2024 Program
Lifeline is thrilled to offer a Colombia Hosting Program in 2024. We are now accepting applications for families to host individual children or sibling groups from Colombia for two weeks this summer. This hosting program allows children who are eligible for adoption to spend time with a loving Christian family, while also experiencing American culture and learning some of the English language. Host families can host with the intent to pursue adoption or to become an advocate for their host child.
Apply TodayDo you live in a Lifeline licensed state?
Host families must live in a state where Lifeline is licensed for adoption. Click the button to see if your state qualifies. Families residing in the Southeastern region are prioritized.
Complete the Pre-App
Completing this form indicates your interest in the Colombia Hosting Program. A Lifeline team member will follow up with you about submitting this form. Your application will be reviewed and, if all required criteria is met, approved.
Complete a Home Study
Your family will be contacted by a local Lifeline social worker to begin the home study process after your pre-app is submitted. Approval dates will be provided by your Lifeline caseworker, home studies are typically due two months before hosting.
Meet the Children
You will have the opportunity to review files of children in the program. You are able to write a letter requesting to host a specific child or sibling group that will be placed with your file. Colombia will review your file and could ask clarifying questions throughout the evaluation process to determine final approval to host. To see the children eligible for hosting this year, follow the link and search “Colombia Hosting 2024”
Additional Education
Your Lifeline social worker will assist you in the education process and will approve you to host. Lifeline will help your family prepare through education, logistics planning, and child-specific training.
Frequently Asked Questions
What days will the child be with us?
Children will travel to host families and stay for two weeks in the summer of 2024.
Who are the children?
The group of 10+ children will travel to the United States. Both boys and girls are eligible and the will likely be part of a sibling group or an older child. They may or may not have pre-identified medical needs and their age could be considered a special need, as older children are harder to place for adoption. Most will be individual children, with a few sibling groups of 2 or more children. The sibling groups will have at least 1 child who is 10 or older. To see the children eligible for hosting this year, visit https://lifelinechild.org/children-waiting/ and search “Colombia Hosting 2024.”
Will I be able to speak with the child/children before they arrive?
Yes, the children selected by Colombia to travel will attend a pre-camp two weeks prior to departure. Hosting families will send photos and letters to the child to help their psychologist prepare them for their time with your family. There will be at least two video calls prior to the arrival of the child.
What is required of us before, during, and after hosting?
Your family will be asked to send photos and to video call with the child/children prior to their travel. While the child is in the United States, your family is to spend time with the child/children and give them a cultural experience. Children will be accompanied by a chaperone, typically a social worker or psychologist, that will observe and support both child and family. This chaperone will need a comfortable place to stay and meals in your home for 2-3 nights. After the child leaves, your family will be asked to decide if your family would like to pursue adoption or advocate for their adoption.
What is the exact cost to be a host family?
The Lifeline application fee is $300. Your family will either pay the $2,500 new Home Study Fee, or the $750 Hosting Report, if planning to advocate. You should plan for a $500 translation fee for the translation of your home study report. You may also incur additional out-of-pocket expenses for education, background checks and clearances, medical appointments, certified documents, and more. Please contact the Lifeline team to discuss your specific situation or available scholarships.
Am I responsible for medical care while hosting?
You will not be responsible for medical care of the child you host. You are welcome to work with Lifeline to assist however you would like should the child have medical needs and need additional assessments while visiting for the hosting program. Your family is responsible for covering all food, clothing, and entertainment while he/she is in your home.
May the child travel with my family during their stay?
Colombia will consider domestic travel on a case-by-case basis. It is important to discuss all travel plans with your Lifeline contact prior to the hosting program.
Do I have to adopt the child?
Hosting a child is not a commitment to adopt. However, hosting is a wonderful tool to advocate for the child’s adoption. Host families should be open to adoption or committed to advocating for their host child.
What happens if I decide to adopt the child I host?
Click here to review the Colombia adoption process, fee sheet, and guidelines. A letter of intent to adopt can be submitted after the child returns to Colombia. You will need to begin the adoption process with Lifeline’s Colombia adoption team immediately.