Panama

In January of 2000, Panama ratified the "Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption". Jurisdiction over all adoption cases of abandoned children, wards of the state, or orphans were now under the "Direccion Nacional de Adopciones" (DNA). International adoption proceedings are conducted and monitored by attorneys licensed in that country and working directly with the DNA. Children in Panama that have been abandoned by their biological parents are placed in orphanages in several provinces throughout the country.

Panama has an organized method of approaching international adoption that works in the best interest of the children but at the same time works to benefit adoptive parents. Recently, the DNA adjusted the procedures affecting these children to assure that when referred for international adoption, all legal proceedings establishing the abandonment and legalizing their status is complete. Therefore, when a child is referred, the legal process in the Children and Minors court has been completed and the parents can travel on the initial trip quickly.

Children

Ethnic background of the children of this country is the result of the mixing of three cultures: persons of European backgrounds and mestizos [mixed European and indigenous heritage]; the peoples who originally inhabited the land, commonly called Indians; and Afro- Antilleans [descendants of Africans who were brought to the Caribbean hundreds of years ago. The majority of the children available for adoption are mestizo background mixed with European, and vary in appearance from having dark skin and eyes to having mostly Caucasian features.

Specifics

Married couples, single women, age 25 years or older [while there is no upper age limit in the law, generally mid-50's is not eligible for infants]; prior divorces acceptable, at least one spouse must be a US citizen.

Time frame: Generally, the entire process takes from 16-24 months, from presentation of dossier to final adoption by the Court authorities, and including the temporary custody period described above.

Referral time frame: 8-12 MONTHS [will vary depending on age/gender of child sought] Referrals: Referrals are made by the DNA after receipt of completed dossiers.

Process

The process of adoption in Panama is unique. A dossier is required, and upon submission is translated and presented to the DNA. Waiting times vary, but in general, it will be 8-12 months before receiving a referral of a child. Pictures, a medical history and possibly some social information will be provided on the child.

After receipt of a referral, the family reviews the information provided, which will include pictures, a medical history and social information. Upon acceptance by family, written acceptance letter is forwarded to the Panama attorney. Due to the new processes the DNA has instituted in completing legal procedures affecting the child prior to referral, parents will normally be able to travel approximately 2-3 weeks after acceptance of the referral.

The family travels to Panama for the Judge interview and temporary custody order [this usually takes 7-8 days]. The Judge makes a determination and orders temporary custody with the prospective parents. This temporary custody period can be done in two ways: either the parent(s) may stay in Panama with the child for the period required [3-6 months] or, more commonly, the attorneys ask that the temporary custody be completed in the parents’ country of residence. During this time, the family’s home study agency supervises the adjustment of the child and the family.

At the end of this temporary custody period, the agency submits and report to the Judge and the parents travel to Panama a second time to have the final adoption appearance.

Adoption Covenant has contracted with attorneys in Panama to provide all legal adoption procedures in-country. The attorney speak English and will be available to the family throughout their time in Panama. They will also assist the family with accommodation and transportation.