Is it Possible to Adopt from Mexico?

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Aug
August 1, 2013
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in Mexico

Mexico Adoption Is it possible to adopt from Mexico? Possible… yes. Difficult… possibly. Mexico is a party to the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption. This demonstrates that they are committed to the goals and ideals of the convention: to promote ethical and transparent international adoptions. The Convention provides a means to assist in these goals through establishing accredited adoption service providers (adoption agencies) and tracking, oversight and approval through a government Central Authority in each country.

What does this mean for adoptions in Mexico? I believe it means the following:

    1. Mexico is committed to international adoption
    2. Stability is likely increased in the international adoption process in Mexico
    3. A coalition of adoption service providers (adoption agencies) and the government in Mexico and U.S. work together to process your adoption
    4. You must use a Hague agency. MLJ Adoptions is a Hague Approved agency
    5. You must use an agency approved by Mexico’s Central Authority (MLJ Adoptions is one of seven agencies in the U.S. approved by Mexico)
    6. You must follow the Hague adoption process

 

Several important things to know about adoptions from Mexico:

    1. You cannot “pre-select” your adopted child. This means a child you met at an orphanage or children’s home during a mission trip is likely not a possibility for you to adopt. If you are a relative of an orphan you may request a waiver (which may or may not be granted)
    2. Children 5 and older will be the focus of their international adoption program
    3. Children under 5 years of age may possibly be adopted if you are adopting sibling groups or special needs children
    4. Each state processes your international adoption but their Federal Central Authority must approve the adoption
    5. The process is lengthy and specific
    6. You must travel to Mexico (likely 2-3 trips)

 

Mexico may be a wonderful option for a family that has adopted from Guatemala and wants to add to their family or a family that wanted to adopt from Guatemala and was not able to before the country closed. Options for adopting in Latin America have decreased over the years and it is exciting to see adoptions in Mexico returning as an option. Even more exciting is Mexico’s dedication to their orphans and ethical international adoptions through the Hague Convention.

Photo Credit:World Bank Photo Collection

For more information on international adoptions, contact us.

Nicole Skellenger works as MLJ Adoptions’ Chief Executive Officer and Adoption Attorney. Nicole has spent time in orphanages with children who have nothing and are desperate for affection and has committed herself to using her skills to create better futures for these deserving children.

Nicole Skellenger works as MLJ Adoptions’ Chief Executive Officer and Adoption Attorney. Nicole has spent time in orphanages with children who have nothing and are desperate for affection and has committed herself to using her skills to create better futures for these deserving children.