepared and supported long after the adoption is finalized.
Ethical Practices: CCAI is committed to ethical adoption practices, ensuring that every adoption is conducted with the best interests of the child and family in mind. We work closely with local authorities and partner organizations to ensure compliance with all legal and ethical standards.
Community and Connection: CCAI provides numerous opportunities for adoptive families to connect and support each other. Our hosting programs, parent training sessions, and post-adoption services create a strong sense of community and shared experience.
Many families have found their forever children through CCAI's Colombia adoption program. These success stories highlight the transformative impact of adoption and the incredible resilience and potential of the children. Hosting programs, in particular, have been instrumental in creating lasting bonds and successful adoptions.
CCAI's Colombia adoption program offers a unique and fulfilling opportunity for families to adopt children in need of permanent and loving homes. With comprehensive support, ethical practices, and a commitment to the well-being of both the children and the families, CCAI is a leader in international adoption. Whether you are considering traditional adoption or the host-to-adopt option, CCAI is here to guide you through every step of the process.
By choosing to adopt from Colombia through CCAI, you are not only providing a loving home for a child in need but also enriching your family with the rich culture and history of Colombia. Together, we can create forever families and transform the lives of children around the world.
CCAI's Colombia adoption program offers a unique and fulfilling opportunity for families to adopt children needing permanent and loving homes. With comprehensive support, ethical practices, and a commitment to the well-being of both the children and the families, CCAI is a leader in international adoption. Whether you are considering traditional adoption or the host-to-adopt option, CCAI is here to guide you through every step of the process.
By choosing to adopt from Colombia through CCAI, you are not only providing a loving home for a child in need but also enriching your family with the country's rich culture and history. Together, we can create forever families and transform the lives of children around the world.
In some ways, yes! The required steps for the process are identical whether or not a child was hosted; however, having a child identified before a dossier is submitted will shave some time off the overall process since the adoptive family won’t have to wait on a list for a blind referral.
While the adoption process is the same, applicants of Colombian heritage (with current documentation) are eligible to adopt children 0-15 years of age with no known medical conditions. Depending on their openness, they may also be given priority on any wait list for children of their preferred characteristics.
Love without Boundaries has a comprehensive, informative, and educational guide for families considering adopting a child with medical/special needs.
Adopting a Child with Special Needs
The National Organization for Rare Diseases can also be a wonderful resource!
GiGi Pleet joined CCAI in 2014 as our China Applications Specialist. She rejoined the team in 2022 after taking a few years off to spend time with her family. GiGi and her husband have adopted three beautiful daughters from China who are the joy and purpose of their lives. GiGi is passionate about adoption and furthering CCAI’s mission to find loving parents and permanent homes for as many children as possible and to continue reaching out to children left behind. When she is not working, you can find her spending time with her girls in the beautiful mountains of Colorado or on an adventure to a new, faraway place.
Joined CCAI: Originally 2014 – 2020, rejoined 2022
Bucket List Item: To see all Seven Wonders of the World
Contact Information
gigi@ccaifamily.org
(303) 850-9998 ext. 300
Emily was adopted through CCAI in 2002! Having always admired the ways that the organization continued to support families even after adoption, she began working at The Park last year because she wanted to be more involved in the adoption community and according to her, “It’s been a blast so far!”
Emily is majoring in environmental science at MSU Denver and hopes to help mitigate the causes and effects of climate change. In her free time, she like to practice guitar, play video games, watch movies, and spend time with her friends and family.
Bucket List: Visit every province in China!
Contact Information
emily@theparkcommunity.org
(303) 221-6688 ext. 170
Ivy has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Production Design for Film and Theater with a minor in Studio Art. She had the opportunity to study abroad in London, England and Florence, Italy. After graduating, while visiting an orphanage in Kathmandu, Nepal she had a moment of realization and knew she wanted to work in the adoption community. After some prior experience in post-adoption and nonprofit management, she came to The Park and is really enjoying focusing on and being involved with offering lifelong support for adoptees and the adoption community.
Ivy was adopted from Kazakhstan at 18-months old and is proud of her adoptee identity and her adoptive family. She is passionate about sharing the stories of the amazing people in the adoption community and helping adoptees celebrate their identities. Her lifelong best friend was adopted from China through CCAI.
In her free time, she enjoys making art (she is working on a series of sculptural paintings of poached animal species), trying new food, catching up with friends, reading, and being with family. She loves to travel whenever possible.
Joined CCAI: 2023
Top Bucket List Items:
Contact Information
ivy@theparkcommunity.org
(303) 221-6688 ext. 205
| Expense | Amount | Pmt Method | Pay To | Due |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $250 | Check/ACH Withdrawal | CCAI | Application submission |
| Child Abuse Record Search | $35/Family | Check | CO Dept of Human Service | Application submission |
| IAAME Monitoring & Oversight Fee | $500 | Check/ACH Withdrawal | CCAI (Sent to IAAME) | After App Approval |
| First Program Fee (Includes Home Study) | $5,700 | Check/ACH Withdrawal | CCAI | After App Approval |
| CBI/FBI Fingerprint Search | $39.50 per person | Money Order | Colorado Bureau of Investigation | After App Approval |
| USCIS Filing & Fingerprinting | $775 plus $85/adult | Check/Money Order | US Dept. of Homeland Security | Upon I-800A submission |
| Dossier Preparation | Approx. $450-$900 | Check/Money Order | Secretary of State(s), Chinese Consulate(s) | As preparing Dossier |
| Second Program Fee | $5,050 | Check/ACH Withdrawal | CCAI | Dossier Submission |
| CCCWA Fee | $1,270 | Check/ACH Withdrawal | CCCWA via CCAI | Dossier Submission |
| Third Program Fee | $5,500 | Check/ACH Withdrawal | CCAI | Prior to receiving child match acceptance letter |
| CCCWA Post Adoption Translation Fee | $300 | Check/ACH Withdrawal | CCCWA via CCAI | Prior to receiving child match acceptance letter |
| Court Validation Deposit | $200 | Check | CCAI | Prior to receiving child match acceptance letter |
| Post Adoption Deposit (Refundable) | $450 | Check/ACH Withdrawal | CCAI | Prior to receiving child match acceptance letter |
| Visa to enter China | $140 (plus courier fee) | Check/Credit Card | Chinese Consulate via a courier/travel agency | Approximately one month before travel to China |
| US Domestic & International Airfare | $1,000 – $2,000 per traveler (adopted child over 2 requires full ticket) | Credit Card | A travel agency/airline of your choice | Approximately 7-10 days prior to China departure |
| In China Travel & Accommodations | Approx. $4,000-$4,400 for two adults | ACH Withdrawal | CCAI (wired to China) | Approximately 7-10 days prior to China departure |
| Adoption Registration and Notarization | $800 – $1,000 | Cash | Local government in China | In China |
| Orphanage Donation | (Voluntary) | Cash or Wire | Orphanage | In China |
| Child’s Passport | $100-$150 | Cash | Local passport agency | In China |
| Food | $700 – $800 per couple | Cash/Credit Card | Hotel(s), restaurant(s) | In China |
| Child Physical & Photo | $130-$150 | Cash | Clinic | In Guangzhou, China |
| Child U.S. Entry Visa | $325 | Cash or Check | U.S. Consulate | In China |
| Court Validation Fee | $167 | Check | County Court | After U.S. Return |
| Child’s Colorado Birth Certificate | $37.75 | Check | Colorado Vital Statistics Office | After U.S. Return |
| Lutheran Family Services | $250 | Check | Lutheran Family Services via CCAI | When Home Study is approved by CCAI |
