| 
| |
 |
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 "Dirección Nacional
de Adopciones" (DNA). International adoption proceedings
are conducted and monitored by attorneys licensed in that
country and working directly with the DNA. 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. Children in Panama that have
been abandoned by their biological parents are placed in orphanages
in several provinces throughout the country. 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.
PROCESS
The process of adoption in Panama is a little different from
other countries. Naturally a dossier is required, and upon
submission is translated and presented to the DNA. Waiting
times vary, but in general, it will be 12-16 months before
receiving a referral of a child. Pictures, a medical history
and possibly some social information will be provided on the
child. 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.
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. The family then
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.
Beacon House 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.
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.
CALL TODAY FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
(850) 430-4005
|
