MLJ’s Executive Director, Michele Jackson and I, along with our foreign service provider, Alan San Miguel Travelled to Mexico City last week and met with DIF (Desarrollo Integral de La Familia) Officials from two states to see what the need was in each state and to discuss what MLJ could do to help children in need of families. As in all countries, there is a very big need for families for older children, special needs and sibling groups. I am happy to say that we had a very productive trip to Mexico, in addition to meeting with many officials, it was very helpful in better understanding the process of how the 3 Central Adoption Authorities work together.
Our team completed the week with visits to the SRE (Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores, which is the equivalent to our State Department), American Embassy in Mexico City and the National DIF. The job of the SRE is to register the families’ dossier and to issue Article 23 (final document needed for visa) in the adoption process. The National DIF’s job is to review the dossier, making sure documents are complete and in order and then to pass along to the state of choice in Mexico. The State DIF’s job is to match the child with the best family for the child and to help facilitate the adoption process. The final step of the adoption process is completed by the US Embassy and that is to issue the visa.
We are excited about the opportunities in Mexico and look forward to working to help children find their forever families. Adopting from Mexico will be a great opportunity for families open to children 5 and older. Families may be drawn to Mexico for different reasons:
1)They are involved with the Latin American community and culture
2)Speak the language
3)Have been on mission trips to Mexico or other Latin American countries such as Nicaragua
4)Have adopted from Guatemala and would like to adopt another child of a similar background.
5)Like the close proximity of Mexico
Regardless of the reason families would want to adopt from Latin America, there are many children out there needing the love and security that a family can offer. We found that the officials in Mexico are dedicated to finding the right family for the children in their care and upholding the ethical standards set forth by Hague. We look forward to the work ahead in Mexico!
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For more information about MLJ Adoptions’ international adoption programs, please click here.
Lydia Tarr
Lydia Tarr works as the International Program Director for MLJ Adoptions’ programs in Bulgaria and Ukraine. She is the adoptive mother of four children from Ukraine and was recognized as a 2013 Angel in Adoption by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s (CCAI) Angels in Adoption Program.
Lydia Tarr
Lydia Tarr works as the International Program Director for MLJ Adoptions’ programs in Bulgaria and Ukraine. She is the adoptive mother of four children from Ukraine and was recognized as a 2013 Angel in Adoption by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s (CCAI) Angels in Adoption Program.